Paint the town red this summer

There’s literally a free day out like no other to be enjoyed in the Western Lake District town of Workington on Saturday, August 30, as it lays on its first Paint the Town Red event.

Comedian and actor, Ricky Tomlinson, will kick proceedings off at 10.15 am, lighting the blue touch-paper for a day full of action, commencing with a motorcade of vehicles, accompanied by marching and carnival bands.

The day will offer something for everyone, with three main focuses of activity – the main stage in the town centre and two parks – Vulcan and Curwen – which will both be packed with activities and entertainment.

Musical entertainment will be delivered by acts as diverse as the Band of the King’s Division and Jimmy James Soul Explosion, whilst new talent will potentially be discovered through a Red Raw Talent Contest.

There will be some incredible stunt action as demon driver Russ Swift takes to the wheel of the ‘Workington Job’ Mini. Rally driver, Malcolm Wilson, will have his rally car on show, whilst some mechanical movie and TV stars – Herbie, Postman Pat’s van and the Back to the Future deLorean will all be on view, courtesy of attraction, Cars of the Stars.

Thirsts can be quenched in a Jennings Brewery beer sampling tent, with hungers satisfied by a hog roast, barbecues, crepe stalls and a variety of other refreshment and dining options.

Young football talent will be showcased in a junior football tournament, whilst more mature footballers will be showing they still have a touch or two when Phil Neale’s Football Legends kick off some sporting action. Sponsors E.ON Climate and Renewables are also taking their Shoot the O football game along, so everyone can have some fun.

With daytime fireworks, magic, carnival band music from the Barracudas, cookery demonstrations, Made in Cumbria craft and food displays, paintballing under the Army’s supervision and junior activities organised by the Fire Brigade, the whole family can have a great day out.

Even Postman Pat will be turning up to mingle with children and those who avidly viewed Britain’s Got Talent will see one of the bands who made it through the auditions performing live.

With so much free entertainment and free car parking and park and ride options available, Workington should be buzzing with visitors. Venues and exact timings for each event are detailed at Paintthetownred.co.uk so check it out and head over there for possibly the best value day out of the summer.