Wind farm funding supports return of free live harbour music sessions

Funding has been secured for another series of free live music events to run under The Hub on Whitehaven Harbour, following a successful debut programme in 2023.

Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners (WHC), a not-for-profit organisation which owns, manages and maintains the town’s 400-year-old harbour, has once again partnered with West Cumbria’s Oh My Days Promotions to present The Harbour Sessions.

These will showcase talented local singer-songwriters and provide free entertainment for visitors to the harbour.

Last year featured the likes of Emma Dockeray, Holly Brooke, Gumshoe and The Native Cult, with the line-up curated by Tom Salmon, from Oh My Days Promotions (OMDP), who provide zero-carbon PA systems and camera equipment for small to medium events.

This year’s series is supported by a grant from the Robin Rigg Community Fund and will occupy a regular slot from noon to 2pm on the third Sunday of each month, starting on 21st April.

Tom said: “When I enjoy a gig, I just want to tell everyone I know, and that’s what I want to keep creating with Harbour Sessions. I want to keep showcasing the musical talent that Cumbria has to offer and allow people to discover their new favourite musician.

“I’m very happy that our solar-charged PA system is also being used for all of the Harbour Session events this year too, allowing us to keep providing our green approach to live music.”

Another feature is being added to the series for 2024. The harbourside area will host car boot sales as part of the WHC team’s efforts to address the cost-of-living crisis, encourage sustainability and help people to reuse, repurpose and recycle.

Each sale will run on the same day as Harbour Sessions, from 9am to 1pm, with individuals invited to set up from 8am.

Deanne Shallcross, CEO of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, said: “We are delighted that Harbour Sessions are returning this year and to work with Oh My Days Promotions again.

“The live music sessions and our new car boot sales are part of a wider events programme aimed at encouraging more people to visit the harbour, to see it used differently, to increase dwell times, and for us to give back to local residents and businesses, with the latter in turn benefiting from increased footfall not just around the harbour but hopefully the town itself.

“We believe everyone should have access to varied cultural opportunities no matter where they live. We hope our series of free activities will help raise spirits and promote creative engagement among diverse communities as well as across the generations.

“We’re grateful that our grant from Robin Rigg Community Fund means the public can continue to enjoy Harbour Sessions for free. Part of the funding will also contribute to this year’s Harbour Fest, which we organise in partnership with Rosehill Arts Trust and will this year take place on 31st August. We can’t wait!”

The first Harbour Sessions of 2024 will run on Sunday 21st April from 12pm and will feature Maddie Rose and Delagrave, the latter having brought the 2023 Harbour Sessions series to a close.

Delagrave said: “I'm really looking forward to playing by the sea again. It's always such a lovely vibe at the Harbour Sessions!”

Anyone wishing to bring their vehicle onto the harbour for the car boot sales is encouraged to book ahead as space is limited. Charges are £7 per car and £10 for vans, and access will be from the Marlborough Street entrance. Contact WHC on 01946 590515 or email info@whitehavenhc.org.uk to book.