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Penrith May Day

Join the fun in Penrith Town Centre on Monday 4 May 2026 when the highly anticipated May Day Celebration returns!

Event Date

04 May 2026

£ FREE

Description

Penrith May Day 2026 is almost here, and the town centre will come alive on Monday 4 May with an afternoon packed full of entertainment, activities and family‑friendly fun.

Organised by Penrith Town Council, this year’s event is inspired by the theme “In the Garden”, celebrating growth, nature and creativity alongside the strong community spirit that underpins Penrith’s long‑standing May Day tradition.

The 2026 programme includes a wide range of free entertainment and activities for all ages, including:

Live music and performances
Street entertainment
Arts and crafts activities
Table‑top and classic carnival games
Bungees and inflatable fun
Land train rides
Trampolines
Community stalls

These free activities sit alongside the much‑loved Taylors Funfair at Sandgate Bus Station and a children’s fairground on King Street, both running throughout the afternoon.

Green Man Parade from 2pm

One of the standout moments of Penrith May Day 2026 will be the Green Man Parade, created and delivered by UpFront Arts and supported by local community groups and schools.

The parade will feature a lively carnival atmosphere, with contributions from Bjamba, Penrith Town Band and Eden Dance, alongside vintage vehicles and a range of costumed characters.

Four Guardians and other wonderful costumed figures will join a huge Green Man, serenaded and dancing through the town centre.

Parade route: The parade will follow the route shown on the event map, travelling through:

Middlegate
Devonshire Street
Cornmarket

The parade will conclude in Great Dockray, where it will rest on display. To find out more about the inspiration behind the parade, or how to get involved, visit the Up Front website.

Shuttle bus: Penrith Town Council is working with Fellrunner, a local charity bus service, to provide a free shuttle bus on May Day, helping residents and visitors travel into the town centre. For more information visit https://penrithartsandculture.co.uk/penrith-may-day/

Penrith May Day - Monday 4th May 2026.