Penrith May Day 2026 is almost here!

The countdown to Penrith May Day 2026 is on, and the town centre is set to come alive on Monday 4 May 2026 with an afternoon packed with lots of entertainment, performances, activities and family fun – all inspired by this year’s theme, “In the Garden.”

Organised by Penrith Town Council, the event takes place in Penrith town centre from 12pm to 5pm, with the funfair at Sandgate Bus Station running from 10am to 7pm. The event celebrates growth, nature and creativity alongside the community spirit that underpins Penrith’s long‑standing May Day tradition.

Building on the success of last year’s event, the event programme will include free entertainment including live music, street entertainment, arts and crafts, table-top and classic carnival games, bungees and land train rides. These free activities will sit alongside the much-loved Taylors Funfair at Sandgate Bus Station (10am – 7pm) and a children’s fairground on King Street (12pm – 5pm) also delivered by Taylors Funfair.

A standout moment of the day will be the Green Man parade, created and delivered by Upfront Arts and supported by local community groups and schools. Four Guardians and other costumed characters will join a huge Green Man, serenaded and dancing through town!

Cllr Val Bowen, Chair of Penrith Town Council and Mayor, said:

“Penrith May Day is one of the highlights of our year, and a wonderful chance for residents and visitors to come together and enjoy the very best of our town.

“As Chair of the Town Council and Mayor, I’m especially proud that we’ve built in so many free activities to help make May Day as accessible as possible for everyone, from classic carnival games and tabletop games to free land train rides and mini golf, alongside performances, crafts and the exciting Green Man parade which is not to be missed!”

“With the bank holiday coming up quickly, I’d encourage everyone to pencil Penrith May Day in your diary – whether you’re coming for an hour or staying all afternoon, you’ll find a warm welcome and plenty to enjoy.”

Penrith Town Council would like to thank its 2026 event funders, Penrith BID (£5,000) and Westmorland and Furness Council (£3,930), for their support in helping to deliver the event. For the latest information about Penrith May Day 2026, please visit: https://penrithartsandculture.co.uk/penrith-may-day/

The official Penrith May Day 2026 event programme is available to view online here: https://www.penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Penrith-May-Day-Event-Programme-2026.pdf