Penrith May Day 2026 draws thousands into town centre for bank holiday fun

Penrith Town Council would like to thank everyone who joined us in the town centre on Monday 4 May for Penrith May Day 2026. The event was a fantastic success, bringing thousands of people into Penrith for a day packed with entertainment, performances, activities and family fun – all inspired by this year’s theme, “In the Garden.”

Organised by Penrith Town Council, the celebration filled Penrith town centre throughout the afternoon, with Taylors Funfair at Sandgate Bus Station adding to the bank holiday atmosphere. The event celebrated growth, nature and creativity alongside the community spirit that underpins Penrith’s long‑standing May Day tradition. The programme included a huge range of free entertainment including live music, street entertainment, arts and crafts including colouring a giant cube, table-top and classic carnival games, mini golf, bungees and land train rides.

A standout moment of the day was the Green Man parade, created and delivered by Upfront Arts and supported by local community groups and schools. Four Guardians and other costumed characters joined a huge Green Man, serenaded and dancing through town to the delight of the crowds. The parade also included classic cars, BJAMBA, Eden Dance and Penrith Town Band.

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

“Penrith May Day 2026 was a fantastic success, and it was wonderful to see the town centre so full of people enjoying themselves and soaking up the bank holiday atmosphere.”

“Since the Town Council took on stewardship of Penrith May Day in 2025, we’ve been determined to build on the fantastic legacy of the Penrith Lions Club. We don’t take that responsibility lightly – the Lions gave 50 years of service to Penrith, and I was proud to present them with a commemorative plaque at the Mayor’s opening of Penrith May Day 2026.”

“I am also proud that we were able to make so much of the day free to take part in, helping to keep the celebrations inclusive and accessible for families and visitors. Thank you to everyone who came along, and to all the performers, partners, volunteers and staff who made the day run so smoothly – we’re already looking forward to welcoming everyone back in 2027.”

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.

We’d love your feedback on this year’s event – please take a moment to complete our short survey: https://forms.office.com/e/8UDMzSQNAr

To find out more about Penrith May Day and future events, please visit: https://penrithartsandculture.co.uk/penrith-may-day/