What better way of spending a day out this summer than down by the sea at Whitehaven as the historic port stages its first ever Harbour Fest.

The Georgian gem of a town is a must see at any time.

But on Saturday, July 2 the picturesque harbourside will be alive with all manner of performances, music, arts and crafts.

One of the most eye-opening events will see a giant puppet parading through the historic streets, puppet is Eko – a thirteen-foot-high sea giant who is part of the “Out of the Deep Blue” performance.

It tells the magical tale of the sea giant who rises from the ocean and meets a little girl on the shore.

The performance involves music, dance and masterful puppeteering in a tale of the earth’s climate emergency.

Once an hour, on the hour, there’ll be the “She Sells Sea Shells” performance by a story teller who will push her barrow full of shells along the sea front and take up residency on her barrel.

She will tell tales of growing up along the Cumbrian Coast, cockling at high tide, watching sailors haul in their catch, beachcombing for treasure, cheeky seagulls, and watching for mermaids at sundown.

There’ll be circus performers on stilts, mermaids, a giant seagull puppet attempting to steal chips, a puppet parade featuring puppets made by the local community, and music ranging from brass band to folk with some rock for good measure.

Harbour Fest has been created by Rosehill Theatre and Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners and the event is free and open to all.

It will feature the finale of the new Rosehill-commissioned community project by Cumbrian outdoor theatre company Tiny Wild Fox.

During your day out you can expect harbour related themes, fabulous sounds, fantastic performances, and free family fun.

All of this set against the stunning backdrop of Whitehaven’s historic Harbour and Marina.

The event will take place on Saturday, July 2, from 11am to 5pm, at Whitehaven Harbour, with the hope it will become an annual event for years to come.

And while you are enjoying the delights of Whitehaven, why not visit The Beacon Museum on the harbour front to find out more about the incredible history of the town.

It has four floors of galleries and exhibitions including the stunning viewing gallery on the fourth floor with panoramic views over the port and out to sea.

All in all, Saturday July 2nd could be a day out on your doorstep to remember.