Workington Paints the Town Red in style

Last updated 12:47, Wednesday, 01 October 2008

Ricky Tomlinson meets and greets fans. Photograph submitted by the McGuirk family

THOUSANDS of people were in Workington for its first Paint the Town Red festival.

The biggest free event in the town's history, it was organised to give Workington and its town centre a boost.

More than 40 events happened all over town on Saturday August 30 - at Vulcan Park, Curwen Park and the town centre - and thousands thronged through Workington, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the warm - if not sunny - weather.

Acts at the Times & Star-sponsored event included military musicians, street entertainment, a colourful carnival band and performances from top names including Jimmy James and girl-band Irresistible.

Headliner was comedian Ricky Tomlinson, who appeared on the main stage and at various venues during the day.

He said: “I am loving it here. Everyone has been so welcoming and to see a whole town like this, it is incredible what has been done here today.

"The kids have been well behaved and they even knew all the lines to the Royle Family. I don’t even remember the lines to the Royle Family.

“I hope that I will be asked back again in the future if Workington puts another event like this on because we are in a beautiful part of the country and it has been a pleasure to be here.”

Workington MP Tony Cunningham said: “It has been a fantastic turn out by the people of Workington and everyone can be very proud of the show that has been put on.

“A year of hard work has gone into making Paint The Town Red happen and it has been a total success.

“From the Rotary club to the shops and businesses in this town, we have all done our bit and for me it is great to see so many families enjoying the day.”

Event organiser Helen Irving said: “It was absolutely stupendous. I think for me the pinnacle of the day was when Jimmy James was doing his finale and the fireworks went off overhead from Curwen Park.

“That was a truly spectacular moment - the whole audience was bouncing - and it just finished off the day perfectly. It has put a mark down and set a stamp for the future.”

Jimmy James last played in Workington 25 years ago.

He said: “We always had great shows here and I think that today is one of them. People can live together in a community and not meet but this kind of event brings them together.

"I hope it will get better and better as it goes on.”

The day opened with 1940s-swing style swing sextet the Swing Commanders who wowed audiences at the main stage, followed by Tomlinson welcoming people to the festival.

Outside the Curwen Centre, in Curwen Park, Russ Swift showed off his stunt driving in Minis.

Gary Messenger, 18, of High Harrington, took part in the display.

He said: “It was awesome. He put me in the boot while the car was on two wheels. I was leaning out of the passenger seat when the car was on its side and waving out the window.”

The Times & Star's Red Raw Talent Show was held in Curwen Park and won by singer Caroline Fisher, of Workington.

The Catwalk Challenge saw 15 models compete for a place in the Cumbrian final and an unprecendented four models will go through after judges said it was a tough decision to choose just two.

Charlie Ackerley, three, of Meadow Vale, Seaton, was one of the youngsters who met Santa four months before Christmas, who was brought by the town council for the festival.

Irene McAllistair, 82, of Corporation Road, said: “I really enjoyed the day and I hope that it’s something that can be put on every year. It’s absolutely great.”

Crowds thronged Murray Road and Washington Street to watch the carnival band the Barracudas march through the streets in a riot of sound and colour.

Rob Romano, Whitehaven town crier, also appeared at the festival.

He said: “I am pleased for Workington and I hope this will come to equal Whitehaven's Maritime Festival.”

Fifty eight shops decorated their windows with a red theme and Hospice at Home's charity shop on Jane Street was presented with a trophy for the best-dressed window by Workington Youth Group Youthtastic, which organised the competition.