Penrith Town Council could step in to organise next year’s May Day celebrations.
Town councillor Charlie Shepherd is set to table a motion at next Monday’s meeting which will call for the town council to take the lead on providing a May Day Event in 2025.
Mr Shepherd’s motion states: “There has been a May Day event with a funfair in Penrith for 40 years. We are now all aware that the Penrith Lions Club, who have organised the event have confirmed that they are no longer in a position to lead such an event.
“I believe that the people of Penrith expect that the event continues. I would envisage Penrith Town Council working with other organisations in Penrith including the arts and culture stakeholder group to make this a great event.
“The May Day event is a key event in the town’s calendar. It is a community focused event with a rich history. The event brings together local charities, community groups and performers to deliver a programme of entertainment for local people and tourists alike.
“The town council supported the Penrith Lions Club with the delivery of the 2024 event and this will have allowed the council to develop an understanding of the event planning and requirements.
“It is anticipated that the May Day event in its current format costs in the region of £15,000 to organise per annum.
“Should the town council take on the lead role for organising May Day then the event will be continued to be enjoyed by all those who attend it.
“Any future event does not need to replicate the Lions May Day event as it is now.”
