Whitehaven Weekender 2026 · Sponsorship
Help us boostsocial value
Celebrate inclusive culture. Inspire our community. Create lasting impact. A free weekend of community, arts and culture from Harbour Fest (Rosehill Arts Trust Ltd.) and Pride by the Harbourside (NEAD CIC).
Whitehaven Weekender is a free weekend festival of community, arts and culture from Rosehill, the team behind Harbour Fest, and NEAD CIC, the team behind Pride by the Harbourside. We are thrilled to be partnering on this exciting opportunity to create greater impact for our communities, whilst benefitting from substantial efficiencies and cost savings.
Taking place on Whitehaven Harbourside on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August 2026, the Harbour Fest team will produce an exciting programme of outdoor arts and activities on the Saturday, whilst Pride by the Harbourside will deliver a parade and a line-up of amazing performers on the Sunday. The Vengaboys have already signed up to be our fantastic headliner.
Across both days, the festival will feature community stalls, a TEG Retail market, creative activities, walk-about acts, and an 'Eat Street' food market from Lakeland Life CIC to showcase the very best Cumbria has to offer. To date, our two festivals have worked with hundreds of local, national and international artists, community groups and creative practitioners to bring high-quality, inclusive cultural programming to the heart of our community, attracting tens of thousands of people.
Why it's needed
Accessible spaces to connect and celebrate
We each deliver high-quality creative experiences by, with and for some of our county's most underserved communities. In a time of increasing deprivation and division, we specialise in accessible, safe spaces for connection and celebration, and we're excited for Whitehaven Weekender to become the West Coast's most inclusive and intersectional festival. Entirely free to attend, it will welcome locals and tourists alike, while growing volunteering opportunities for young people.
Why we need you
Help us close the gap
The funding landscape for festivals has been hit hard by budget cuts and rising demand. By joining forces we share logistics costs, deliver greater impact with funders and create a stronger offer for our communities. A number of organisations have already signed up to support the festival, and we're asking for your help to close the remaining gap. As a sponsor, your support directly fuels creativity, community wellbeing and economic resilience on the West Coast.
Why sponsor us
Your sponsorship helps us
Enhance artistic programming to reflect the richness and diversity of our community
Amplify marketing and outreach to connect with new and underserved audiences
Double volunteering opportunities for young people with targeted skills development
Invest in visitor engagement and accessibility so everyone feels welcome and inspired
You'll also gain a visible, meaningful association with an exciting new offering from two established and respected local festivals.
Sponsorship packages
Choose your level
All packages exclude VAT. Bespoke partnerships are welcome too.
Silver
£5,000 +VAT
- Everything in Bronze, plus:
- Website: organisation listed
- Social media: standalone post about your organisation
- Stage & visual promotion: your logo
Gold
£10,000 +VAT
- Everything in Silver, plus:
- Website: short bio and link to your website
- Social media: story post
- Stage & visual promotion: listed in sponsor thanks
Platinum
£15,000 +VAT
- Everything in Gold, plus:
- Website: full profile interview about your organisation
- Social media: video about your organisation and reasons for sponsoring
- Stage & visual promotion: special strategic sponsor shout-out
- Promotional posters: logo and listed
- Meet and greet with an artist plus photo opportunity (subject to artist)
- Backstage access
Let's build something beautiful together
We'd love to welcome you as a valued sponsor of Whitehaven Weekender 2026. To confirm your sponsorship or explore a bespoke partnership, get in touch with Jen Garrick, CEO of Rosehill.
jen.garrick@rosehilltheatre.co.uk · rosehilltheatre.co.uk · @rosehilltheatre on Facebook & Instagram