Cockermouth LIVE! Brass on the Grass @Cockermouth Castle

4th July 2026 6:00pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm)

Cockermouth Castle

Cockermouth Mechanics

https://www.cockermouthmechanics.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/mechanicsband

Bring a picnic for a very special evening’s entertainment at Cockermouth Castle on Saturday July 4th in the company of Cockermouth Mechanics’ Band.

As many people will know, The Mechanics is a community brass band based in Cockermouth and active throughout North West Cumbria. And as has become a wonderful Cockermouth Live! tradition, the band treats festival goers to a delightful Saturday early evening concert as sandwiches are munched.

It is one of the oldest brass bands in the world, with roots traceable back to 1825. Today it is one of the largest and best supported bands in the area.

It is a diverse group of players, welcoming everyone including those who have played for over 70 years and those, in the Apprentice Band, who are beginners or still at school. The Apprentice band provides free tuition and the loan of instruments – meeting during term -time it is open to all beginners, adults as well as juniors.

The Mechanics is a non-competing band which means they have plenty time to enjoy themselves whilst nevertheless working hard to be the best they can be. Led by musical director, Ian Wildgoose, they play a large variety of music ranging from the traditional brass band fare of hymns and marches, to show tunes and even an occasional pop song!

Over the last 200 years the band has played at Royal Events, town and village carnivals, parages, agricultural shows and all sorts of community events.