"It Will Be Mayday But Not As We Know It" as Town Council Agree to Take Over Mayday

Penrith Town Council has agreed to take the lead in providing the May Day Carnival for the town in 2025.

The May Day Carnival is a key event in the town's calendar which brings together local charities, community groups and performers to deliver a programme of entertainment for local people and tourists alike.

However, the future of the event had been put into doubt following the Penrith Lions Club (who have delivered an exceptional May Day Carnival for 40 years) making the decision to bow out from taking the lead in organising the event.

Cllr. Charlie Shepherd brought a motion before the town council at its meeting on Monday evening (15th July) asking the councillors to vote to take the lead in providing the May Day Event. The motion was agreed by the town council members.

Although Cllr Shepherd did say that the even would be mayday but not necessarily the mayday we have had in the past.

Cllr Snell called for the town council to look as part of the event planning to not have the normal fairground food but look at having green and healthy food.

Cllr. Doug Lawson, Penrith Town Council Chair & Penrith Mayor said:"On behalf of the Council, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Penrith Lions Club, a voluntary organisation who have put so much time and effort into organising the May Day Carnival event for the town for 40 years."

"Looking forward to 2025, I am so pleased to see the Council agreeing to take a lead role. I'm sure it's something our residents would have hoped and perhaps expected of us!"

"The Council previously supported the Penrith Lions Club with the delivery of the 2024 event - allowing us to develop an understanding of the event planning and requirements – so I am confident that we will be able to deliver a fantastic event for the town next year."

"The Council has already committed to working with other organisations in Penrith including the Arts and Culture Stakeholder Group to make this a great event, so watch this space in the coming months for more information about next year's May Day Carnival!"

Cllr. Charlie Shepherd, Chair of the Council's Finance Committee said: "The May Day Event provides a terrific opportunity for residents to come together and celebrate the beginning of Summer through an enjoyable day of entertainment."

"I believe that the people of Penrith expect that the event continues – so I am glad to see that the Council agreed with the motion put forward."