Whitehaven Weekender Unveils Spectacular Entertainment Line-Up as Vengaboys and Sidney Christmas Headline New Festival

By Rocco Boyd, Co-Founder, Whitehaven Weekender & Co-Chair, Pride by the Harbourside

This August Bank Holiday, Whitehaven will make history.

After months of planning, collaboration and a shared ambition to create something truly special for West Cumbria, we're incredibly proud to announce the full launch of Whitehaven Weekender, a brand-new two-day festival that will transform Whitehaven Harbour into the county's biggest celebration of music, arts, food, culture and community.

Taking place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August 2026, Whitehaven Weekender brings together two established events—Harbour Fest and Pride by the Harbourside—under one festival banner for the very first time.

The result is a weekend unlike anything our town has seen before.

A Festival Built Through Partnership

Whitehaven Weekender was born from one simple conversation.

Rather than delivering two fantastic events independently, we recognised that by working together we could create something far greater for our community. Rosehill Arts Trust, NEAD CIC and Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners shared the same vision: a festival that celebrates everything that makes Whitehaven special while bringing thousands of people together.

This partnership represents a new chapter for our town, demonstrating what can be achieved when organisations collaborate rather than compete.

The Vengabus is Coming to Whitehaven!

We're delighted to announce that 90s pop legends Vengaboys will headline Pride by the Harbourside on Sunday 30 August.

Known around the world for iconic hits including We're Going to Ibiza, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!! and We Like to Party! (The Vengabus), the group promises an unforgettable headline performance on Whitehaven Harbour.

Joining them will be Britain's Got Talent winner Sidney Christmas, whose extraordinary voice has captured hearts across the nation.

Pride by the Harbourside will also feature its annual Pride Parade, celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion, with everyone invited to take part.

Two Days of Celebration

Whitehaven Weekender begins on Saturday 29 August with Harbour Fest, celebrating local music, arts, creativity and culture alongside the ever-popular Eat Street food festival.

The celebrations continue into Sunday as Pride by the Harbourside takes centre stage, creating a weekend that offers something for everyone families, music lovers, food enthusiasts and those wanting to celebrate community and inclusion.

Together, the festival is expected to welcome around 10,000 visitors to Whitehaven over the Bank Holiday weekend, providing a significant boost to local businesses, hospitality venues and the wider visitor economy.

More Than Entertainment

For me, Whitehaven Weekender is about far more than bringing big names to our town.

It's about proving what's possible when communities work together.

As someone who is passionate about equality and inclusion, I'm incredibly proud that Pride by the Harbourside has become part of something even bigger. This festival celebrates our differences, supports local businesses, creates opportunities for artists and volunteers, and gives people of all ages the chance to enjoy world-class entertainment right here in West Cumbria.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, committee members, funders, sponsors and partners, who have believed in this vision from the very beginning.

Looking Ahead

Whitehaven Weekender is more than a new festival, it marks the beginning of an exciting future for Whitehaven.

We hope this becomes a landmark event in Cumbria's cultural calendar, attracting visitors from across the UK while creating lasting benefits for our community for years to come.

I would encourage everyone to join us this August Bank Holiday and experience the very first Whitehaven Weekender. Whether you're enjoying Harbour Fest, taking part in the Pride Parade, watching Vengaboys take to the stage or simply soaking up the atmosphere on the harbour, you'll be part of something truly special.

This is just the beginning.

For more information and tickets for the Pride by the Harbourside entertainment arena, visit the Whitehaven Weekender website and follow our social media channels for further announcements.