Ambitious projects.Lasting impact.
From Cumbria's first under-18s venue to landmark festivals and major live events, our portfolio engages tens of thousands of people every year while creating volunteering, employment and partnership opportunities across the region.
YAZ, Young Adults' Zone
YAZ is Cumbria's first dedicated social venue for young people under 18, providing a safe, welcoming and fully supervised environment where young people can socialise, develop confidence and access positive opportunities.
The venue combines a café, gaming zone, entertainment space and regular activities, including monthly supervised rave nights, helping reduce anti-social behaviour while promoting wellbeing, inclusion and youth development.
Whitehaven Weekender
Whitehaven Weekender is a large-scale, multi-day community festival celebrating music, arts, culture and local talent. Bringing together thousands of residents and visitors, the festival showcases live entertainment, family activities, food, markets and community organisations.
It supports tourism, boosts the local economy and creates opportunities for local businesses and performers across the region.
Pride by the Harbourside
Pride by the Harbourside is one of Cumbria's leading LGBTQ+ celebrations, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion through live entertainment, community engagement and education.
The event has grown into a landmark celebration that brings together thousands of people from across the region, and has since evolved into the wider Whitehaven Weekender festival.
Energy Coast LIVE!
Energy Coast LIVE! is a major live music and entertainment event that attracts nationally recognised artists alongside local performers. Designed to celebrate Cumbria's vibrant culture while increasing visitor numbers, the event contributes significantly to the local economy.
It provides valuable opportunities for local businesses, volunteers and community organisations.
Community Outreach & Engagement
NEAD delivers year-round outreach programmes that engage with residents, young people, schools, community organisations and businesses.
These initiatives raise awareness of available opportunities, encourage volunteering, strengthen partnerships and ensure local people are actively involved in shaping projects that benefit their communities.
Events & Community Development
In addition to delivering our own flagship projects, NEAD provides ongoing support to a wide range of community organisations, sporting clubs and local events across Cumbria. We work closely with Whitehaven Rugby League Football Club, Whitehaven AFC, Eat Street Cumbria and numerous other community partners.
We offer event management expertise, volunteer coordination, marketing and communications, sponsorship development, funding support, operational planning and strategic guidance. By sharing our knowledge, resources and networks, we help organisations grow their impact, strengthen community engagement and deliver high-quality experiences.
These partnerships reflect our commitment to collaboration, ensuring that communities across Cumbria have the support they need to thrive while creating lasting social, cultural and economic value.
NEAD Hire
NEAD Hire is an exciting new venture that will provide professional event equipment and festival support services to organisations across Cumbria and beyond. It will offer an extensive range of high-quality equipment, including staging, event infrastructure, crowd management systems, barriers, lighting, sound, marquees, furniture and event accessories.
NEAD Hire will support festivals, concerts, sporting events, community celebrations, corporate functions and private events of all sizes. Alongside equipment hire, we will provide experienced event management, operational planning, logistics and on-site support.
This helps organisations deliver safe, professional and memorable events while generating sustainable income that is reinvested into NEAD's community projects and social impact initiatives.
Got a project, event or club we could support?
Whether you want to partner, sponsor, volunteer or just share an idea, we would love to hear from you. Head to Get Involved to start the conversation.
