Muncaster’s sausage festival celebrates return of Cumberland
Written by John Williamson on 27/03/2023
Sausage makers from across the land will converge on Muncaster Castle in Cumbria as the historic home celebrates the return of the famous old County name – Cumberland.
From April 1, the new local government unitary authority – Cumberland Council – comes into being.
And at Muncaster’s Sausage Festival – which takes place over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend – the historic Cumberland Sausage will naturally take pride of place. The festival is described as a “celebration of all things sausage!”
“What better time to celebrate the king of all sausages – the Cumberland – than now when the historic county name is coming back into use!” says Ewan Frost-Pennington, a member of the family who’ve lived at Muncaster Castle for over 800 years.
“Muncaster’s Sausage Festival is the perfect opportunity to celebrate all things sausage and all things Cumberland at this historic time!”
Ewan adds: “All of us here at Muncaster are really excited with the plans for the return of the Sausage Festival. We are determined to make it bigger and better than ever before.”
The family friendly festival will give sausage makers the chance to show off their best sausages. Visitors will be able to vote for their favourite in a “sausage tasting” competition and there’ll be entertainment to make sure it’s a sizzling weekend all round.
“We’ve invited sausage makers from across the land including traditional ones, creative ones and even members of our own team here at Muncaster to get involved.”
There’ll be sausages to meet every taste and flavour including lamb and mango chutney and beef and horseradish. There will also be vegan and vegetarian sausages for visitors to try.
And visitors are encouraged to bring along their dogs too – there’ll be sausage-shaped dog competitions (fancy dress allowed!) with prizes for the winning pooch.
“There will be a whole host of activities for children, decorations, music and entertainment all focused on the world of sausages and we can’t wait to welcome visitors along for a wonderful weekend!” says Ewan.
Among the local sausage experts producing super sausages for the festival is R B Woodhall from Waberthwaite. Eight generations of the Woodhall family have produced award winning sausages in Cumbria.
Kenny Tyson from KT Butchery in Millom, the home of the popular Bewleys Cumberland sausage, will also be involved in the festival.
All the usual Muncaster attractions including the gardens, Hawk and Owl Centre and bird of prey flying displays will be available to visitors.
Muncaster Castle’s Sausage Festival takes place over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday, April 29 to Monday, May 1)
You can book tickets for the festival online by visiting www.muncaster.co.uk/
