Whitehaven Harbour is set to come alive this weekend as the highly anticipated Whitehaven Alive festival returns.

With headliners such as Tinie Tempah, The Vaccines, and Boney M, a crowd of 25,000 people is expected to descend upon the town.

The festival kicks off on Friday with performances from Tinie Tempah and Sophie Ellis Bextor on the ticketed Mitie Main Stage.

On Saturday, indie legends The Vaccines and Jake Bugg will take the stage, supported by local artists The Northern Threads and Danny Dunnery.

Sunday will transport festival-goers back in time with a retro throwback featuring Björn Again, performing ABBA's greatest hits, and Boney M.

Whitehaven News: L-R Tinie and Sophie Ellis Bextor_ (002)L-R Tinie and Sophie Ellis Bextor_ (002) (Image: Whitehaven Alive)

Aside from the musical lineup, the festival's event village across the harbour will feature over 70 traders offering a wide range of products including food, clothing, and handmade crafts. Street entertainment will also be part of the program.

Taylors Fair will be bringing its fun fair to the festival, featuring attractions like the Booster Maxxx, Waltzers, and a Ferris Wheel.

Festival attendees will have the opportunity to experience luxury and performance firsthand, thanks to the festival's automotive partner, Porsche South Lakes. Attendees will be able to test-drive Porsche's iconic models, including the 911, Cayenne, and Panamera.

Oliver Hodgson, founder and executive director said: “Spread across three days Whitehaven Harbour will come alive with people able to experience world-class entertainment, music, food and activities this week. 

“It’s going to be an incredible weekend, with over twelve months of planning and preparation. Our site build is well underway, with the team working round the clock to put on a fantastic show for everyone, we have every detail covered to ensure an enjoyable and exciting weekend for one and all.”

Deanne Shallcross, chief executive of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners said: "We're excited to be welcoming the whole of this year's Whitehaven Alive to our historic harbour, which is serving as the most amazing stage for a range of entertainment. From the free-to-attend event village to the ticketed concerts, the atmosphere throughout the weekend will be fantastic.

"This festival is one of a number of events on the harbourside this year, which all help to raise awareness of our beautiful location, contribute to increased revenue in the town and bring people of all ages together to simply have fun!

"In turn, these events also support Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners' work as a not-for-profit organisation safely managing and maintaining the harbour and surrounding area for the benefit of all. We can't wait for next year's plans to be rolled out!"