MPs unite to plan Cumbria Day celebration in Westminster

South Lakes MP Tim Farron will join forces with parliamentary colleagues from across Cumbria next week to host a parliamentary event to showcase Cumbrian business and produce.

The event, known as 'Cumbria Day' will be held in Parliament next Wednesday 24 January and will be sponsored by Sellafield and Taste Cumbria.

The afternoon will be an opportunity for local businesses to benefit from important networking opportunities on a national level as well as showcasing fantastic Cumbrian produce to Parliamentarians from across the UK.

Cumbria Day is being jointly hosted by all six of Cumbria's MPs: Tim Farron, Trudy Harrison, John Stevenson, John Woodcock, Rory Stewart and Sue Hayman. Each MP has nominated two businesses to represent their constituency on the day. The two local producers invited by Tim were Mints Drinks and Dent Brewery.

Other attendees from elsewhere include the Byre Café from Copeland, Thornby Moor Dairy from Workington, Cranston's from Penrith and the Border, Nestle from Carlisle and Shed1 Distillery from Barrow and Furness.

Tim said: "I am delighted to be working with colleagues to host Cumbria Day in Parliament. I am incredibly proud of the excellent businesses and produce that we have here in South Lakeland and across Cumbria, and I look forward to presenting colleagues with a great insight into the tastes of the county.

"Local businesses work hard all year round to support the Cumbrian economy and create jobs. This year has been another particularly challenging one due to the ongoing problems caused by storms and flooding.

"However, it has been inspiring to see how businesses across Cumbria have bounced back, and I am extremely proud to help organise this important networking opportunity which will help to showcase Cumbrian produce to a wider audience.

"I'd also like to thank the University of Cumbria, Cumbria Tourism and the LEP for their support for this event, and I will be delighted to welcome representatives from these three organisations to Parliament on the day"