LAKE District Hotels has been unveiled as the main sponsor of the new Taste Cumbria food festival in Keswick next month.

The event on Easter Day and Easter Monday, March 27 and 28, has been organised by CN Events to help boost the area following the December floods.

It will feature a giant market with more than 50 traders selling food, drink and kitchenware, plus family activities and hot food to eat.

Dani Hope, marketing director for Lake District Hotels, said: “We feel that this is a positive event to come to Keswick – it’s just what the town needs to boost visitor numbers at this time of year.”

The festival – also supported by Allerdale council and Geraud Markets – aims to build on the success of established Taste Cumbria events in Cockermouth and Ulverston, and pop-up food villages at Lowther Show and the Cumberland Show.

These are also run by CN Events, part of the Carlisle-based CN Media Group that publishes the News & Star.

Marie Whitehead, director of CN Events, said: “We are so pleased that Lake District Hotels have agreed to be the key sponsor, and for the support that Allerdale council and Geraud Markets are providing.

“Lake District Hotels are embedded in this area and the team know the value of attracting new audiences to this beautiful part of the country.”

She added: “Economic development is a priority for Allerdale council.

“They have seen the benefits of Taste Cumbria in Cockermouth – in 2015 it attracted around 40,000 people and brought an estimated £2.98m into the economy.

“Geraud Markets will also be a great partner for us at this event.

“They run the weekly markets in Keswick so know the town well, and have the practical expertise to make this event look great and run smoothly.”

Visit www.tastecumbria.com or call 01228 612000 for more details, or follow Taste Cumbria on Facebook and Twitter.

Traders can email carrie.buchanan@cnmedia.co.uk to book a stall.

Lake District Hotels is a family business, owned by Kit and Charles Graves, operating seven hotels including the Skiddaw, Kings Arms and Inn on the Square in Keswick.