This winter, Handpicked Productions is set to revive ancient traditions of song, story and celebration at the heart of Cumbrian communities with A Mid-Winter Hullabaloo. A Hullabaloo is a forgotten secret - a whisper carried through forests, villages and towns. 

 

Rooted in the shared rituals that once brought people together during the darkest months of the year, A Mid-Winter Hullabaloo invites us to reimagine those customs for today’s audiences and future generations. This ambitious new project will culminate in local outdoor micro festivals from 23–25 January 2026, bringing light, warmth and togetherness to the midwinter season. 

 

A Mid-Winter Hullabaloo celebrates play, curiosity and experimentation. Co-created with communities in Moresby, Cleator Moor and Egremont, the project weaves together music, folklore and time-honoured customs to spark new traditions that speak to who we are today. Evoking the spirit of traditions long past and winter gatherings, the Hullabaloo aims to unite people in celebration during the coldest, darkest month of the year. 

 

The project is being developed in partnership with local schools - Montreal School, Bookwell Primary and Moresby Primary - as well as community groups including The Living Room, Friends of Egremont Castle, Goodlives, Florence Arts walking group and Warm Space. 

 

Young people involved in Art Gyms have already begun working with poet Emma McGordon on “story mapping” exercises to inspire a new play for the festivals. Emma will continue to collaborate with local groups, asking powerful questions about the stories that shape our lives and communities: Who tells them? How do they change? And how can we reimagine them to serve us today? 

 

People can get involved by joining one of the many development activities. On Saturday 11 October, adults are invited to join the creative team at Rosehill Theatre and help shape what the Hullabaloo looks and feels like. Family workshops lead by Janice Murray run on 29 & 30 October as part of the popular SumArt To Do programme, offering families the chance to contribute their ideas to the project. To book visit handpickedproductions.org. 

 

A Mid-Winter Hullabaloo is funded by the UK Government and Arts Council England, with support from Friends of Egremont Castle, Mahogany Opera Group, Rosehill and Goodlives