The Brilliant Barrow Summer of Fun returns this year, offering a range of free, family-friendly activities throughout the school summer holidays.

It is part of the Brilliant Barrow’s Place Development project, aiming to promote Barrow as an inspirational place to live, visit, and work and boost the local economy.

Attendees can expect to enjoy acts by The Bread and Butter Theatre Company, Astral Circus, the Fairly Famous Family, Matrix Circus, Gary Bridgens, Fairy Peaseblossom, and Professor Pumpernickel at the upgraded amphitheatre at The Dock Museum or in the Town Square.

The spectacle kicked off with the Bread and Butter Theatre Company performance at The Dock Museum.

Activities will continue with two shows by Astral Circus in Town Square and will extend to every Wednesday and Thursday until the end of August.

The previous Summer of Fun events in 2022 and 2023 drew more than 45,000 people to Barrow, with both residents and visitors participating in the entertainment and activities offered.

Councillor Jonathan Brook, the leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said: "The success of the Summer of Fun and wider events programme for Barrow has been wonderful to watch and I am looking forward to seeing people spending and enjoying time in the town centre again this year."

The council is collaborating with several partners, including Barrow BID and BarrowFull, to deliver the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal.

This deal, funded by a grant, aims to ensure a bright future for the town by stimulating more footfall and presenting Barrow as an attractive place to live, work, and visit.

Every Wednesday and Friday throughout the school holidays, the Summer of Fun performances will provide entertainment to the attendees, with the final performance scheduled for Friday, August 30 in the Town Square.

This year will see the first use of the recently upgraded amphitheatre.

As part of the Brilliant Barrow Place Project, the amphitheatre was refurbished with a new resin-bound surface, a pop-up power unit, a lighting scheme, a temporary stage, and added features like planted areas and trees.

In addition to the Summer of Fun, Barrow boasts a thriving wider year-round events programme featuring annual favourites like Dino Day, the Festival of Transport, and the Soapbox Derby.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow the Brilliant Barrow social media channels for more information about these events.