By Gillian Ellison

Published at 15:45, Wednesday, 17 June 2009

A TASTE of the American way of life is on its way to Whitehaven.

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You’ll have seen them on TV and now you can try a Segway, stand-on scooter, for yourself – as Copeland’s mayor did this week.

Henry Wormstrup’s verdict as he whizzed around the harbourside: “Eat your heart out George Bush!” (The former US president famously fell off one of the scooters!)

Segways are electric vehicles, much used around the world, particularly in the States.

At this year’s Whitehaven Festival, the crowds will be able to have some fun trying out this new method of transport.

Rob Owen, of Lakeland Segway, will be bringing a collection of the vehicles to the August 8/9 event.

This will be his first event in the North Lakes and he will be offering taster sessions in The Beacon car park area.

“They are from America,” said Rob. “They are used as a form of personal transport for short journeys instead of a car.”

The speed is up to four times walking speed, they are environmentally friendly and a charge of electricity costs less than 10 pence.

Also at the festival – which this year has a food and comedy theme – will be top celebrity chefs Jean Christophe Novelli and Ainsley Harriott.

They will be giving cooking demonstrations in St Nicholas’ Gardens as well as on the tall ship Kathleen May, together with Ricky Andalcio, from Zest.

A big harbourside screen will mean that the ship display will be on view for all.

Other highlights of the air and sea spectacular include a fly-over by a Vulcan fighter bomber, Made in Cumbria stalls and concerts including Abba Gold (Friday) and Backbeat Beatles (Saturday).

Tickets for the Here and Now eighties pop concert are going well, with about half being sold so far.

But people are being warned not to leave it until the last minute to get tickets for the August 15 gig at Copeland’s stadium.

“Here and Now events have been selling out and we have got one of the strongest line-ups,” said Gerard Richardson, concert promoter.

“Those who haven’t got tickets yet shouldn’t leave it until the last minute.”

The gig will feature Midge Ure, Rick Astley, Paul Young, Toyah, Belinda Carlisle, Curiosity Killed The Cat and Johnny Hates Jazz.

Both events have been organised by Whitehaven Festival Company which this week has launched its new website. Check it out and get tickets from www.thefestival.org.uk

Tickets for the concert are on sale price £35 plus booking fee and are also available from Richardsons’ wine shop on Lowther Street.

Published by http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk