The Sands Centre pantomime and autumn events programme will not be going ahead as originally planned after damage cause by Storm Éowyn.

This decision follows delays to the construction timeline due to storm damage sustained earlier this year.

A spokesperson from Cumberland Council said: “Storm Éowyn caused structural issues to the temporary canopy installed as part of the RAAC panel removal works.

“Since then, our contractors have been making the structure safe, as well as reprogramming and redesigning the works.”

The revised timeline now anticipates completion of all major works by late 2025, with events expected to restart in early 2026.

The Sands Centre is working closely with local and national promoters to reschedule events originally scheduled between September 1, 2025 and January 31, 2026 to later dates in 2026, where possible.

The spokesperson continued: “They kindly ask customers not to contact the Box Office directly at this time.

“Their team will be in touch with all ticket holders affected by these changes in the coming weeks with further details about their options.”

The temporary closure of the events space to allow the works to be undertaken does not impact on the day to day running of the main leisure centre.

The main Sands Centre building’s leisure provision is unaffected, which includes the pools, gym, studios and sports hall.