Nestlé Dalston welcomed employees and their families to another successful Nestival family day on 12 September, bringing together colleagues, local partners and suppliers for a celebration packed with entertainment, activities and fundraising for local hospices Eden Valley and Jigsaw.
Held at Carlisle Racecourse, the event offered something for all ages, with around 600 employees and their loved ones enjoying a day designed to celebrate community spirit while supporting important local causes.
Live music from popular local band The Anthems and DJ Smiddy kept the atmosphere lively throughout the day. Celebrating the long-standing partnership between Nestlé and First Milk, attendee's enjoyed a pedal-powered milkshake bike experience made with fresh pasteurised milk, while children joined local dairy farmers to make bird feeders, and learnt how biodiversity is supported on First Milk member farms. Visitors also had the opportunity to climb aboard a First Milk milk tanker and meet the driver, learning how milk is collected from farms and transported to Nestlé's Dalston factory as part of the farm-to-factory journey.
Families also enjoyed a wide range of attractions including a giant inflatable Total Wipeout challenge, a 360-degree photo booth, and face painting from local artist Aura.
A special addition this year was the Memory Tree, a quiet space where visitors could leave heart-shaped messages in memory of loved ones they have lost. The reflective area provided a meaningful reminder of the charities being supported through the event.
Fundraising remained at the heart of the event. A Gift Shop of Good, where every donation supported Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Children's Hospice, offered guests the opportunity to make a difference, while a charity raffle featuring prizes donated by Nestlé suppliers raised additional funds.
Guests also enjoyed a traditional carousel ride, weather permitting, with proceeds from tickets contributing to the fundraising total.
Naomi Foster, Site Administration & Communications Officer at Nestlé Dalston, said: "What makes Nestival special is the sense of community. It's a chance for colleagues and their families to spend time together, have fun and support local charities that make a real difference across Cumbria. We're incredibly grateful to our suppliers, partners and employees who helped make the event possible. Together, we raised an incredible £2,816 for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Children's Hospice, and we're proud to continue our support for them."
