Events
It is recommended to check with organisers and/or web-sites to confirm dates and contents of the events before making arrangements to attend.
January 2009
February 2009
12th - 15th - The Keswick Film Festival - We are putting together our usual fantastic mix of pre-release films, the best of international cinema and - this year - we are continuing our music strand that went down so well with our Feb Fest audience in our 'small but perfectly formed' event at the Alhambra only last year. This February we are back to the usual format of film at the Alhambra, the Studio and the Main house at the Theatre. We are hoping we may have a concert to go with the music film strand; more later about this. www.keswickfilmfestivalorg
15th - Marmalade Festival - Held at Dalemain Historic House & Gardens, Penrith. Competition to find the best marmalade at the worlds first marmalade festival. Demonstrations, tasting, refreshments. Proceeds to Hospice at Home.-www.marmalade festival.com
March 2009
7th - Malcolm Wilson Raleigh, Cockermouth - Motor stage rally, part of National Championships governed by MSA. The start is at Cockermouth High Street and the competition takes place in Lake District forests. Motor sport at its finest. Car park fee payable £5, foot spectators free. www.malcolmwilson.co.uk
14th - Mary Wakefield Westmorland Festival, Kendal - The festival began in 1885, making it one of the earliest competitive festivals, and certainly the earliest to focus particularly on choral music.
20th March - 18th April - The Maid of Buttermere, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick - World premiere stage production of Melvyn Bragg's famous Lake Districts story of passionate love & cruel deception. www.theatrebythelake
28th - Coniston 14 Road Race - Perhaps the most stunningly picturesque half marathon anywhere in the world, with more than 1600 runners. It has a reputation for being one of the best organised small races in the country. www.coniston14.co.uk
28th & 29th - Ambleside Spring Flower Show - http://www.ambleside-show.org.uk
29th - Cumbrian Commotion - Helly Hansen Adventure Challenge, Newby Bridge - A series of adventure challenges lasting 3 - 5 hours. Designed for teams of 3. You will undertake a marked adventure like no other. www.trailplus.com
April 2009
100 very special Easter Eggs will appear across Cumbria on 8th April. There is no need to climb, dig or delve, just keep your eyes peeled as you enjoy the Lake District countryside. Find one of the special eggs, which celebrate 100 years of Jemima Puddle-duck and you will win one of a range of amazing prizes. -www.hop-skip-jump.com/special_events.php
12th - Easter Trail around Sizergh Castle & Gardens - Sponsored by Cadbury and an event stuffed full of treats as families set out on an enthralling journey of discovery against the striking historic backdrop of Sizergh Castle. tel: 015395 60951
18th - Lakeland Trails Festival - Hawkshead Village - A challenging 15km off road course through Beatrix Potter country but with a carnival atmosphere. Show ground and village, events for all ages and abilities, live music, on-site parking, children's entertainment's: face painting, bouncy castles, storytelling, beer tent, food stalls, retail stands, professionally organised. Free entry to Hawkshead Hall show ground. Entry charges for events and competitions. www.lakelandtrails.org
18th - Damson Day - Low Farm, Lyth Valley, Crossthwaite - 10.30am - 4.30pm - Annual festival celebrating the damson orchards in spring. Family day out, entertainment, food and craft stalls. - http://www.lythdamsons.org.uk
22nd - April - 31st May - Lakes Alive, various locations - New for 2009, an inspiring series of events as part of the Cultural Olympiad bringing the hills and streets of Cumbria alive with the sights and sounds of the very best outdoor performers and artists from across the world. www.lakesalive.org
26th - Prom Art, Grange-over-Sands - Stroll along the elegant promenade at Grange-over-Sands and not only soak up the glorious Morecambe Bay views, but the talents of exhibiting artists and craft people. www.promart.info
May 2009
6th - 10th - The 18th Jennings Keswick Jazz Festival - Keswick’s 5-day festival will once again bring together many of the world’s finest exponents of mainstream and traditional jazz. http://www.keswickjazzfestival.co.uk
9th - 16th - The Lakeland 214 Challenge, Keswick - This challenge is to coincide with the completion of the revision of Wainwright's pictorial guides to the Lakeland Fells by Chris Jesty, as book 7 is being published in May 2009. The event will take place over a week and participants can choose whichever date they want to ascend their nominated fell. www.wainwright.org.uk
13th - 17th - The Cumberland Ale Keswick Mountain Festival- From guided walks to more adventurous activities and conservation events, the 3rd Keswick Mountain Festival has a packed programme for all abilities and grades. www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk
16th - Open5+ Adventure Race, Keswick - An event packed full of surprises. A new one for open adventure, the Open5 is an adventure race with a twist of endurance. www.openadventure.com
16th - 22nd - Festival of Fishing, Windermere - With master classes, workshops and beginners' events, the Festival of Fishing is a week long celebration of the superb angling on offer in Cumbria. Contact TBC
17th - Brathay Windermere Marathon - Get you running shoes on or simply come to encourage the entrants as they race around England's longest Lake and help to raise money for one of the UK's leading youth development organisations. tel:015394 39730 - www.brathay.org.uk
24th & 25th - Roman Warriors & Soldiers, Birdoswald Roman Fort, near Brampton - Witness the drill and tactics of Roman Soldiers at the time of the legendary King Arthur. www.english-heritage.org.uk
24th - 28th - The Festival of Fools, Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass - Jesters, Jugglers and street entertainers will perform for your votes to win the prestigious title of 'Fool of Muncaster'. It's sheer tomfoolery like you've never experienced. www.muncaster.co.uk
25th - Cartmel Races - Whether you're up for a little flutter or simply want a flutter of excitement, race days at beautiful Cartmel will give you both. There's lots of additional attractions including trade stalls, events and fun fair rides. www.cartmel-racecourse.co.uk
29th - 31st - Holker Garden Festival - The Chelsea Flower Show of the North' - Imagine...three days in the middle of summer devoted entirely to indulging the senses. A Festival celebrating the best of garden, countryside and food...set in one of the most perfect landscapes nature can offer. www.holker-hall.co.uk
June 2009
TBC- Windermere on Water Festival (WOW) - Experience Lake Windermere as never before! World class performances, activities, festivities & fireworks... Participate or simply spectate! www.wow2008.co.uk 015394 40020
4th - 7th - Boot Beer Festival - This three day family event is hosted by three traditional English pubs in spectacular Lakeland surroundings. www.bootbeer.co.uk
4th - 10th - Appleby Horse Fair - Visit the lovely historic town of Appleby as it comes alive with gypsy culture during this fascinating gathering of horse traders - the largest of its kind in Britain. 017683 51177
5th & 6th - Keswick Beer Festival - Raise a glass (or three!) to the largest festival of its kind in the north of England with more than 190 fine beers, tasty ciders and delicious wines. www.keswickbeerfestival.co.uk
6th June - Lakeland Trails - Garburn, Staveley - Take part in possibly one of the toughest races in the UK - the 21km Garburn Trail from Staveley to Windermere and cap it all off at the d with festive fun for all ages. www.lakelandtrails.org
13th - Grange Edwardian Festival - The charming Edwardian resort of Grange-over-Sands returns to its historical roots with a festival of entertainment, costume and market stalls that transports you to a more genteel era. 015395 35453
17th - Cumbrian Fayre Cruises with a touch of magic, Ullswater - Enjoy entertainment and Cumbrian Fare onboard a steamer on Ullswater. This unique two-hour journey will never be forgotten. www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk
21st - 28th - Cumbria Life & Dalemain Garden Festival, Nr Penrith - Celebrate sights and scents of summer at spectacular Dalemain with specialist growers, garden talks and demonstrations set within the historic courtyard and gardens. www.cumbrialife.co.uk
26th & 28th - Dent folk Festival - A weekend of family fun set in a beautiful location in the south east corner of Cumbria. www.dentfolkfestival.co.uk
26th & 27th - Woolfest, Cockermouth - There's warm and fluffy fun for everyone at this annual celebration of all things wooly and woollen. Workshops, displays, produce, animals, spinning and a wonderful hog roast. www.woolfest.co.uk
July 2009
1st - Cumbrian Fayre Cruises with a touch of magic, Ullswater - Enjoy entertainment and Cumbrian Fare onboard a steamer on Ullswater. This unique two-hour journey will never be forgotten. www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk
3rd & 4th - Coniston Water Festival - An eclectic fusion of the arts, sport, food and a celebration of local enterprise, focused on and around the unique water-related culture of this stunning and iconic lake. www.conistonwaterfestival.org.uk
4th - Skelton Show, Nr Penrith - Set in the picturesque Old Park of Hutton-in-the-Forest, this popular traditional Cumbrian Agricultural Show has something for all the family. www.skeltonshow.com
10th - 12th - Furness Traditional Festival - The historic maritime town of Barrow hosts a spectacular week of daytime & evening dance, drama, puppetry, music, street entertainment and special celebrity guests with something here for every taste and age. 01229 876505
11th & 12th - Lakeland Rose Festival, nr Kendal - One of the largest events of its type in the UK and a blooming lovely and simply unmissable event for rose lovers everywhere, featuring floral art, crafts, music and family entertainment.
11th & 12th - Langwathby Scarecrow Festival, Penrith - Venture out on the annual scarecrow trail to find the strange, imaginative and colourful characters in locations as varied as gardens, village greens, schools, pubs and tea rooms. www.langwathbyscarecrows.co.uk
15th - Cumbrian Fayre Cruises with a touch of magic, Ullswater - Enjoy entertainment and Cumbrian Fare onboard a steamer on Ullswater. This unique two-hour journey will never be forgotten. www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk
16th - Cartmel Races - Tetley's Barbeque Raceday -Whether you're up for a little flutter or simply want a flutter of excitement, race days at beautiful Cartmel will give you both. There's lots of additional attractions including trade stalls, events and fun fair rides. http://www.cartmel-racecourse.co.uk
17th - Brampton Live Festival - The north's biggest folk/roots music festival features artists from around the musical globe performing over two main stages. There are workshops, children's fun, crafts and free camping. www.bramptonlive.net
17th - 19th - Cockermouth Rock Festival - Affectionately known as 'CockRock', this outdoor event brings together local bands, established acts and some of the friendliest fans in the country. www.cockermouthrockfestival.com
18th - Cumberland County Show, Brampton - Old Cumberland's rich agricultural heritage comes to life with hundreds of fascinating displays and stands, animals, day-long entertainment and crafts. www.cumberlandshow.co.uk
24th - 26th - Maryport Blues Festival - A must for blues fans everywhere. Hit the road and head for the west coast to sample the best music from the UK and North America along with a selection of fine ales. www.maryportblues.co.uk
24th - 26th - Potfest in the Park, Penrith - If you love ceramics, then make a break for this event. With displays from 100 of Europe's most accomplished potters this is a festival not like any other. www.potfest.co.uk
25th & 26th - Cumbria Steam Gathering - Flookburgh - 1200 classic exhibits - This 2-day event brings together vintage and steam vehicles from across the world for one massive summer event. A whole host of entertainment, a traditional fair, displays, specialist caterers and vintage transport favourites as diverse as tractors, majestic steam engines, commercial vehicles and motorcycles.- www.steamgathering.org.uk
25th & 26th - Windermere Air Show - tel:015394 46499 - The Glebe, Glebe Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria,
Airshow plus ground displays, stalls, bands, fair and flight simulator. Free airshow with charges for displays and rides. www.windermere-rotary.org.uk
31st - Ambleside Sports -- Rydal Park, Rydal Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9PL
Traditional Lakeland sports and full programme of hound trails, Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling, fell races, cycle and running events and children's races. Lots of trade stands, craft marquee, Made in Cumbria and much, much more. Adult £5, youths £2, under 12yrs accompanied, freewww.amblesidesports.co.uk
August 2009
1st - Cockermouth Agricultural Show - Enjoy this animated rural event with all the family as you savour the fun, entertainment and spectacle of livestock displays, show jumping, sheep dog displays, crafts, food, horticulture, terrier racing and much more. www.cockermouthshow
5th - Cartmel Show - Traditional country show set in beautiful parkland. Cattle, sheep, heavy horses, show jumping, driving and light horse classes all day. Craft exhibits, village industries, horticulture, poultry, food hall, dog show, hound trailing and much more. www.cartmelagriculturalsociety.org.uk
6th - Lake District Sheep Dog Trials - Nr Kendal - Trials, foxhound show, hound trials, crafts & displays. - tel:015242 71584
7th - Kendal Calling - Getting bigger every year. Kendal Calling is one of the best indie music festivals in the northwest. www.kendalcalling.co.uk
7th - Potfest in the Pens, Penrith - If you love ceramics, then make a break for this event. With displays from 100 of Europe's most accomplished potters this is a festival not like any other. www.potfest.co.uk
12th - Cumbrian Fayre Cruises with a touch of magic, Ullswater - Enjoy entertainment and Cumbrian Fare onboard a steamer on Ullswater. This unique two-hour journey will never be forgotten. www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk
15th & 16th - The Lakes Chilli Fest, Nr Kendal - Levens Hall and its lovingly kept gardens attract thousands of visitors each year. It also hosts the Lakes Chilli Fest, an entertaining annual celebration of anything and everything to do with this versatile vegetable. www.chillifest.co.uk
15th - Appleby Agricultural Show - In the gorgeous surroundings of the old Westmorland county town, spend the day observing the huge variety of livestock and animals, arts and crafts, trade stands and lots of extra great events. 01931 714571
18th - Hawkshead Show - Agricultural and horticultural show with sheep, horses, dogs, trade stands, home craft and flowers. http://www.hawksheadshow.co.uk
25th - Cumbrian Fayre Cruises with a touch of magic, Ullswater - Enjoy entertainment and Cumbrian Fare onboard a steamer on Ullswater. This unique two-hour journey will never be forgotten. www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk
28th - Mintfest, International Street Arts Festival, Kendal - The best of the worlds street entertainers, jugglers, musicians and magicians flock to the streets and parks of Kendal for a thrilling weekend of awesome entertainment for all ages. www.mintfest.org
30th - Grasmere Sports and Show - The original and world famous event has a history that stretches back eight centuries and brings together a truly fascinating range of traditional sports including Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, hound trails, mountain races and more. www.grasmeresportsandshow.co.uk
September 2009
3rd - 5th - CAMRA Beer Festival, Ulverston - Hoppy, bitter, dark or light, there's something for all tastes over this three day festival that features more than 50 real ales and ciders as well as live music and commemorative beer glasses. www.corohall.co.uk
6th - Lakeland Trials, Derwentwater - A 14km course through some of the most scenic and varied countryside in the Lake District. The Milnthorpe Steel Band provides a party atmosphere at the start/finish point and there's children's fun runs too. www.lakelandtrails.org
6th - Helvellyn Triathlon, Glenridding - It's gruelling. It's thrilling. It's quite simply awesome. If you're up for it then take up the challenge of the one-mile Ullswater swim, 38 mile cycle over Kirkstone Pass and then eight mile run. Or take the easy option and come and watch! www.trihard.co.uk
10th - Westmorland County Show - One of Britain's oldest and Cumbria's biggest livestock shows featuring sheep, cattle, pigs and goats, also horses, poultry, hounds, dogs, heavy horses and rare breeds with Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling. W I learning for life and craft marquees, over 350 trade stands and the areas largest local products food hall. Free car parking and free bus. www.westmorland-county-show.co.uk
12th- Kendal Gathering & Torchlight Procession - Spectacular cavalcade over 100 entries, 2 miles long with a cast of 2000 people in a super festival of light, colour, music and merriment. Superb themed floats with classic cars, foot groups, veteran cycles, commercial vehicles, street entertainers, 10 horse teams, steam engines and 20 marching bands and carnival display bands. Street art performers. www.kendaltorchlightcarnival.co.uk
12th - The Great North Swim, Windermere - Take to the water with over 2,000 other swimmers and challenge yourself to this one-mile open water course against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District National Park. www.greatswim.org
15th - 19th - Ulverston Charter Festival - This is the one town that knows how to put on a festival. This event is jam packed with fun as the locals and visitors celebrate the granteing of the Market Charter in 1280. www.ulverston.net
19th - Ulverston Lantern Procession - Don't be in the dark. Come and see what all the fuss is about. Special workshops will help you carefully craft your own stunning lantern and then you can show it off through the town's streets in a colourful event for all the family. 01229 580640
19th - Egremont Crab Fair - The Egremont Crab Fair includes traditional and unusual sporting event and competitions including the world renowned gurning (pulling of grotesque faces) competition. The rules of the gurning competition are very straightforward. Competitors put their heads through a horse collar and have a set time in which to contort their faces into the scariest / silliest expression possible. False teeth may be left in, taken out or turned upside down if desired. The person who gets the most applause for their ugly face wins! (A little bit of history: The Egremont Crab Fair was first held in 1267 to celebrate the time when the local lord of the manor wheeled a cart of crab apples through the village of Egremont dispensing fruit to the poor. Crab apples have a sharp taste and it is said the gurning competition originates from the faces the locals made when they bit into the sharp apples). www.egremontcrabfair.org.uk
20th - Borrowdale Shepherds Meet & Show - A spectacular valley in which to experience a spectacular event. There will be sheepdog trials, sheep shearing competitions, fell ponies, traditional sports and crafts and much more throughout this friendly rural show. www.borrowdaleshow.org.uk
26th September - 4th October - Ullswater Outdoor Festival - Come and enjoy over a week of free guided walks and activities amidst the breathtaking scenery of one of the Lake District beautiful lakes. www.ullswater.com
October 2009
3rd - Lakeland Trials, Coniston - Start and finish at the beautiful lakeside location, with beer tent, climbing wall, bouncy castles, music, slides and face painting as you enjoy literally one of the best races in the UK, the 15km Coniston Trail. www.lakelandtrails
10th - Wasdale Head Shepherds' Meet & Show - Wasdale's unique and imposing atmosphere makes for an inspiring agricultural event featuring Herdwick sheep and sheepdogs, hound trails, fell races, children's sports and Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling. 019467 25340
26th - 31st - Darkest Muncaster, Ravenglass - A festive extravaganza of magical twinkling lights, special effects, music and sounds evoking a marvelously seasonal experience in the famous grounds of Muncaster Castle. www.muncaster.co.uk
31st - Halloween event, Muncaster - Dare you visit Britain's most haunted castle this Halloween? Experience a ghost tour of this famously haunted castle and enter the Ghostly Grotto. Daily children's activities including face painting, crafts and games followed by a nightly magic show and talk on Halloween traditions. www.muncaster.co.uk
November 2009
ALL - Winter Lighting along Hadrian's Wall - Hadrian's Wall country will celebrate its unique heritage and landscape through an exciting winter lighting project. All along Hadrian's Wall World there are plans for events that will encapsulate the magic of this striking landscape and its relationship with the World Heritage Site - sensitively using light to entertain, enthuse and inspire. www.hadrians-wall.org
1st - Darkest Muncaster, Ravenglass - A festive extravaganza of magical twinkling lights, special effects, music and sounds evoking a marvelously seasonal experience in the famous grounds of Muncaster Castle. www.muncaster.co.uk
2nd - Powerboat Speed Records Week, Coniston - For almost a hundred years, Powerboat record attempts have been made on several of the English Lakes including Ullswater, Windermere & Coniston Water. This is the only event in the Powerboat Racing Calendar to bring together all classes of boat. www.conistonpowerboatrecords.co.uk
21st & 22nd - Kendal Mountain Festival - For everyone from serious mountaineers to armchair enthusiasts, this is the unmissable event of the year. A scintillating programme of films, books, art and photography, debates, presentations, film making, entertainment, humour and drama. www.mountainfilm.co.uk
21st - Ambleside Lantern Procession & Christmas Lights - Every year on a Saturday in mid-November, the people of Ambleside parade through the town at dusk, carrying hundreds of paper lanterns. Young and old turn out to witness this spectacular procession, as traffic is halted and Christmas street lights throughout the town centre are switched on as if by magic by Santa Claus. Then there are FIREWORKS...... http://www.amblesidechristmaslights.co.uk
28th &29th - Dickensian Christmas Festival, Ulverston - Have a Dickens of a great Christmas by getting it off to the perfect start here in Ulverston as the town is transformed in period splendor, with activities, costume, competitions, processions and stalls. www.ulverston.net
28th - (TBC) Grizedale Stages Rally, Coniston - The 22nd annual Grizedale Stages Rally boasts one of the best backdrops for rallying in the UK - through 40 miles of difficult forest racing. Grizedale Stages is one of the last events in the rallying calendar, yet maintains its immense popularity due to the challenging forest stages, complete with hairpin bends - not for the faint-hearted! www.grizedalestages.co.uk
December 2009
6th - Keswick Traditional Christmas Fayre - It's the festive season as you wish it could be, in Christmas card perfection. as Keswick's themed seasonal fair offers up a delightful programme of period street entertainment, gift stalls, decorations, colourful characters and carol singing. www.keswick.org