What's On

Cumbria Fishing Festival - 15/23 May - held at numerous venues throughout South Lakeland and Cumbria - A fantastic week that celebrates the best of Cumbria's fishing with numerous events taking place at venues throughout the county. Includes 'Masterclass' sessions with top angling instructors for salmon and trout on rivers, coaching in the latest techniques for stillwaters and top tips from some of the countries best coarse anglers. Plenty of opportunities for youngsters, beginners and families to have a go and learn how to fish. See the website for the full programme of festival events.

Shetland Pony and Panto Horse Grand National - 23 May - held at Ford Park, Ulverston - Pantomime horses, supporting fun fair, refreshments and interesting stalls.

Cartmel Races - 29 May- held at Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel - The course at Cartmel is a left handed oval of about one mile one furlong, which is bisected by the finishing straight. The run in at just over four furlongs is the longest in the country, and with the tight nature of the bends, undulating contours and carnival atmosphere all around, races at Cartmel are quite interesting, and it is well worth noting that some horses run particularly well at Cartmel and often win here and nowhere else.

Country Fest - 29/30 May- held at County Showfield, Crooklands, Nr. Kendal - Country Fest gives a real taste of the countryside, celebrating the quality and diversity of the superb independent food and drink producers and suppliers that abound in Cumbria and the North West. Alongside a full programme of talks and demonstrations, visitors can also learn where their food comes from in the 'Why Farming Matters' Zone, which will include a wide range of farm animals. An Eco Zone, Wedding Fayre, wide variety of trade stands along with a packed Demonstration Arena, children's' activities and entertainment and lots of good music ensure a great day out for the whole family. Discounts available for advanced bookings. Free Parking.

Cartmel Races - 31 May- held at Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel - The course at Cartmel is a left handed oval of about one mile one furlong, which is bisected by the finishing straight. The run in at just over four furlongs is the longest in the country, and with the tight nature of the bends, undulating contours and carnival atmosphere all around, races at Cartmel are quite interesting, and it is well worth noting that some horses run particularly well at Cartmel and often win here and nowhere else.

Cartmel Races - 2 June- held at Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel - The course at Cartmel is a left handed oval of about one mile one furlong, which is bisected by the finishing straight. The run in at just over four furlongs is the longest in the country, and with the tight nature of the bends, undulating contours and carnival atmosphere all around, races at Cartmel are quite interesting, and it is well worth noting that some horses run particularly well at Cartmel and often win here and nowhere else.

The Holker Garden Festival - 4/6 June - held at Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands - The annual Holker Garden Festival is a celebration of gardens, countryside and food....all set in one of the most perfect landscapes nature can offer.

Zircus Plus - Friday 4/6 June - held at Barrow Park, Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness - An international circus festival with a twist. A fabulously fun, free weekend of international performance for all the family in the lovely setting of Barrow Park. Part of Lakes Alive 2010.

Sedbergh Charter Fair - 11 June - held at Main Street, Joss lane Car Park, Sedbergh - Sedbergh Charter Fair has a street market selling produce and craft work with charity stalls and a Collector's Corner, plus music and entertainment.

Grange-over-Sands Edwardian Festival - 12 June - held at Park Road Gardens, Park Road, Grange-over-Sands - A celebration of Grange-over-Sands' Edwardian heritage. An annual day-long festival with 40 plus stalls and entertainment on the bandstand and around the gardens Stall holders in Edwardian dress. Stalls include food & refreshments. Free parking.

Sedbergh Music Festival - 4/20 June - held at Primarily in St. Andrews Parish Church and other locations in and around the Town - Emma Kirkby accompanied by Anthony Rooley will explore the classical tradition in song in the 17th Century. Carlo Curley, the Pavarotti of the organ, will give a recital in the Parish Church. Group performances will include Ripon Cathedral Choir, the Dalston Male Voice Choir, Amabile, the Ulverston Choral Society, the Westmorland Youth Orchestra and the Town Band. Jeremy Lamburn, Julian Cann, Nicholas Hurndall Smith, Christine Stevenson and Alla Kravchuk will give individual recitals.

Barrow Festival of the Sea and Armed Forces Day - 19/20 June - held at BAE Systems and Buccleuch Dock, Kings Gate, Michaelson Road, Barrow-in-Furness.

Barrow Carnival - 26 June - held at Barrow Town Centre - Parade route leaves Ramsden Square at 12.00noon. Procession will then turn onto Abbey Road into Dalkeith Street, Buccleuch Street to Rawlinson Street into Cavendish Street, back down Duke Street turning onto Duke Street then proceeds to Town Square. Fun day events in Town Square and Town Hall Court Yard until 5.00pm.

The Dent Folk Festival 2010 - 25/27 June - held half a mile from Sedbergh on the A683, towards Kirkby Stephen - The Dent Folk Festival is one of the best loved folk festivals in the country praised for its great atmosphere and amazing setting under the Howgill fells near Sedbergh. The festival features some of the biggest names on today's folk scene alongside local and up and coming artists. As well as music there is lots of family entertainment from Puppet Shows to Street Theatre, Kids crafts to Storytelling. The festival also has onsite camping as well as great food and a festival market.

Ambleside Rushbearing - 3 July - held Ambleside Primary School to Ambleside Church via the Market Place - Ambleside Rushbearing Procession, church service and sports is a traditional event dating back well over a hundred years. It recalls the time when church floors were earthen and rushes were gathered to place on the floors in the summer so keeping the place a bit warmer in the winter. The Procession is lead by Burneside Brass Band. It stops in the Market Place for the traditional Rushbearing hymn. At this point the Bearings are all raised for a great photo opportunity!

Ulverston Carnival Day - 3 July - held in Ulverston Town Centre - Carnival Day brings out local families in their thousands and attracts visitors from all over the country. The day's entertainment starts in the town centre, where the traditional street market brings the normal hustle and bustle to the Saturday streets.

Coniston Water Festival - 3/4 July - held at Coniston Water - The Coniston Water Festival is an annual event, based on and around the iconic 'Coniston Water' in the Lake District. Since it's creation in the 19th century the festival has been a celebration of the historical and cultural identity of the area, highlighting the rich and varied qualities of rural life.

Furness Tradition Festival - 9/11 July - held at Ulverston Town Centre - Festival of traditional music, dance and song. Concerts, street entertainment, workshops, pub sessions, charities fair and displays.

Lakeland Rose, Garden & Craft Show - 10/11 July - held at Westmorland County Show Ground, Lane Farm, Crooklands, Milnthorpe - Possibly the biggest flower and floral art show in the area, with classes for roses, sweet peas, fuchsias, geraniums, honey and floral art featuring entries from the country's top exhibitors and demonstrators. The National Sweet Pea Society will also be hosting their perennial show. Huge craft stall area, horticultural trade displays and stalls with a wide variety of other stalls and demonstrations. Garden problem-busting sessions with lots of experts to advise. Arena entertainment including concerts by Milnthorpe Steel Band. Full catering facilities available.

Cartmel Races - 15 July - held at Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel - The course at Cartmel is a left handed oval of about one mile one furlong, which is bisected by the finishing straight. The run in at just over four furlongs is the longest in the country, and with the tight nature of the bends, undulating contours and carnival atmosphere all around, races at Cartmel are quite interesting, and it is well worth noting that some horses run particularly well at Cartmel and often win here and nowhere else.

Coniston Country Fair - 18 July - held at Coniston Hall Farm - Coniston Country Fair offers visitors and locals alike a chance to experience a traditional country fair. The fair takes place in the unique lakeside setting of Coniston Hall against the magnificent backdrop of Coniston Old Man and is a prime attraction to thousands of visitors and locals alike. It includes RAF helicopter display, Herdwick sheep show, craft marquee, ferret racing/show, gun dog demo/scurry and much more.

Grasmere Rushbearing - 24 July - held at St Oswald's Church, Church Stile - The Procession leaves the School Field at 3.30pm and about 100 people take part, with a musical folk band of fiddlers and pipes. The procession takes about 30 mins and ends at St. Oswald's Church for a simple service of celebration. The day ends with tea, entertainment and sports on the school field, with traditional gingerbread for all who have taken part. This colourful and lively village occasion is well loved by everyone and all are welcome.

Cumbria Steam Gathering - 24/25 July - held at Cark Airfield, Flookburgh, Grange-over-Sands - Premier steam event with traction engines, cars, commercial tractors, motor cycles & pedal cycles, crafts, lawn mower racing, fairground, music, entertainment, models and collections. Arena displays with sheep demonstrations and sheep show.

Windermere Airshow - 24/25 July - held Beside the Lake, The Glebe, Bowness-on-Windermere - Those looking for a weekend with a wow factor should descend on Bowness-on-Windermere to revel in aerial prowess in the setting of England's largest lake. The show will be staged that weekend against the stunning backdrop of the Cumbrian fells. Swooping across the skies will be some of the most exciting flying displays in the world.
On the ground will be military displays from the armed forces, bands, helicopters, rides, birds of prey and a succession of arena events.

Ulverston & North Lonsdale Agricultural Show - 28 July - held at Bardsea Park - This traditional agricultural show is held in the glorious surroundings of Bardsea Park, overlooking Morecambe Bay - a real family day out.

4x4 Music Festival - 27 July/2 August - held at Ambleside - Performances and workshop of contemporary small scale music theatre and opera led by composer Robert Saxton at various locations around the Lake District.

Cartmel Show - 4 August - held at Cartmel Park, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands - Cartmel Show is always a firm favourite with both visitors and locals. The Show, held on the first Wednesday in August, offers a profusion of family entertainment packed into the picturesque parkland setting at Cartmel Racecourse. A traditional Country Show with its roots firmly within the agricultural community, Carmel Show provides the opportunity to sample the delights of rural life at its best.

Lake District Sheepdog Trial - 5 August - held at Hill Farm, Ings, Staveley, Kendal - Open Sheepdog Trials, crafts and demonstrations, foxhound, terrier and sheepdog show, hound trails, Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling, catering. Excellent natural grandstand. Car park and children free.

Ambleside Summer Flower & Craft Fair - 6/8 August - held at Ambleside Rugby Club, Borrans Road - A display of local homemade produce and handicraft with a selection of outside stalls.

Rydal Sheep Dog Trials - 12 August - held at Rydal Park, Near Ambleside - Sheep dog trials, hound show, eagles show, harrier show, show of shepherds' crooks and sticks, beer tent and trade stands.

Lake District Summer Music Festival - 30 July/ 15 August - held in various venues around Cumbria - This annual festival takes place throughout Cumbria, in venues such as the Coronation Hall, Ulverston and the Kendal Leisure Centre, not to mention the many churches in smaller villages, such as Ambleside, Rydal and Kirkby Lonsdale. This festival brings together world-class artists performing evening concerts, day time recitals and master classes to suit all tastes and ages.

The Lakes Chilli Fest - 14/15 August - held at Levens Hall, Kendal - This event will attract chilli aficionados and stall holders from all over the UK. Chillies, plants, jams, jellies, chocolate, sauces, seeds, powders, chutneys and many other chilli-related gift items will be on sale. Other added attractions over the weekend will be local food producers going 'hot' for the occasion, live music & dancing, cookery demonstrations and children's activities.

Lakeland Country Fair - 15 August - held at junction of A593 and A5084 - Traditional Cumbrian Country Fair, including terriers, lurchers, foxhounds, beagles, sheepdogs, ferrets, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, fell races, dog show, stick show, children's sports, terrier racing, horn-blowing competition, displays and demonstrations, trade stands, refreshments, barbecue, bar, sideshows etc. Free parking. Fun for all the family!

Hawkshead Agricultural Show - 24 August - held at Hawkshead Hall Farm - Agricultural and horticultural show including trade stands, horse, pet and sheep classes, cattle, home industries, Made in Cumbria stalls and hound trails.

Cartmel Races - 26, 28 & 30 August - held at Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel - The course at Cartmel is a left handed oval of about one mile one furlong, which is bisected by the finishing straight. The run in at just over four furlongs is the longest in the country, and with the tight nature of the bends, undulating contours and carnival atmosphere all around, races at Cartmel are quite interesting, and it is well worth noting that some horses run particularly well at Cartmel and often win here and nowhere else.

Grasmere Lakeland Sports & Show - 29 August - held at Grasmere Sports Field - One of the longest running Lakeland Sports. The Sports is now in its 160th year since records began and still embodies the principles of the founders. Over the years the Sports have evolved and as well as the traditional events of Wrestling, Fell Running and Hound Trailing the new sports of Mountain Bike Racing and Para-gliding are included. Additionally, there is a Terrier and Pet Dog Show and a family Tug of War competition. In the main arena there are demonstrations which change each year.

Mintfest - 2/5 September - held across Kendal - An exhilarating kaleidoscope of the very best contemporary international street arts. Every corner of Kendal bursts into life with a mind-boggling array of (mostly free) performances from across the globe, from the powerful to the playful and dramatic to downright daft.

British Gas Great North Swim Windermere - 4/5 September - held at Low Wood Hotel Marina, Windermere - Following the huge success of last years inaugural Great North Swim we are delighted to announce that the event is returning to Lake Windermere and is set to be bigger and better for 2010! The Great North Swim is a one mile open water swim in England's largest Lake, Windermere. Following its launch in September 2008 the event has already become world renowned, having been voted 5th in the Top 100 Open Water Swims in the World.

Westmorland County Show - 9 September - held at Lane Farm, Crooklands, Milnthorpe - One of Britain's Oldest and Cumbria's Biggest Livestock Shows featuring: sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, alpacas also horses, poultry, hounds dogs, heavy horse and rare breeds. Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, WI, Learning for Life and Craft marquees. 350+ Trade Stands and the country's largest local produce food hall with celebrity chef demonstrations. Free parking and free bus service to and from Kendal.

Kendal Torchlight Carnival - 10 September - held on the streets of Kendal - South Lakeland's free family event, bands, floats, carnival dancers, historic vehicle and horses take to the streets to form a fabulous procession! This traditional event raises money for local charities and has been enjoyed by generations of people from all over the country who gather to take part in this spectacular event. Always on the 2nd Friday in September, after the County Show and before the Great North Swim making this a fantastic weekend in South Lakes not to be missed!

Ulverston Charter Festival- 4/18 September - The Festival is a wonderful mixture of events including a Beer Festival, Lantern Procession, Charter Road Race and much more. A complete list of all events with contact details is available from the Tourist Information Centre.

Ulverston Lantern Procession - 18 September - held in Ulverston Town Centre - Hundreds of white lanterns weave through the streets of Ulverston creating a 'river of light'. A truly wonderful sight. Grand final will be held at Ford Park. Why not make your own lantern and take part?!

Coniston Powerboat Records Week - 1/5 November - Coniston Boating Centre, adjacent to the Bluebird Cafe, Lake Road - Coniston Record Week is the only event in the power boating calendar open to all classes of boat from the smallest hydroplanes to the largest offshore boats. Drivers must hold a current RYA licence and boats be in a valid RYA Class. The first run is, weather permitting, at 8am. Lunch is from 12.00 - 2.00pm. The final run is normally around 4.00pm, depending on light. Final run on Friday is at 2pm but no lunch.

Father Christmas Cruise - 20 November - from Waterhead Pier, Waterhead Bay, Ambleside - A special sailing by a Windermere Lake Cruise vessel to search for Father Christmas somewhere amongst the mists on the lake. Children's activities on board. When we find Santa he will give presents to all children on board. Special tickets are only available from Tyson's Mountain Boot Shop, Market Place Ambleside from Oct 1st 2010.
On returning to Waterhead Pier why not walk up to Ambleside Town Centre and watch the Lantern Procession as it weaves its way through the town (4pm).

Windermere & Bowness Winter Lights Masked Parade - 27 November - At 4.30pm Santa on his sleigh will leave Windermere Train Station leading the Winter 'Sparkle' Masked Parade through Windermere Switching-on the Winter Lights along the way to Queens Park where the Lakes Gospel Choir will perform both before and after the Grand Firework display. There will also be mulled wine, mince pies, burgers and sweets for sale.

Dickensian Festival - 27/28 November - held in Ulverston - A fantastic celebration of Christmas and Charles Dickens. Entertainment for all the family, with stalls, a Christmas food fayre, period costume fancy dress, parades and processions.

Please click on the links for more details