Lake District Events 2016
27th May 2016
The Lake District is much loved for its stunning scenery, amazing walks, lovely country pubs and gorgeous holiday cottages. But did you know that the Lake District is also fast becoming a destination for the large volume of events held throughout the year?
The South Lakes market town of Kendal has the Brewery Arts Centre which is one of the leading art centres in the UK. The Brewery Arts Centre hosts a year round programme of events and performances and their web site is always worth keeping up to date with.
Speaking of Kendal, if you are ever here on the last Friday of the month I highly recommend a visit to the Farmers Market, open 9.00am to 3.30pm. I have to admit I really look forward to stocking up with local meats and breads every week. I always treat myself to some cake from Ginger Bakers and Morecambe Bay potted shrimps from Baxter’s Potted Shrimps are highly recommended.
I can’t mention food without mentioning Cartmel, famous for its 2 Michelin star restaurant, L’Enclume and the irresistible Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Anyway I mustn’t get distracted with all my favourite things to do here is a rundown of some of events coming up in 2016:
May
Saturday 28 May – Monday 30 May Cartmel Races at Cartmel Racecourse with entertainment from Simply Red and Jools Holland.
Cartmel is a lovely racecourse and is a truly unique experience – even if you have never been racing before. There is a fairground to occupy the children and a wonderful picnic/BBQ area. Clerk of the Course Jonathan also writes some interesting blogs.
June
Wednesday 1 June Cartmel Races at Cartmel Racecourse
Friday 3 June – Sunday 5 June Garden Festival at Holker Hall
Magnificent show gardens, glorious horticulture, artisan produce and fine craftsmanship, combined with show stopping entertainment and celebrity guest appearances. Now in its 24th year.
Saturday 4 June – Sunday 5 June Country Fest at County Show Ground Crooklands
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.
Friday 10 June – Sunday 12 June Great North Swim at Low Wood Bay Windermere
Europe’s biggest open swimming event
Friday 24 June Cartmel Races at Cartmel Racecourse
Sunday 26 June Cartmel Races at Cartmel Racecourse
July
Wednesday 6 July BBC Antiques Roadshow at Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel
Saturday 16 July Cartmel Races at Cartmel Racecourse
Monday 18 July Cartmel Races at Cartmel Racecourse
Thursday 21 – Saturday 23 July – Hawkeshead Beer Festival in Staveley
Local beers, good food and music. Suitable for the whole family.
Saturday 30 – Sunday 31 July Cumbria Steam Gathering at Cark Airfield, Grange-Over-Sands
Saturday 30 July – Lake District Summer Music International Festival launch day which runs through to 12 August
August
Daily up to and including 12 August – Lake District Summer Music International Festival
Wednesday 3 August – Cartmel Show
Celebrating traditional Lakeland agriculture in a family friendly environment.
Friday 26 – Sunday 28 August Lakes Alive Festival in Kendal (the whole town)
The thriving and pretty market town of Kendal will be the backdrop to a range of cultural experiences and spectacular happenings. Join us for a family friendly festival in which to be inspired, participate and discover something new.
Saturday 27 August Cartmel Races at Cartmel Racecourse
Monday 29 August Cartmel Races at Cartmel Racecourse
September
Monday 5 September
Cumbria welcomes back The Tour of Britain (Carlisle to Kendal) read more here
Thursday 8 September Westmorland County Show at Lane Farm Crooklands
One of the oldest and largest county shows in the country. A wonderful atmosphere to taste, try and buy. A great way to experience artisans from this region in just one day!
Friday 9 September – Torchlight Carnival in Kendal.
Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 September Chilli Fest at Holker Hall
A two day Festival with specialist chilli companies from all over the country, local specialist food suppliers, catering featuring cuisine from around the world and a variety of quirky gifts. Also offering entertainment and cookery demonstrations.
October
Friday 14 – Sunday 16 October Lakes International Comic Arts Festival throughout Kendal
Celebrating the amazing world of comic art. Featuring international comic artists and creators, as well as live drawing, film, exhibitions, comic trails, workshops, performance, master classes, free family zone and independent publishers.
November
Thursday 17 – Sunday 20 November Kendal Mountain Festival
Kendal Mountain Festival is the UK’s premier mountain film festival. Thousands of visitors from the U.K and all over the world gather here to watch films, listen to speakers, meet athletes and just socialise.
Written by Rebecca Julian-Dixon