Lake District Events August to December 2017
5th April 2017
Here’s the 3rd selection of our guide to this year’s festivals, country shows, and events taking place around the Lake District and Cumbria.
I’ve picked out a selection of our favourite events from August through to Christmas 2017.
This list is a great help to plan a fun break away in late summer, Autumn and pre-Christmas:-
Wednesday 2nd August
Cartmel Show
Where: Cartmel Racecourse
Held annually on the first Wednesday in August this agricultural based event offers a fun-filled day for everyone at the delightful Cartmel racecourse.
For further information please visit here http://www.cartmelagriculturalsociety.org.uk/theshow.html
Friday 4th – Sunday 6th August
Potfest In The Pens
Where: Skirsgill Auction Mart, Penrith
A ceramic show bringing potters and fans together. Around 130 potters will be in attendance at this oldest potters’ market in the UK.
For further information please visit here http://www.potfest.co.uk/in-the-pens/
Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th August
Bassenthwaite Regatta
Where: Bassenthwaite Lake
A traditional sailing week.
For further information please visit here www.bassweek.org.uk
Tuesday 8th August
Lunesdale Show
Where: Underley Park, Kirkby Lonsdale
A traditional country show.
For further information please visit here www.lunesdaleshow.org.uk
Thursday 10th August
Appleby Show
Where: The Barley Field, Appleby in Westmorland
A great day for the family with the bonus of free entry for children! There are a wide variety of classes for sheep, cattle, poultry, vintage vehicles, dogs, pets and crafts.
For further information please visit here www.applebyshow.co.uk
Saturday 12th August
Dalston Show
Where: Showfield, Dalston
A popular agricultural show with plenty of entertainment for all.
For further information please visit here www.dalstonshow.co.uk
Saturday 12th – Sunday 13th August
Lowther Show
Where: Lowther Estate, near Penrith
The community welcome everyone to see a fantastic showcase of countryside living. Featuring horse driving trials, a food and beer festival, a fishing island and a hound show.
For further information please visit here www.lowthershow.co.uk
Thursday 17th August
Brough Show
Where: Popping Lane, Kirkby Stephen
The Brough agricultural show.
For further information please visit here www.brough-show.org.uk
Saturday 19th August
All England Stone Skimming Championship
Where: Fell Foot, near Windermere
A quirky championship where anything can happen and an unknown can take the prize from a regular stone thrower. The stone has to stay in lane and skip a minimum of three times!
For further information please visit here https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fell-foot
Saturday 19th August
Ravenstonedale Show
Where: Ravenstonedale, near Kirby Stephen
Lying at the foot of the Howgill fells this beautiful village holds its own agricultural show like many other villages in this area.
For further information please visit here www.ravenstonedale.org
Sunday 20th August
Lakeland Country Fair
Where: Torver, near Coniston
A traditional Cumbrian show which also aims to showcase traditional skills and activities. There are also dog shows and fell races.
For further information please visit here www.lakelandcountryfair.org.uk
Tuesday 22nd August
Hawkshead Show
Where: Hawkshead Hall Farm, Hawkshead
Hawkshead’s agricultural show.
For further information please visit here www.hawksheadshow.co.uk
Saturday 26th August and Monday 29th May
Cartmel Races
Where: Cartmel Racecourse
The last race meeting of the year at the UK’s most beautiful National Hunt racecourse. Camping, a BBQ area and a fairground for children this magical course offers something for everyone!
For further information please visit here http://cartmel-racecourse.co.uk/
Saturday 26th August
Patterdale Dog Day
Where: King George V playing Field, Patterdale
Sheepdog trials.
For further information please visit here www.patterdaledogday.co.uk
Saturday 26th – Monday 28th August
Medieval Muncaster
Where: Muncaster Castle, near Ravenglass
Embrace the medieval vibe and have a day out in beautiful surroundings.
For further information please visit here www.muncaster.co.uk
Sunday 27th August
Grasmere Lakeland Sports And Show
Where: The Showfield, Lock Lane
Now in its 167th year; people can compete in a variety of sports including Cumberland Wrestling, Fell Running and Hound Trails.
For further information please visit here www.grasmeresports.com
Sunday 27th August
Plant Fair and Food Market
Where: Holker Hall and Gardens, Cark-In-Cartmel
Another popular event at the beautiful Holker Hall. This is a specialist plant fair bringing together many experts from the North. The popular Holker Food Market will also be open with artisan producers.
For further information please visit here www.holker.co.uk/news/259/76/Plant-Fair-Holker-Food-Market/
Monday 28th August
Keswick Show
Where: Pump Field, Braithwaite
The Keswick agricultural show.
For further information please visit here www.keswickshow.co.uk
Thursday 31st August
Crosby Ravensworth Show
Where: Low Bottom, Maulds Meaburn
This is one of the oldest surviving village shows from the old county of Westmorland Show. Having evolved over the years there are now various events.
For further information please visit here www.crosbyshow.org
Saturday 2nd September
Alston Show
Where: Alston
Alston’s agricultural show is a great day for the whole family.
For further information please visit here www.visiteden.co.uk
Saturday 2nd September
Big Chill Swim
Where: Coniston Water
If you love open water swimming then this is the event for you!
For further information please visit here www.chillswim.com
Saturday 2nd September
Hesket Newmarket Show
Where: Newlands, Hesket Newmarket
A popular agricultural show with excellent exhibits.
For further information please visit here https://www.facebook.com/Hesket-Newmarket-Agricultural-Show-249592221903466/?hc_location=ufi
Saturday 2nd September
Lowick Show
Where: Lowick, off A5084
For over 150 years the communities around the Crake valley have celebrated their agricultural community at this event and this tradition continues this year.
For further information please visit here www.lowickshow.co.uk
Saturday 2nd September
Medieval Show
Where: Furness Abbey, Barrow-In-Furness
Supporting English heritage various events are held throughout the year. This medieval show is their main event.
For further information please visit here www.furnessabbeyfellowship.co.uk
Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th September
Chilli Fest
Where: Holker Hall and Gardens, Cark-In-Cartmel
Bringing chilli specialists from all over the country together this two-day event offers food, demonstrations and quirky gifts.
For further information please visit here www.holker.co.uk
Thursday 14th September
Westmorland County Show
Where: County Showground, Crooklands Near Kendal
One of the biggest one-day livestock shows in the country welcoming around 30,000 visitors.
For further information please visit here www.westmorlandshow.co.uk
Friday 15th September
Kendal Torchlight
Where: Kendal
The ethos of this event is to promote the best of Kendal to the world. They aim to highlight the talents of local people and to stimulate the Kendalian community spirit.
For further information please visit here www.kendaltorchlightcarnival.co.uk
Thursday 21st – Sunday 24th September
Festival Of The Fells
Where: Ambleside
Held in beautiful Ambleside this mountain outdoor-activity festival welcomes fell-lovers.
For further information please visit here www.festivalofthefells.uk
Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th September
Taste Cumbria
Where: Cockermouth
This is the highlight of the Taste Festivals. Starting on Friday evening with events to launch the Festival spirit. There are over 80 stalls selling food, drink and tableware. A show marquee will host the demonstrations from top chefs and experts.
For further information please visit here www.tastecumbria.com
Saturday 23rd September
Greenwood Fair
Where: Sizergh Castle, near Kendal
Woodland crafts and workshops.
For further information please visit here www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sizergh
Saturday 30th September
Eskdale Show
Where: Field By King George V, Eskdale
The Eskdale Show is the oldest and premier show displaying Herdwick sheep. Now in its 149th year!
For further information please visit here www.eskdaleshow.co.uk
Sunday 8th October
Apple Day
Where: Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, near Penrith
Learn about orchards and how to grow apples.
For further information please visit here www.nationaltrust.org.uk/acorn-bank
Friday 13th – Sunday 15th October
Lakes International Comic Arts Festival
Where: Kendal
A well-established comic fest uniting artists and fans from around the world.
For further information please visit here www.comicfestival.com
Saturday 14th October
Wasdale Head Show and Shepherds’ Meet
Where: Wasdale
For over 100 years there has been a Shepherds’ Meet at Wasdale Head. Originally an event for farmers it has now become a popular day out for families with the committee combining a fun day out while maintaining tradition.
Saturday 28th October
Winter Droving
Where: Penrith Town Centre
A magical day of rural celebration. There is food, fun, games, masquerade and fire!
For further information please visit here www.winterdroving.uk
Saturday 28th October
Halloween Spooktacular
Where: Fell Foot, Newby Bridge, Near Windermere
This popular National Trust site is holding their own spooky, but family-friendly, event. Featuring fireside tales and a lovely hot drink to warm you up after a ghost hunt!
For further information please visit here www.nationaltrust.co.uk/fell-foot
Saturday 28th – Sunday 29th October
Kendal Wool Gathering
Where: Kendal Leisure Centre
An annual event which celebrates the town’s connections to the wool trade on which its wealth was built.
For further information please visit here www.kendalwoolgathering.co.uk
Monday 30th – Friday 3rd November
Coniston Power Boat Records Week
Where: Coniston Water
This is the only event in the power boat calendar which brings together all classes of boats. This is the finale to the racing season.
For further information please visit here www.conistonpowerboatrecords.co.uk
Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th November
Winter Market
Where: Holker Hall and Gardens, Cark-In-Cartmel
An annual event where you can enjoy local artisan foods and buy unique Christmas gifts. Hot food and coffee available.
For further information please visit here www.holker.co.uk
Thursday 26th November
World’s Biggest Liar Competition
Where: Santon Bridge Inn, Near Holmrook
This event brings competitors from around the world. Each competitor has five minutes to tell their most convincing lie. Read more if you are interested in the history of this event.
For further information please visit here www.santonbridgeinn.com
Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th November
Kendal Mountain Festival
Where: Kendal
Known as one of the best Mountain Festivals in the World. The vision of this annual event is to inspire people to explore and appreciate mountains, wilderness and their cultures.
For further information please visit here www.mountainfest.co.uk
Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th November
Dickensian Christmas Festival
Where: Ulverston
Step back in time and appreciate a true Dickensian Christmas spirit. Stay for a day or the weekend. Wearing costume is welcomed as part of the grand finale.
For further information please visit here www.dickensianfestival.co.uk
Friday 1st – Sunday 24th December
Keswick Live Advent
Where: Keswick
Each day a new illuminated festive window will be lit.
For further information please visit here www.keswick.org
Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd December
Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair
Where: Kirkby Lonsdale
A very popular event where the whole family can get into the Christmas spirit. Little lovelies will be thrilled to see Father Christmas.
For further information please visit here www.kirkbylonsdale.co.uk
Sunday 3rd December
Askham Hall Christmas Market
Where: Askham Hall, Near Penrith
Come and start your festive season at the beautiful Askham Hall.
For further information please visit here www.askhamhall.co.uk
Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th December
Taste Cumbria Christmas Festival
Where: Cockermouth
A giant fair set amongst the gorgeous Christmas lights. With food available on site and gifts galore get it in your diary early!
For further information please visit here http://www.tastecumbria.com/cockermouth-taste-cumbria-christmas-festival