By Mark Campbell
There are a growing number of festivals in Cumbria and the Lake District celebrating everything from music to comedy, print, ceramics and wool. And many of them happen outdoors to take advantage of the stunning theatre in the surrounding landscape. We’ve handpicked some of our favourites.
Kendal Calling
One of largest music festivals in Cumbria and the Lake District is Kendal Calling, held each July, months after selling out. Confusingly, it began life in Kendal but since 2009 has been held at Lowther Deer Park, near Penrith. Featuring an impressive line-up from across the genres, from big names to local heroes, Kendal Calling also attracts some major names in comedy.
Keswick Mountain Festival
There are few more stunning festival locations than the shores of Derwentwater for the Keswick Mountain Festival. The ultimate outdoors weekend features speakers and displays from top outdoors sportspeople, rounded off with two evenings of live music from major name acts, held each June. It’s one of the region’s most anticipated festivals.
Adults and kids alike will love Keswick Mountain Festival
Ireby Festival
Ireby Festival tends to sell out early, a popular but intimate village-based event where the main stage venue is restricted to just 650 people. There is a wide range of music but tends to focus on folk and traditional genres.
The Keswick Jazz and Blues Festival
The Keswick Jazz and Blues Festival is held over four days in May and celebrates the best in New Orleans, swing, classic, traditional and mainstream, while a festival of growing reputation is Bowness Bay Blues in March, packing out several venues across the town.
If you love jazz, then Keswick Jazz Festival is the festival for you!
Lake District Summer Music International Festival
For fans of classical music, the Lake District Summer Music International Festival takes place across a number of venues in a number of towns. There are more than 40 events with opportunity given to young musicians to give festival debut concerts.
