Whatever the time of year, Cumbria is celebrating something. From music to film and food to beer, Cumbria and the Lake District is home to a wide selection of fantastic festivals.
When it comes to music, we’ve got you covered with popular festivals welcoming international and local talent. Artists including the Kaiser Chiefs, Editors, and Tom Jones have all performed in the county – and every year, there’s more to discover.
Why not try something a little different with a quirky food festival? The Dalemain Marmalade Festival takes place annually at the impressive Dalemain Mansion and Historic Gardens and is a celebration of all things (you guessed it!) marmalade. There are tastings, activities, and the world-famous Marmalade Awards. Later in the year, Holker Fest features a popular chilli eating festival as well as artisan stalls selling local food and drink.
Celebrate the wonder of the night sky at a Dark Skies Festival; experience the great outdoors at a celebration of our mountains and outdoor activities; or get cultural at a film festival. There are also annual events like the Winter Droving in Penrith, and the Carlisle City of Lights festival.
For comic art lovers, the Lakeland Comic Arts Festival is a must. Held in Bowness-on-Windermere, it highlights the best comic artists, writers and creators over a weekend in October.
Take a look at our list and find what celebration works for you.
Major Annual Festivals
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 11
Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowness Bay Blues is a 3 day music festival on March 31st to 2nd April.There is music in venues in Bowness with the main venue being the Wheelhouse.Musicians from England Ireland and local talent too.
Barrow-in-Furness
The Festival of Colours on Saturday April 1 2023, hosts a vibrant mix of performances, creative workshops, live music and more, suitable for all ages.
Penrith
The Marmalade Festival is a celebration of marmalade makers and lovers. The Best in Show of the 2023 Marmalade Awards will be announced. There will also be hundreds of marmalades to try and buy as well as thousands on display in the historic Mansion…
Penrith
Penrith Lions May Day Carnival is a charity fund-raising annual event commencing at 10am on Monday 1st May 2023, ending at 5pm. The event comprises of street entertainment throughout the town, funfair, charity and commercial stalls and a grand…
Little Salkeld
54 Degrees North is a brand-new boutique family friendly food festival, located at Into the Woods, in the heart of Cumbria's Eden Valley, showcasing the very best of Cumbria's bountiful larder cooked by top chefs on open fires, running from Friday…
Kendal
Every July and August the finest musicians head to the serene lake District for a summer festival like no other. From string quartets to jazz and baroque specialists to world music, there’s an incredible selection to choose from.
Ulverston
Based in the centre of the brilliant old market town of Ulverston, Retro Rendezvous is a full weekend of fabulous retro fun. Music, food, dance, clothes, markets, cars, motorcycles, drink and the famous Velo Retro old school cycling events through…
Askam-in-Furness
Small one day music festival.
Kendal
LAKE DISTRICT SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
From percussion to jazz and string quartets to family events, there's so much for everyone to see, hear and experience.
The 2023 festival takes its inspiration from Vienna; the powerhouse of musical thought and…
Grange-over-Sands
Join us at the Wild Goat Festival for a mix of Sporting Events, Music, Food and heaps of fun outdoor activities for all ages. Take on the stunning Lake District trails with some of sports greatest leading the way. Have your G.O.A.T weekend!…
Kendal
A show featuring nearly 150 classes of superbly grown alpine plants, providing vivid colours that welcome the arrival of spring. There are also 8 nurseries attending to showcase and sell the plants they raise, together with a stall of bargain plants…
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