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: 13
Barrow-in-Furness
The Festival of Colours is a free full-day event celebrating spring traditions from across the world including the colour-throwing Holi, performances, creative workshops, live music and a ceilidh finale.
Ambleside
As part of Lake District Music's spring concert series, Heartwood String Quartet come to Ambleside Parish Centre.
Aynam Rd, Kendal
The excitement is building, and the wait is finally over! We are delighted to announce the much-anticipated return of our 4th annual Easter Beer Festival, set to be a weekend extravaganza filled with fantastic brews, live music, mouth-watering food,…
Penrith
The Women's Adventure Film Tour is coming soon with its highly anticipated 8th season. It features an exhilarating selection of short films that showcase the inspiring journeys of remarkable women who fearlessly pursue adventure in various fields.
The Rheged Centre, Penrith
Cark, 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.
Holker Hall and Gardens, Grange-over-Sands
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, vintage cars, scooters, motorcycles, and the famous Velo Retro old school cycling…
Brockhole, Windermere
Dedicate a Forget Me Not this summer and support your local hospice.
Available in two colours Blue £35 & Copper £100
Each hand crafted metalwork flower purchased will be publicly displayed at Brockhole on Windermere, Lancaster Castle and our own…
Carlisle
Carlisle is set to host a spectacular sound and light show this coming February, bringing the splendour of the Crown Jewels - 300 miles from their home at the Tower of London - to some of the most iconic buildings in the city.
Brought to…
Saint Bees
SPACE: God, the Universe and Everything is inspired by the 1969 Moon landings. Created by the award-winning Luxmuralis artistic collaboration, it will take people on a walking journey through St Bees Priory, revealing the universe, galaxies, space,…
Keswick
Keswick Film Festival brings you 24 of the world's best independent films over 4 days in 3 locations - The Alhambra and Theatre by the Lake in Keswick and at Rheged, near Penrith.
Ambleside
As part of Lake District Music's spring concert series - The Glasgow Duo appear at Ambleside Parish Church.
Lound Rd, Kendal
A colourful display of spring flowering plants suitable for the garden, combined with plant sales from 8 specialist nurseries whose ranges include plants not available from garden centres. Refreshemnts for sale provided by the school.
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.
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