The Lake District Guide

See also our gallery and exhibition listings, our theatre and cinema page, our music concerts and festivals page, and our monthly what's on guide.

In recent years the Lakes has seen rapid growth in the number and range of festivals on offer. Some of them are outstanding in terms of quality and quantity of events they offer; amongst the best is the Lake District Summer Music Festival. We've described some of the events in that particular festival below. We've tried to list as many festivals as possible. Please also check the What's On in the Lake District page of the site. Of course festivals don't have to be about music - the Lakes has walking festivals and beer festivals galore. If you want your special event to be listed here, just email us: suppliers@lake-district-guides.co.uk and we'll see to it in double quick time!

In addition to the music festivals, there are many places where you can enjoy music recitals and other entertainments. These include:

Zeffirelli's Jazz Nights, Ambleside The perfect venue for contemporary Jazz, with a restaurant close at hand and jazz featured in the main auditorium.

The Brewery Arts Centre Kendal

Yewdale Guest House

The Theatre By the Lake, Keswick

Cockermouth's Kirkgate Theatre

Carnegie Theatre in Workington and Rosehill Theatre in Whitehaven offer a varied programme of music, drama, films and shows.

Fans of the big screen can choose from the latest movie releases at the modern six screen multiplex Plaza in Workington or the more traditional surroundings of the Alhambra in Keswick, Zeffirellis in Ambleside and the Alhambra in Penrith.

2008 Lake District Festivals! And see more below!

Lake District Summer Music

Looking forward to LDSM 1-17 August 2008: Full details for musical events, information about venues, and to how to book tickets. Full details.

International Summer School 4–16 August 2008; International Summer School to help your career Click here

Young String Venture 3–8 August 2008: Stimulating, exciting and fun-packed musical activities for young string players Click here

Summer Schools: comprehensive courses for ensembles and instrumentalists of a high standard. More details

Other Festivals and Events

March 18th (7pm) - A Spring Celebration of Music
Wyndham Music Centre offers an entertaining evening of music, a fantastic opportunity to see the Wyndham Music Centre performing live music. Entrance is free and there's a raffle to win an Easter Hamper.
Venue: Wyndham School Theatre, Egremont
Contact: Mrs Susan Ellis: Phone: 01900 325085 Email: susan.ellis@cumbriacc.gov.uk

March 21-28 - Taking place all through Cumbria: Jemima Puddleduck Centenary Easter Egg hunt. To celebrate 100 years of Beatrix Potter stories, eggs have been hidden around the county. So keep a sharp look-out. The hunt begins Good Friday.
Phone: 015394 88444

March 23-24th - Easter Celebrations at Sizergh Castle.
Fun and enjoyable entertainment for all - search for the elusive Easter presents. Sponsored by Cadbury. Phone: 015395 60951

March 23-24th - Easter Trail around Acorn Bank Garden.
Held near Temple Sowerby, sponsored by Cadbury, in the lovely gardens of Acorn Bank.
Phone: 017683 61893

March 23rd - Lakeside Easter 10km, 3km Family Fun Run and Open Day.
The YMCA National Centre Lakeside offers you the chance to enjoy a 10K race and 3K Family Fun Run to raise funds for charity. After the race, everyone can enjoy outdoor activities, Easter activities, charity stalls, a bouncy castle and great food.
Contact Suzanne Gates: Phone: 08707 273927 or Email: suzanne.gates@lakesideymca.co.uk

March 29th (3pm) - A Concert for Children - Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood
The Cumbria Youth Orchestra offer you the chance to see a Concert for Children with Paul Patterson's setting of Roald Dahl's take on "Little Red Riding Hood" for Narrator and Orchestra. This will be great fun! The Lakes School, Troutbeck Bridge, Windermere.
Tickets: £5 on the door or online from: www.cumbriayouthorchestra.btik.com
Contact: Mrs Vanessa Hall Phone: 07891 266095 Email: Vanessa@studycity.co.uk

April 1st - Tom Fools Day
Let the Fools - the Jesters - of Muncaster entertain you!
Phone: 01229 717614 www.muncaster.co.uk

April - Pirelli International Rally

April 19th - Damson Day at Low Farm, Crosthwaite in the Lythe Valley.
This is a great day out for all in the damson producing area of the Lythe Valley. Food and craft stalls galore. Phone: 015395 68599

April 10-13th - Keswick Film Festival.
This is the main part of the festival after the February mini showing. www.keswickfilmfestival.org

April 21st - Sedbergh Spring Show.
Held in the Great Hall with lots of crafts, hand made toys, special plants and flowers, delicious  home produce, art and photography and even a special children’s section.
www.sedbergh.org.uk

April 17-19th - La’al Fest.
A varied and entertaining presentation by young actors from the theatre by the lake. www.theatrebythelake.com

April 19th - The Lakeland Trails Festivals in 2008 and Mountain Rescue charities working together to entertain you! www.lakelandtrails.org

April 25-May 4th - Walking Festival. Phone: 01229 587120

April 28th - National Gardens Open Day at Dalemain House and other venues.

April 19th - 60 years Celebration of Townend.
It is 60 years since this Lakeland house opened to all Today you can pay the 1948 admission fee of one shilling and see life as it was in the 1940’s. Phone: 015394 32628

April 26th-May 3rd - Cockermouth Georgian Festival.
Revisit the Georgian era with a street market, fete, military enactments, sedan chair racing (come again?) and a costume parade.
Phone: 01900 828209 www.cockermouth.org.uk

May 4th - Keswick Half Marathon and Fun Runs
3 miles around one of the region's best lakes. Phone: 017687 72645

May 17th - Sedbergh Gala
Proceeds go to provide a children’s party every year for all primary school children and to help  locals who need support for specific objectives. www.sedbergh.org.uk

May 7-11th - Keswick Jazz Festival sponsored by Jennings Brewery
Come and enjoy the carnival ambience with super performances by leading artists as well as other events including street presentations. www.keswickjazzfestival.co.uk

May 10-18th - Ullswater Walking Festival
This is a successful festival with fully guided walks every day plus a variety of evening entertainments. www.ullswater.com

May 2- 4th - Printfest
An art fair with original prints by contemporary artists who demonstrate their high quality, colourful and very individual works. www.printfest.co.uk

May 3-18th - Ulverston Flag Festival
Two weeks of flag making and waving. A colourful event with a street parade. www.ulverston.net

May 18th - Hutton-in-the-Forest Plant and Food Fair
Cumbrian food producers will be displaying their produce with specialist plant nurseries in the gardens of www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk

May 14-18th - Keswick Mountain Cumberland Ale Festival
The Keswick Mountain Festival now has many more opportunities for enthusiasts and novices to take part in activities. Jennings Brewery support the www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk

May 18th - Brathay Windermere Marathon.
Support the wellbeing of thousands of young people in the future. www.brathay.org.uk/marathon

May 25th - Shetland Pony Grand National at Ford Park.
Phone: 01229 582010

May 30th-June 7th - Ulverston International Music Festival.
The best in classical music performances in Ulverston. See major orchestras.  www.corohall.co.uk

May 18th - Adventure Racing.
Mountain Biking, Running, Navigation and a great adventure! www.openadventure.com/Broughton.htm

May 24th - Potty and Potter Cruises.
Enjoy a day out on the steam yacht Gondola. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

May 17-18th - Day out with Thomas the Tank Engine.
Join in the fun on the narrow gauge railway. www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk

May 24th - Top Comedy Cabaret at Muncaster Castle.
An evening of laughter and fun provided by jesters, musicians and performers.

May 25-29th - Festival of Fools at Muncaster.
Who will win the title “Fool of Muncaster”? www.muncaster.co.uk

May 31st - The Lakeland Trails Festivals in 2008 will be supporting local Mountain Rescue charities www.lakelandtrails.org

Cartmel Races
May 24th - May 28th   www.cartmel-steeplechases.co.uk

June 6-7th - Keswick Beer Festival.
A range of 200 beers, wines and ciders at the biggest beer festival in Northern England.
www.keswickbeerfestival.co.uk

June 7-8th - Festival of the Sea.
A carnival atmosphere prevails in this event which highlights the maritime history of Barrow. See tall ships, power boating, yachting and even a sea-shanty festival. And if that's not enough, there's a walking festival, an air show, and a great fun-fair.
Phone: 01229 876505

June 7-8th - Windermere on Water (WOW)
Water based fun on England’s longest lake. Enjoy sailing, canoeing and kayaking, with many on-shore entertainments and a grand firework display.
Phone: 01539 726442

June 14th - Sedbergh Music Festival. A programme of musical recitals, concerts, talks, muscial lunches and dinners. www.sedbergh.org.uk/events/music-festival

June 21st - Wings over Walney.
See modern and older aeroplanes taking part in aerial displays. www.wingsoverwalney.co.uk

June 15th - Ravenglass Charter Fair.
Phone: 01229 717328

June 28th - Barrow Carnival.
Join in the fun of a parade of floats with dancing. www.barrowtourism.co.uk

June 2008 - Harness Racing at Home Farm.

June 5-11th - Appleby Horse Fair.
Held on Fair Hill, this is the largest horse fair in Europe and attracts gypsies and travellers from far and wide in horse-drawn caravans and modern vehicles.

June 14-15th - North West Fine Food Lovers enjoy their own festival in the village of Crooklands.

June 20-21st - Kendal Book Fair based at the Brewery Arts Centre on Highgate.

June 19-22nd - Lanercost Festival
Enjoy Cumbria's newest and exciting music and arts festival in the stunning grounds of Lanercost Priory.  www.lanercostfestival.co.uk

June 21st - Cockermouth Carnival
Phone: 01900 824173

June 22nd - Cumbria Life and Dalemain Garden Festival.
The flowers of summer, with helpful talks and demonstrations in Dalemain House Gardens. www.cumbrialife.co.uk/gardens

June 27-28th - Woolfest, Mitchells Livestock Centre, Cockermouth.
Displays, workshops, farm produce, spinning wool. All you would want in whayt is a celebrationa and extravaganza of wool.
Phone: 016974 78707 www.woolfest.co.uk

June 21st-July 31st - Cockermouth Summer Festival.
A week of the absolute best in theatre, music, children’s shows and fabulous story telling.
Phone: 01900 822634 www.cockermouth.org.uk

July 1, 15, 22, 26, 29th - Hawkshead Music for a Summer Evening.
Held in the Church of St Michael, enjoy these classical and light classical concerts. Begins 8pm.

July 5-6th - Millom and Haverigg Scarecrow Festival.
Come and see if you can find the many scarecrows. Phone: 01229 774819

July 12-13th - Appleby Carnival.
Don’t miss the carnival parade through the town's streets - or oft that matter the duck racing. Events are held in the surrounding areas as well in the centre of town. Phone: 017683 52835

July 11-13th - Dalemain Food and Craft Fair.
A mixture of great food and clever craft demonstrations. www.craftandfoodshows.co.uk

July 12-13th - Langwathby Scarecrow Festival.
Great fun for everyone while you try to find the scarecrows' hiding places in gardens, schools, pubs and tea-rooms. Phone: 01768 867466

July 26-27th - Kite Festival.
Phone Peter Gilmore: 016973 32622 peter.gilmore2@btinternet.com

July 25-27th - Potfest in the Park.
Displays by some of Europe's most finest potters. www.potfest.co.uk

July 26th - Penrith Agricultural Show.
Join our local farming community with farm livestock displays, classes and competitions, classes, stalls, food and drinks. www.penrithshow.co.uk

July 5th - Carlisle Festival of Nations.
This is an annual celebration of disparate cultures from all over the world. tourism@carlisle-city.gov.uk

July 12-13th - Lakeland Rose Festival.
A must for rose flowers lovers with music and family entertainment. www.lakelandroseshow.co.uk

July 26-27th - Cumbria Steam Gathering, Flookburgh.
See hundreds of steam operated vehicles; plus displays, side shows, great music, food and a fairground. A genuine carnival atmosphere. Over 1000 exhibits expected.

July 11-13th - Staveley Carnival Weekend.
A Brazilian style carnival seems odd in Staveley, but it provides fun for all! Also workshops,  stalls, food and refreshments at this very popular festival. www.staveleycarnival.com

July 12-19th - Carlisle International Summer Festival.
Held in the country’s smallest cathedral - enjoy both classical and jazz music in a week of musical pleasure. tourism@carlisle-city.gov.uk

July 19th - Cumberland County Show at Rickerby Park.
Entertainment includes stuntmen, dog teams, the Royal Air Force Falcons parachute team, the Young Farmers Chariot Race, wrestling, Heavy Horse teams, hawk displays from the Cumbria Bird of Prey Centre, fun clowns and skilful jugglers. Livestock featured includes Clydesdales, ponies, cattle, Lakeland sheep, goats, friendly alpacas, dogs and rabbits. Plus much, much more! Phone: 01228 625600

July 1-31st - Barrow and Peninsula Walking Festival.
No matter what your ability, there are tailored walks for all and events in this scenic part of the region. www.barrowtourism.co.uk

July 11-13th - Furness Traditional Festival.
A weekend of traditional crafts, concerts and dancing. www.furnesstradition.org.uk

July 26-August 3rd - Furness International Festival of Culture.
A week of daytime and evening dance, drama, puppet shows, street performances and surprise  guests. Phone: 01229 876505

More information from www.barrowtourism.co.uk or Barrow Tourist Information Centre on 01229 894784.

July 5th - Ulverston Carnival.   www.ulverston.net

July 30th - Ulverston and North Lonsdale Agricultural Show. www.northionsdaleshow.co.uk

July 17th - Cartmel Races - First Race 2.30 p.m.

July 25-27th - Ambleside Flower and Craft Show.
A very popular two day show featuring wonderful flower displays and craft exhibitions. www.ambleside-show.org.uk

July 29th - Shire Horse Day.
Takes place at the Dalesman Inn with music provided by Sedbergh Band plus an evening BBQ with great live music. www.sedbergh.org.uk

July 24th - Coniston Country Fair.
A traditional gricultural show in this lovely traditional Lakeland village with livestock displays, homecrafts, plants, flowers, trade stands and home crafts.
Phone: 015394 37172 mail@conistontic.org

July 25-27th - Maryport Blues Festival.
Some of the best blues music from all over the UK and North America.

July 31st - Traditional Lakeland Sports at Rydal Park.
Phone: 015394 35351 www.amblesidesports.co.uk

July 18-20th - Brampton Live at the William Howard Centre.
They say it's the biggest folk festival for miles around - in the north of England, in fact. Watch this space. www.bramptonlive.net

August 3rd - Gilsland Agricultural Show near Brampton.
Gilsland is near Hadrian's Wall, so you can combine sightseeing with the show - where you can see pony sports, dog displays, wrestling, vintage vehicles, fun for the kids and trade stands.
www.gilslandshow.co.uk 

August 17th - Lakeland Country Fair Torver
A traditional Lakeland fair with Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling, the entertaining dog shows, fell-racing, the fun of ferret racing, a children’s play area, home-made produce, stalls, refreshments and much more.
Phone: 01542 71584

August 31st - Cumberland Challenge.
A cycling event which traces out a 105 mile route around the North Pennines. www.thecumberlandchallenge.co.uk

August 5, 12, 19, 26th - Music for a Summer Evening. Hawkshead Church.
Enjoy your classical favourites. Begins 8pm.

August 19th - Hawkshead Agricultural and Horticultural Show.
There could hardly be a more perfect setting for a Lake District Show than than this lovely village. Enjoy stalls, stands, local crafts and farm livestock displays. Plenty of food and drink will be available, as well as children's amusements. www.hawksheadshow.co.uk

August 16th - Sedbergh Market and Charter Fair.
To mark the granting of the Market Charter in 1251, you are encouraged to dress up in any costume from medieval onwards to illustrate the market's existence from 1251 to 2008! You can also enjoy street entertainers, stalls with food and crafts, and a children’s play area with stories. www.sedbergh.org.uk

August 1-17th - Lake District Summer Music.
Music concerts and events held at different venues throughout the Lakes. www.idsm.org.uk

August 2008 - Lake District Annual Sheepdog Trials, Kirkby Lonsdale.
A popular event with clever sheepdogs and a supporting cast of hounds with traditional Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling, and of course local crafts, stalls, and plenty of food and drink.

August 25th - Keswick Agricultural Show.
Another excellent and traditional show with stock, stalls, sideshows, and refreshments.
Phone: 016973 23418 or contact the Keswick Tourist Centre.

August 2008 - Grizedale Forest Park and Visitor Centre Sculpture Safaris.
Mini-bus tours will take you around the impressive sculptures in the remote areas of Grizedale Forest. Limited seating. Phone: 01229 860010

August 29-31st - Mintfest Kendal
This festival will allow you to see the town's streets and parkland filled with Europe's best known street performers. Phone: 01539 725758

August 2008 - Grizedale Forest Arts and Craft Workshop.

August 14th - Appleby Agricultural Show.
Another show in the calendar wit the usual attractions: livestock displays and side-shows.
Phone: 01931 714571

August 2008 - Lakeland Sports and Show. Grasmere.
Perhaps the most famous of the region's shows, with old-fashioned hound-trailing, modern mountain-bike races, traditional tug-o-war, skillful Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling, pet dog show, a backsword (what's that?) tournament, soaring displays (and what's that?), helicopter display, bands, traditional fairground, a made in Cumbria marquee and much more. A memorable day out for all the family.
Phone: 015394 32127

August 7th - Lakeland District Sheepdog Trials.
These dogs are just so clever - and they love their work. Phone: 01524 71584

August 23rd - Cartmel Races First Race 2.10 p.m.
August 25th - Cartmel Races First Race 2.20 p.m.

August 21st - Brough Agricultural Show.
Near Appleby on the A66, Brough show has plenty of horses, show jumping, charming fell ponies, cattle, sheep and poultry classes and a dog show. It all adds up a great day out for the whole family.
Phone: 017683 42411
 
August 23rd - Ravenstonedale Agricultural Show.
A few miles from Appleby, this is a pure rural show with agriculture to the fore: see  demonstrations and displays of the farming way of life.
www.ravenstonedale.org

August 30th - The Dufton Agricultural and Sheepdog Show.
Near Appleby once again, you can be amazed by the skills of the sheepdogs and their handlers, shout for the fell race contestants, enjoy the pony displays and have a great day in a truly traditional setting.
Phone: 017683 67015

August 2nd - Cockermouth Show.
Phone: 01946 692798 www.cockermouthshow.co.uk

August 2008 - Patterdale Sheepdog Trials.

August 30th - Hesket Newmarket Agricultural Show.
Displays of livestock with poultry classes, horse classes, arts and crafts. Another of the region's traditional shows. Phone: 016974 78125

August 8-10th - Lowther Horse Driving Trials and Country Fair.
The beauty of Lowther makes this more memorable. Enjoy the whole event in a classic English setting.  www.lowther.co.uk

August 8-10th - Potfest in the Pens.
Pottery displays, artistry and maybe the chance to try it yourself. www.potfest.co.uk

August - Gosforth Agricultural Show.
The third Wednesday in August sees the usual format for the agricultural show: classes for cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and garden produce together with other aspects of a farming way of life.
Phone: 01946 724652

August 16th - Skelton Agricultural Show.
Near Hutton-in-the-Forest, this is show benefits from the beautiful area with agricultural competitions and traditional displays. www.skeltonshow.com

August 20th - Dalemain Classic Car Show.
Great cars for the classic car enthusiast presented by the Wigton Motor Club at a superb laocation. www.dalemain.com

August 23rd - Patterdale Dog Day, Ullswater.
A show with a long history - at least 100 years and still as popular as ever. Enjoy sheepdog trials, a dog show, sheep shearing, fell-races and hound trailing, hand carved crafts and side-shows and refreshments. www.patterdaledogday.co.uk

August 22-24th - Solfest.
August Bank Holiday Weekend sees this superb music festival with something for everyone. There's a main stage, a dance tent and - a local touch - the dry stone stage. Solfest provides free camping, a licensed bar, diverse food from around the world, a calming and healing area, sculptures, adult workshops ranging from belly-dancing to wood-turning, a baby area and live fire performances. Tickets on sale from 1st of April. www.solwayfestival.co.uk  enquiries@solwayfestival.co.uk

September 4-7th - Silloth Beer Festival.
For tickets: stephenhart54@tiscali.co.uk

September 6th - The Lakeland Trails Festivals in 2008 and local Mountain Rescue will be raising funds through sponsorship. The Festivals also support other charities. www.lakelandtrails.org

September 7th - Helvellyn Triathlon, Glenridding.
Are you up for a challenge for the super-fit? A 1 mile Ullswater swim is followed by a 38 mile cycle ride over Kirkstone Pass and an 8 mile run. Take part or watch this exciting event. www.trihard.co.uk

September 3-6th - CAMRA Beer Festival.
Three days of real ales and ciders washed down with live music.
Phone: 01229 587120

September 1st-December 1st - Bowness Theatre Festival.
Music, drama and film at Bowness's Old Laundry Theatre. www.oldlaundrytheatre.com

September 6-20th - Ulverston Charter Festival.
A fortnight long celebration of the Market Charter, granted in 1280.
www.ulverston.net

September 20th - Ulverston Lantern Procession.
Make your own lantern and show it off in the town's street parades. www.ulverston.net

September 21st - Borrowdale Shepherds Meet and Show.
A dramatic setting for sheepdog trials, traditional sports, sheep shearing shows, arts and crafts, with plenty of sideshows and stalls. www.borrowdaleshow.org.uk

September 2008 - Grizedale Forest Mountain Bike Challenge.
A 30 mile long and tough challenge through the forest's testing terrain.

September 26-28th - Coniston Walking Festival.
A festival of walks and events with something enjoyable for all abilities and ages. www.conistonwalkingfestival.org

September 2008 - Classic Car Rally at Sizergh Castle and Gardens.
Large and impressive display of cars in a beautiful setting. Display begins at 1pm.
Phone Michael Drasdo: 015395 60951

September 11th - Westmorland County Show at Lane Farm, Crooklands.
They claim to be Cumbria's biggest show with sheep, poultry, dogs, cattle, horses,  pigs and goats. Plus traditional Cumberland wrestling, local food, entertaining stalls, and a crèche.
Phone: 015395 67804

September 6-21st - Sedbergh Book Town of Literature and Drama.
www.sedbergh.org.uk

September 2008 - Torchlight Procession - Kendal
A colourful eye parade through the town's streets with classic cars, floats, walking groups, steam engines, street performers and music. Phone: 015395 63018

September 20th - Egremont Crab Fair and Sports.
The World Championship Gurning Championship is the highlight of a day of lively fun and sports. Go and see it -  it’s an unbelievable sight!
Phone: 01946 820693 www.egremontcrabfair.com

October - Date to be confirmed. Great North Cumbrian Run at the Sheepmount Stadium.
Details from the Sands Centre - Phone: 01228 625222

October 1st-December 1st - Bowness Theatre Festival.
Music, great film and amusing drama at the Old Laundry Theatre. www.oldlaundrytheatre.com

October 4th - The Lakeland Trails Festivals in 2008
Competitors raise funds for the Mountain Rescue and a major national charity. www.lakelandtrails.org

October 11th - Wasdale Head Shepherds Meet and Show.
Great Gable hovers over this spectacular setting for a show featuring Herdwick sheep, sheepdogs, children’s sports, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, hound trails, fell races, and more. Phone: 019467 25340

October 21st - Apple Day at Acorn Bank near Temple Sowerby.
Morris Dancers, storytellers, and musicians all help to celebrate the English Apple. Entertainment galore with archery, children’s craft workshops and plenty of side-shows. Phone: 017683 61893

October 11-18th - Ulverston Fashion Week.
A week of fashion with an ab-fab Fashion Show highlight at the Coronation Hall.
www.ulverston.net

October 27-31 - Halloween Week.
Ghostly and mysterious entertainment at the castle. www.muncaster.co.uk

November - Biggest Liar in the World Competition.
The Bridge Inn, Santon Bridge.
Did you grow turnips as big as sheds, like the competitors here? Yeah, right! www.santonbridgeinn.com

November 1st - December 1st - Bowness Theatre Festival.
Another batch of magical music and drama at the Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness. www.oldlaundrytheatre.com

November - Date to be confirmed. Carlisle Bonfire at Bitts Park.
Carlisle's traditional bonfire night celebration.

November 3-7th - (Dates to be confirmed.) Power Boat Speed Attempts.
Phone: 07850 807039 (To be held on Coniston Water).

November - Bonfire Celebration Sedbergh
On the Saturday nearest November 5th, stand by for a bonfire and massive firework display. Competition for the best "Guy Falkes", the funniest pumpkin and turnip, plenty of games, hot food from the Dales Kitchen, with home-made soup, mulled wine, scrumptious jacket potatoes, home-made sweets, drinks, toffee apples, fun at the stalls with tombola and a luck-dip bran tub. www.sedbergh.org.uk

November 7-16th - Kendal Mountain Film Festival.
A festival of mountaineering, with films, books, art, photography, discussions and debates. www.mountainfilm.co.uk

November 2nd - Cockermouth Firework Display.
Phone: 01900 822634

November 23rd - Cockermouth Christmas Lights Switch On.
Phone: 01900 822634

November 29-30th - Dickensian Christmas Festival.
www.ulverston.net

December - The Sands Centre presents its traditional Xmas panto.
This year the performance is Snow White. Phone: 01228 62522

December 7th - Traditional Christmas Fare Keswick
Enjoy the fair with gift stalls, plenty of street entertainment and community carol singing. www.keswick.org

December - Sedbergh late night opening and Christmas Lights Switch-On.
For one evening the town is closed to traffic except for Santa’s sleigh as he switches on the Christmas Lights. Enjoy seasonal bands with carols, Santa’s Grotto, plenty of mulled wine, delicious mince pies and roast chestnuts.
www.sedbergh.org.uk