So, you’re coming to the Lake District this Year! Whether you’re with the family; on a couple’s retreat, or maybe just here to get some alone time- you’d be missing out if you didn’t partake in a spot of Lakes culture while you were here. From Theatre performances; to moving, local films and art shows- the Lake District is full of talented, creative folk hoping to share their passion with you. Here are a few of our best suggestions for culture vultures in the Lake District in 2020.
The Lakeland festival of Light, Keswick – Sat May 2nd 2020
Returning for their 6th year, The Lakeland Festival of Light is a community effort in Keswick in the Lake District, to raise funds for a chosen charity. 2020s charity will be the Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs.
The festival of light creates live mountain art, by lining the spine of Catbells mountain with head torches, at night.
The festival runs a raffle which will be drawn at the start of the event. Raffle tickets are £2 a ticket, raising money for the charity as well as offering the chance to win some fantastic prizes!
Over just 5 years the festival has raised in excess of £63,000 for various charities.
Timeline of the night:
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM - Arrival, and the opportunity to buy raffle tickets and cake!
6:30 PM - 7:00 PM - Welcome and raffle draw
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM - Walk to Catbells, and light up the mountain for some beautiful photos and videos
9:30 PM - 11:00 PM - Catbells decent and walk back to Keswick
Carlisle Fringe
You’ve heard of the Edinburgh fringe- but have you heard of the Carlisle Fringe? This ten-day festival in the heart of Carlisle City promises to be bigger and better than ever in 2020!
"We have a Festival Hub right in the heart of the city, with a free music stage playing day and night. A temporary Container Theatre is situated right behind us with a varied selection of comedy, storytelling, theatre and children’s shows playing around the clock.
We have a great pricing policy which means you get to see most shows for £8, and the city is the perfect setting for the festival with its old fashioned pubs and upcoming restaurant scene."
The Fringe begins on the 23rd August until the31st, consisting of a mixture of comedy, drama, music and events for kids. Find out more HERE
Theatre by the Lake
Showing all year round, Theatre by the lake is the one to visit if you’re staying in the Keswick area. With shows like 'Picasso's Women' and 'Lady Chatterley's Lover', among many other independent productions, there is always something fresh playing down by the lake. Stay with us at Dale Head Hall and receive £3 off each ticket you book during your visit.
Comic Art Festival, Kendal - 9-11 October 2020
Something a little bit different now- The Lakes International Comic Art festival takes place in Kendal this October. With special guests from the comic world; as well as writers and artists from all over the world showcasing their work, this is guaranteed to be a great day out for the family.
In the heart of Grasmere, this wonderful studio and gallery space is the perfect visit for a rainy day in the Lakes. As well as an excellent selection of Lake District art by William Heaton-Cooper and his family, the Heaton Cooper Studio has an exceptional café and tea room to pass the time in. With exhibitions from the family throughout the year, there’s always bound to be something new to see.
Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Windermere - Until 1 Feb 2020 Colour & Light: The Art and Influence of the Scottish Colourists
The finest collection of masterpieces from the renowned ‘Fleming Collection’, of Scottish art outside public museums and institutions. This exhibition explores the innovative artistic achievements of the Scottish Colourists and their influence on future generations of Scottish artists and the lasting impact on British art.
Blackwell Arts and Crafts House, Windermere - 24 Jan – 19 April 2020: The Arts & Crafts of Politics
Who doesn’t love the work of William Morris?! This exhibition explores the political lives, activism and works of Walter Crane and William Morris. The exhibition includes designs made by community partners in the exhibition and around Blackwell. There will also be spaces created for visitors to create and get involved in their own form of political engagement, inspired by the Arts & Crafts Movement.
Read more about the Lakes: