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: 37
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Old Hutton, Kendal
Bendrigg's infamous 10k course is back with a modern twist! We are thrilled to announce the return of the 'Bendrigg Round', from 1st May to 31st July we are inviting people to come and do the 10k, 4k or both!
Ulverston
The Music Festival opens with a Celebrity Recital by violinist Jennifer Pike, who at the age of twelve became the youngest ever winner of BBC Young Musician of the Year. She is joined by Martin Roscoe in a beautifully balanced programme including…
Grange-over-Sands
Are you yearning for a weekend adventure? Are you a cycling enthusiast or a dedicated trail running aficionado? Look no further than Wild Goat Festival (31st May-2nd June), a weekend of running the trails and gravel cycling set in the heart of the…
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…
Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Cartmel Priory is the majestic setting for our choral concert, with a performance of Fauré's much-loved 'Requiem' by the Ulverston Festival Chorus. Together with music by Stanford and Vaughan Williams.
Cartmel Priory, Cartmel
Ulverston
The works performed by the Quartet in this concert are all a portrayal of the expressions of romantic love through music and letters. With pieces by - Bartok & Janáček and Damstrom & Zebeljan - two works commissioned by Daniel Rowland, lead…
Swarthmoor Hall, Ulverston
Coniston
Follow the 'Tone Trail' in the serene setting of Brantwood Gardens and hear beautiful music whilst surrounded by nature. Listen to voice, guitar, flute and the Animato Quartet as you wander from Ruskin's pond, through woods to Coniston Water and the…
Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin, Coniston
Crow Park Road, Keswick
Our 26th Keswick Beer Festival will take place on the 7th and 8th June 2024.
Carlisle
This show is a modern celebration of farming and agriculture in Cumberland. This family friendly day out showcases livestock, crafts, food and drink from around the region.
Whitehaven
The summer Whitehaven Flower Club Gala returns with even more beautiful arrangements and top advice and tips to make your bouquets glow.
Penrith
Skelton Show has become one of the major agricultural, country shows in Cumbria. Located in the picturesque parkland at Hutton-in-the Forest, it attracts over 10,000 visitors each year.
Ulverston
A day "OUT" in Ulverston. Come as you are and be Celebrated. with Live entertainment and Family activities
Lake District Music - Summer Festival - 26th July to 4th August 2024.
For almost 40 years the world’s finest classical musicians have performed in the stunning surroundings of the Lake District. Every summer they head to Cumbria for a festival like…
Walney
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
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…
Barrow-in-Furness
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
Barrow-in-Furness
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
Barrow-in-Furness
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
Barrow-in-Furness
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
Maryport
Maryport is welcoming back Taste Cumbria on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August 2024 for the Taste of the Sea festival.
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