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: 31
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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.
Barrow-in-Furness
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
Workington
Cumberlandia is a new grass roots folk weekend in west Cumbria from 16th – 18th August 2024, with international performers and a host of homegrown talent.
Whitehaven
Whitehaven Harbour
Saturday 31 August 11-5 pm
The festival will once again feature live promenade performances, music, arts and crafts, and lots more, which will illuminate the unique harbour of Whitehaven and celebrate the local community. The…
Armathwaite, Carlisle
Eden Valley is a beautiful glamping site, situated in the stunning Cumbrian countryside. Located near Carlisle, Eden Valley Glamping has forests, meadows and pasture-land, hedgerows and ponds, which make it perfect for foraging! High Stand Woods is…
Cockermouth
It’s a date fixed in every food lover’s calendar – the flagship Taste Cumbria festival is back in Cockermouth on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September 2024.
Penrith
Why not indulge in a bit of winter magic and take part in the Winter Droving Festival. Held annually, this quirky event will return on Saturday 26th October 2024
Penrith
Film maker Alastair Lee will host the evening in his inimitable style. There will also be athlete appearances and sponsor give-aways.
The Rheged Centre, Penrith
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…
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
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