What’s On in the Lake District This 2017 August Bank Holiday Weekend

Well, the weather might make it seem like summer has already ended but we still have the August bank holiday to look forward to. The extra day off for many people means that this is a popular weekend for events to take place. Here in the Lake District you won’t struggle to find something to do, instead, you will probably struggle to fit it all in!

Carlisle Fringe Festival Closing Weekend

Sunny Carlisle Castle

Carlisle Castle

The Carlisle Fringe Festival is a ten-day long affair, and its closing weekend falls on the August Bank Holiday. Highlights for the weekend include the large international market that is taking over the city’s pedestrianised area, a free family friendly production about the legend of King Arthur, and an open mic night at Carlisle train station’s pub, 301 Miles From London.

Agricultural Shows

Famous Herdwick Sheep

The Lake District's Famous Herdwick Sheep

It’s a popular weekend for agricultural shows as the farming year draws to a close. You will find plenty to keep the whole family entertained at the shows, including animal displays, sporting competitions, market stalls, bouncy castles and fairground rides, show jumping, and much more.

Keswick Show

  • Date: Monday, 28th August, 2017
  • Cost: Adults £8, Children 6-16 Years £2, Children Under 6 Free.
  • Website: www.keswickshow.co.uk

Grasmere Sports

  • Date: Sunday, 27th August, 2017
  • Cost: Adults £9, Children 5-14 Years £4, Children Under 5 Free
  • Website: www.grasmeresports.com

Blackcombe Country Fair

Wannasee Festival

People at a concert

Headlined by Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist and Meat Loaf impersonator, Peat Loaf, Wannasee features some of Britain’s most talented tribute acts. Acts include Queen II, Absolute Bowie, Bee Gees Fever, and many more. Taking place in the beautiful grounds of Hutton-In-The-Forest, this is a great opportunity to rock your heart out.

  • Date: Friday, 25th August – Sunday, 27th August, 2017
  • Cost: Adults £20-£45, Youth 14-17 Years £12-£25, Children Under 14 Years £0-£5
  • Website: www.wannaseefestival.com/penrith

Ambleside Antiques and Collectors Fair

Antique Items

Marekusz / Bigstockphoto.com

Lakes Fashion & Collectables organise antiques fairs across the county throughout the year. This August Bank Holiday weekend a fair is taking place in Ambleside, in the Kelsick Centre on St Mary’s Lane. The fair features a range of collectables including jewellery, antique ornaments, and artwork. The fair operates from 10am – 7pm on the Saturday and 10am – 4pm on the Sunday.

Medieval Muncaster

Muncaster Castle

Muncaster Castle

Bringing history to life, the Medieval Muncaster weekend at Muncaster Castle features performances from the Red Wyvern re-enactment society. The weekend focuses on the period of time during the Wars of the Roses, when Cumbria was bitterly fought over by the Yorkists and the Lancastrians. See how knights were trained and have a go at archery. The festival is free but normal entry fees to the castle gardens and hawk and owl centre apply.

Race the Tide – Ravenglass

Group of runners

Claiming to be the Lake District’s best all natural adventure race, Race the Tide combines a gruelling fell race with a mini festival. Opt for the 7km route, or push yourself to the limit with the 12km race. Both take in marshland, fells, and water crossings. The race starts and ends at Muncaster Castle, where following the race you can attend a ceilidh with an extravagant feast. Camping at the castle is available, and entry also includes entrance to the castle’s gardens and hawk and owl centre.

  • Date: Saturday, 26th August – Monday, 28th August, 2017
  • Cost: £19-£49
  • Website: www.racethetide.com

The Take That Experience – Theatre by the Lake

Theatre by the Lake

Theatre by the Lake (Phil Davies / Wikipedia.org)

This year marks 25 years of boy band Take That wowing fans with their brand of pop music. Their successful formula has been copied by hundreds of bands since, some more successful than others. The band is so popular that there are also a handful of tribute acts, with one of the most successful being The Take That Experience, who have been copying the famous five for ten years. For one night only the tribute band are performing live at the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick.

Solfest

Concert crowd

There are still tickets with camping available for Solfest, west Cumbria’s largest music festival. This year’s headline act is Newton Faulkner, who is joined by a host of up and coming and local talent. There are plenty of other activities around the festival garden to keep the whole family entertained in between the live acts, including a children’s area, street performers, and a market.

  • Date: Friday, 25th August – Sunday, 27th August, 2017
  • Cost: Adults £109, Children 12-17 £65, Children 4-11 £20, Children Under 4 Free
  • Website: www.solfest.org.uk

Patterdale Dog Day

Border Collie

Border Collie

Patterdale Dog Day takes place in the tiny village of Patterdale, at the southern end of Ullswater and at the end of the Kirkstone Pass. The day will feature sheep dog trials, hound trail demonstrations, and judging competitions for a range of working dogs. It’s a celebration of the role of man’s best friend in the farming industry. Hot food and beer is available.

Creating Joy

Woman Meditating

Creating Joy is a retreat styled mini festival taking place in Fell Foot Wood that overlooks southern Windermere. The weekend long event aims to bring like-minded individuals together in a spiritual environment where they will be encouraged to create joy through a range of crafting workshops. Visitors will be able to join in with meditation sessions, yoga classes, or expressive dance, as well as listen to music or have some reiki treatment. Tickets are available either for one day, or for the whole weekend with or without camping.

  • Date: Friday, 25th August – Monday, 28th August, 2017
  • Cost: Adults £35-£98, Children £20-£35
  • Website: www.followingthejoy.com