What’s on in the Lake District: June 2019

Country Fest, Westmorland County Showground, Crooklands, near Kendal

The summer season starts at the Westmorland County Showground where Country Fest will be taking place during the first weekend in June near Kendal. This is an event for the whole family with plenty to see and do, including local food and drink stalls with local chefs providing cookery demonstrations, country sports, including sheep dog trials and trail running, live music, craft and vintage goods, a kite festival, livestock demonstrations, and a canal boat festival!

• Date: Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd June, 2019
• Time: 10am to 5pm (4pm on Sunday)
• Cost: Advance Adult £8 / On the Gate £11; Advance Children 5-16 years £2 / On the Gate £3
• Tickets / More information: westmorlandshow.co.uk/country-fest

June at the Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal

If you are looking for an evening of entertainment this June, then head over to the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal. Along with all the major blockbusters showing on the centre’s cinema screens, there’s a special evening dedicated to the Kendal Mountain Festival Tour, where the cinema will screen a collection of short adventure films that will be compered by adventurer and TV presenter, Paul Rose.

On the centre’s stage, Kendal College will be performing the award winning Broadway musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, whilst comedian, Arthur Smith, is bringing his brand new show to the centre on the 21st June. Throughout the month, there are creative workshops aplenty, including family print making, flower bouquet arranging, the art of blogging, upholstery, street photography, and skirt making, plus much more.

• Date: Various dates in June
• Time: Varies
• Cost: Varies
• Tickets / More information: breweryarts.co.uk/whats-on/june

June at the Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

The summer season continues at the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, where this month’s programme has a range of dramatic and thrilling performances. Performances of My Mother Never Said I Should, a play that explores the relationship between mothers and daughters against a backdrop of social change continues this month, as does comedy, The Ladykillers. New for June at the theatre, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, is the original stage show that inspired the award winning film Little Voice, and tells the story of shy LV and her battle to find her own voice.

The Children is a play by Lucy Kirkwood that premiered in London in 2016 and was inspired by the events at Fukushima in 2011. The play tells the story of two retired nuclear scientists who are living in a remote part of the UK, whilst the rest of the world deals with a nuclear disaster, and the fallout that arises when a former colleague pays a visit. Finally, there are two musical concerts taking place at the theatre this month. Lúnasa are a traditional Irish music group who have taken Irish acoustic music around the world, whilst the Pasadena Roof Orchestra are visiting as part of their 50th anniversary tour and will be performing a range of music from the 1920s and 1930s.

• Date: Various dates in June
• Time: Varies
• Cost: Varies
• Tickets / More information: theatrebythelake.com

2 Day Core Skills Mountain Bike Course, Cyclewise, Whinlatter

Cyclewise’s popular mountain bike skills course is once again available this month, providing you with the opportunity to develop the essential mountain biking skills that you need to progress in the sport. The course covers bike set up, bike movement including weight shifting, bike stabilisation, wheel lifts, climbing, descending, and braking.

At the end of the course, you will be a more confident and competent rider and ready to take on some of the more challenging aspects of mountain biking. Day 1 will cover the techniques, and day 2 will be spent on the Cyclewise trail at Whinlatter where you can hone your newly learnt skills even further.

• Date: Saturday, 1st & Sunday, 2nd June, 2019
• Time: 9am to 4.30pm
• Cost: £150 per person, Over 18s only
• Tickets / More information: cyclewise.co.uk

Creative Workshops at Cowshed Creative, Kentmere, Near Staveley

Cowshed Creative is housed in a converted barn located on a traditional Cumbrian farm located in the beautiful Kentmere Valley. The creative arts studio is run by George who previously ran creative courses at the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal. The studio is working with local artists and experts to offer a range of workshops where you can learn a new and unique skill.

This June, workshops available include a jewellery making course where you will make a spinner ring, a photography styling workshop for those interested in product photography, a Shibori Dye course, a willow basket making course, a workshop in painted fashion, and a course where you will create a beautiful summer scene using felt. Lunch is provided for courses that are all day, whilst workshops include light refreshments. Camping is available on the farm in luxury camping pods.

• Date: Various dates in June
• Time: Varies
• Cost: £30 to £70
• Tickets / More information: farmpods.co.uk/cowshed-creative

Derwent Water Challenge, Keswick

Fancy taking on an epic challenge with outstanding views? Adventure company, Mountain Walks, are offering keen walkers the chance to take on the Derwent Water Challenge this June. It’s a 16-mile walk that starts and ends in Keswick, taking on the fells that surround Derwent Water, including Cat Bells, Grange Fell, Castle Crags, and Walla Crag.

Along the way, you will visit Watendlath Tarn, Ashness Bridge, and the pretty Borrowdale village of Rosthwaite. The walk will be led by expert mountain leaders and you will need to have a good level of fitness, being able to walk for up to 10 hours with around 1000 metres of ascent. Places are limited and advanced booking is required.

• Date: Saturday, 1st June, 2019
• Time: Meeting time 8.45pm, Estimated walk time 8-10 hours
• Cost: £35 per person
• Tickets / More information: mountain-walks.co.uk/lake-district/derwent-water

Summer Evening Buffet Cruise, Windermere Lake Cruises

Summer evenings are a delight in the Lake District as the sun dips low on the horizon, illuminating the lakes with a warm glow. This June, Windermere Lake Cruises are bringing back their popular summer evening buffet cruises on Lake Windermere. This is a two-and-a-half hour cruise launching from Bowness Pier, with a resident band on board playing a selection of jazz, latin, and pop music.

There is a two-course cold buffet, fully licenced bar, and towards the end of the cruise, the dance floor will open up. These cruises are very popular so advanced booking is highly recommended!

• Date: Every Saturday throughout June, July, & August
• Time: Sailing departs at 7pm
• Cost: Adults £32.95, Children 5-15 years £20
• Tickets / More information: windermere-lakecruises.co.uk/cruises-fares/buffet-cruise

Swallows & Artisans - Make 3D Needlefelt Toadstools & Mushrooms, Coniston

Swallows & Artisans are a creative studio that overlooks Coniston Water. This June, they are hosting local artist, Hanne Crank, who specialises in 3D needle felt art. Hanne will be leading this three-hour course where participants will use local wool to create a beautiful mushroom and toadstool scene.

During this course that is ideal for beginners, you will learn the basics of 3D needle felting and you will be able to take home your own creation, along with a needle felting kit. The course fee includes all materials and kit, as well as cakes and hot drinks. Advanced booking is required.

• Date: Tuesday, 4th June, 2019
• Time: 1pm to 4pm
• Cost: £35
• Tickets / More information: eventbrite.co.uk

Beginners' Navigation – More Than Mountains, Keswick & Bowness

The summer months are the perfect time to get into mountaineering with the calmer weather bringing much safer conditions. The best way to get into this sport is by taking part in a navigation course. This month, adventure company, More Than Mountains, are hosting two mountain navigation courses aimed at beginners, with one starting in Keswick and the other starting in Bowness-On-Windermere.

Ideal for those who have never really looked at a map before, or for those who want to be better equipped in route planning and navigation, the course will cover basics such as map symbols, orientating the map and identifying your current position, using grid references, route planning, and what to do in an emergency. The entirety of the course will take place outside, although the pace will be gentle and there will be plenty of stops. Advanced booking is essential and a kit list is available online.

• Date: Saturday, 8th June (Keswick) & Saturday 22nd June (Bowness), 2019
• Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
• Cost: £50 per person
• Tickets / More information: morethanmountains.co.uk/course/beginners-navigation

Photography Workshop, Whinlatter Forest

Walk above the tree tops at Whinlatter and you are treated to stunning views of the surrounding fells, out towards Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwent Water. This June, photographer, Steve Blake, will teach you how to capture these stunning views on camera, with this one-day course that will cover the basics of landscape photography. Advanced booking is required.

• Date: Saturday, 8th June, 2019
• Time: 10am to 4pm
• Cost: £60 per person
• Tickets / More information: forestryengland.uk

Chance Camp Family Festival, Cockermouth Rugby Club

Chance Camp run holiday sports clubs and term time sports activities in the Cockermouth area. This June, everyone is invited to their family sports festival taking place at the Cockermouth Rugby Club. Throughout the day, there will be a range of sports for families to play together, including cricket, tennis, rugby, disc golf with trophies awarded to the winning families.

In addition, there will be a mini festival village where along with stalls selling various goods and refreshments, visitors will be able to experience tasters in several activities including Pilates, archery, cheerleading, and more.

• Date: Saturday, 8th June, 2019
• Time: 10am to 4.30pm, competitive events 10am to 12pm & 1pm to 3pm
• Cost: Free entry, but charges apply for entry into competitive events – Adults £5, Children £2.50
• Tickets / More information: facebook.com/events

Keswick Beer Festival, Keswick Rugby Club

The 23rd Keswick Beer Festival takes place this June with a huge marquee taking over the pitch at the Keswick Rugby Club. It’s one of the biggest beer festivals in the area, with over 250 varieties of beer, lager, and cider to sample, plus live bands providing entertainment throughout.

The festival organisers usually aim to have around 2/3 of the beers from Cumbrian breweries, with the rest sourced from around the world. Last year, nearly 6,000 beer enthusiasts attended, and the festival sold out early, so don’t delay in getting your tickets.

• Date: Friday, 7th June & Saturday, 8th June, 2019
• Time: Friday 5pm to 11pm, Saturday 11am to 11pm
• Cost: Friday £15, Saturday £20, Two-day pass £32
• Tickets / More information: keswickbeerfestival.co.uk

Ulverston International Music Festival, Various Locations Around Ulverston

This week long annual event celebrates classical music, and this year the programme is packed with performances that will appeal to all manner of tastes. The London Tango Quintet features five acclaimed musicians with a love of Tango, including celebrity guitarist, Craig Ogden, who will also be delivering a solo performance.

The 2018 BBC Young Musician of the Year, Lauren Zhang, will be one of several pianists performing. There will also be concerts by the Royal Northern Sinfonia, Romanian pianist, Bogdan Suciu, who will be accompanied by street acrobatics and Parkour, as well as the Misha Mullov-Abbado Group who will be delivering a jazz night. There is also a hilarious family friendly concert that explores everything there is to know about the tuba. The festival ends with SongPath, a unique event that combines music with walking, nature, and wellbeing.

• Date: Friday, 7th June to Sunday, 16th June, 2019
• Time: Varies
• Cost: Ranging from Free to £25
• Tickets / More information: ulverstonmusicfestival.co.uk

The Greatest Showman Outdoor Cinema, South Lakes Safari Zoo

The blockbuster film, The Greatest Showman, has been shown on screens across the world, but this has to be one of the most unusual venues. This June, head to the South Lakes Safari Zoo for a unique outdoor screening on a giant screen of this spectacular film starring, Hugh Jackman, as P.T. Barnum who created a world famous circus show.

Filmgoers will need to bring their own chairs or a picnic blanket, and food and drink will be available before the film starts. 10% of ticket profits will be donated to Chaparri Bear Reserve to support the rehabilitation of ex-circus bears.

• Date: Sunday, 9th June, 2019
• Time: Gates open 7.30pm, film starts shortly after sunset
• Cost: £14.50 per person, or £48 per family (2 adults & 2 children under 16)
• Tickets / More information: facebook.com/events

Textravaganza, The Rheged Centre, Penrith

Throughout June, the Rheged Centre is hosting an exhibition of all forms of textile arts. Thread: Contemporary Textiles is free to enter and showcases a wide range of textile art. On the 8th and 9th June, to coincide with the exhibition, the centre will host Textravaganza.

This event will bring together over 30 textile artists from the local area, covering a wide range of crafts, including handmade teddy bears, textile sculptures, clothing, home furnishings, felt art, tapestry, and more. Visitors will be able to purchase items from the exhibitors and learn more about their crafts. There will also be information and advice on how to develop your own skills through local workshops and groups.

• Date: Saturday, 8th & Sunday, 9th June, 2019
• Time: 10am to 5pm (4pm on Sunday)
• Cost: Free
• Tickets / More information: rheged.com/event/textravaganza

Spirit Wings and Beautiful Things: Mind, Body and Spirit Fayre, Carlisle Racecourse

Get in touch with your spiritual side this June and head over to Carlisle Racecourse where they will be hosting a two-day Mind, Body, and Spirit fayre. Throughout this event, there will be around 50 exhibitors in attendance covering a range of alternative therapies and specialities, including tarot card readers, crystal healing, palm readers, and more.

There will also be a good number of stalls selling goods, such as crystals, jewellery, unique art, and natural cosmetics, bath products, and scented candles, as well as clothing and gifts. There will be free talks and workshops on a range of topics.

• Date: Saturday, 8th & Sunday, 9th June, 2019
• Time: 10am to 4pm
• Cost: Adults £3 with Accompanied Children under 15 Free
• Tickets / More information: facebook.com/events

Body on the Pearl Murder Mystery Dinner, Castle Green Hotel, Kendal

Avast ye hearties and batten down the hatches! Whilst in search for some booty in the Caribbean Seas, a body has been discovered on board the Black Pearl, ready to be used as shark bait, but who is the putrid pirate responsible for such a heinous crime?

This June, join After Dark Murder Mystery Events at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal for an evening of intrigue and mystery, as you attempt to solve the case and tuck into a delicious three-course meal with a pirate themed menu. Booking is essential.

• Date: Friday, 14th June, 2019
• Time: 7pm to 11pm
• Cost: £38 (Includes arrival drink and three-course meal)
• Tickets / More information: castlegreen.co.uk/events

Force Crag Mine Open Day, Braithwaite

At the far end of the Coledale Valley, the last mineral mine to be worked in the Lake District can be found. Force Crag mine was worked in for over 200 years by men bringing zinc, lead, and other precious minerals from out under the Coledale Valley fells and then out of the valley along the road to be used in manufacturing around the country.

The mine was finally closed in 1990 following severe flooding. Since then, the National Trust has worked with various groups to preserve the site, and it now opens up the mine for guided tours on a select number of dates throughout the year. There is no public vehicle access to the mine. You either have to walk or cycle the 2 ½ mile trail from Braithwaite or book your place on a shuttle vehicle operated by the National Trust.

• Date: Saturday, 15th June, 2019
• Time: 10.30am to 3pm with tours available throughout the day
• Cost: £6 (Cash payment on the day)
• Tickets / More information: nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Cumbria VAG Show & Shine Festival, Westmorland County Showground, Near Kendal

Now in its tenth year, the Cumbria VAG Show and Shine Festival is a celebration of German engineering from the VAG (VW, Audi, Seat & Skoda) brand combined with a huge party on the Saturday night. There will be a huge array of VAG and non VAG cars on display throughout this weekend.

The party on Saturday night will feature performances from various Drum & Bass musicians and overnight camping is available. On Sunday, there will be awards for various category of car, live music, and trade and club stands.

• Date: Saturday, 15th & Sunday, 16th June, 2019
• Time: Gate opens 12.30pm Saturday and closes at 9pm; Public entry on Sunday from 10am
• Cost: Sunday Day Ticket £10, Weekend Camping Ticket £30
• Tickets / More information: cumbriavag.co.uk

Askham Hall Summer Fête, Askham, Near Penrith

This Father’s Day, join Askham Hall for a day of family friendly fun at their annual summer fête. The event includes live music from the Penrith Town Band, as well as a selection of acoustic performers, and there will be traditional garden games, such as giant Jenga.

In addition, visitors will be able to take part in a treasure hunt, try archery, and participate in a gardening workshop. There will several stallholders in attendance selling locally made crafts, produce, and plants, and the hall’s café will be open with a BBQ in the courtyard.

• Date: Sunday, 16th June, 2019
• Time: 11am to 6pm
• Cost: Adults £3, Children under 16 free
• Tickets / More information: askhamhall.co.uk

The Cumberland Show, East Park, Brisco, Near Carlisle

The Cumberland Show near Carlisle is the flagship event for the Cumberland Agricultural Society and it is designed to promote and celebrate Cumbrian agriculture, food, and countryside. The show is an excellent day out for the entire family. There will be a range of livestock on display, rural crafts and skills, a food hall selling a range of local goods, various trade stands, and other craft and gift stalls.

In the main ring, there are pony displays and vintage vehicles, whilst over in the countryside area, you will find dog displays and a ferret show. To keep you entertained, there is a tug-of-war tournament, a model farm, circus workshops, and, of course, Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling. There will also be children’s activities and much more.

• Date: Saturday, 15th June, 2019
• Time: 8am to 6pm
• Cost: Adults £15 on the day or £11 in advance if ordered before 12.06.19; Children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult
• Tickets / More information: cumberlandshow.co.uk

Another Fine Fest, Ulverston Town Centre

Another Fine Fest returns to the streets of Ulverston this year, where once again the town’s streets will be filled with live music, theatre, comedy and more, all to celebrate the birth of Stan Laurel. Laurel was born in the town and this festival honours his memory with laughter and fun activities, such as window painting and yarn bombing.

Around 15,000 people are expected to attend and, in 2016, the festival set a world record for the biggest ever shaving foam pie fight that involved 1,180 people. There are workshops to attend in various creative arts, and multiple outdoor stages will be set up around the town centre where acts will be performing.

• Date: Saturday, 15th & Sunday, 16th June, 2019
• Time: 10am to 8pm
• Cost: Free
• Tickets / More information: anotherfinefest.co.uk

June Events at Lowther Castle, near Penrith

Lowther Castle has two events taking place this month. The first is on the 15th and 16th June, where the castle has teamed up with Etsy – the online marketplace for artists – to host a summer market. Visitors will be able to browse and purchase items created by Etsy artists and crafters from across Cumbria, including jewellery, artwork, natural bath products, home furnishings and more. Entry to the market, which will take place in the castle’s courtyard, is free.

On the 27th of June, there’s an opportunity to enjoy a garden tour with head gardener, Martin Ogle. This tour will focus on the Rose Garden, an ambitious project that will see a fountain at the centre with surrounding plants representing the petals of a rose. The tour costs £20, which includes entry to the castle, grounds, exhibition, tour, and tea/coffee and a tray bake in the café after the tour where there will be a question and answer session.

• Date: Market 15th & 16th June, Tour 27th June, 2019
• Time: Market 10am to 5pm, Tour 1.30pm
• Cost: Market entry free (castle & gardens admission not included) / Tour £20
• Tickets / More information: lowthercastle.org

Lakes Charity Classic Vehicle Show 2019, Grasmere Show Ground

Organised by the Windermere & Ambleside Lions Club, the Lakes Charity Classic Vehicle Show features around 300 classic vehicles and visitors can bring their own vehicles to take part. Visitors are asked to score their favourite vehicles with prizes awarded based on those scores. Refreshments are available and visitors can also sign up for the Pit Stop Challenge.

Teams of 4 compete against other teams to change all four wheels on a car in the fastest time possible. All the proceeds raised by the event will be donated to the Kendal branch of Parkinson’s UK and Headway, the brain injury association, as well as the Lions Club to support them to put on further fundraising events.

• Date: Sunday, 16th June, 2019
• Time: 10am to 4.30pm
• Cost: £7 per person or £15 per family (two adults & two children); Vehicle owners can get entry for their vehicle and two people for £7
• Tickets / More information: lakesclassiccarshow.org.uk

Summer Solstice Guided Walk, Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick

June sees the arrival of the Summer Solstice and, this year, the Lake District Hotels group are offering hotel residents and members of the public the chance to join a guided walk from Keswick to the Castlerigg Stone Circle in the early hours of the morning, in time to see the sun rise on the longest day of the year.

Costing £20 for non-hotel residents, walkers will meet at 3am in Keswick town centre and walk the 1.7 miles to the stone circle. Once there, they will enjoy a hot breakfast of porridge or sausage and bacon sandwiches, and witness the druid rituals that will be marking the sunrise.

• Date: Friday, 21st June, 2019
• Time: 3am to 6am
• Cost: £20
• Tickets / More information: tickettailor.com/events

Women Only Outdoor Activity Retreat with Path to Adventure, Coniston

This June, join a group of like-minded women on a weekend long adventure in the beautiful Coppermines valley by Coniston. You will be spending the night in a mountaineering hut in the valley, and during the day you will be able to join in with a range of activities including canoeing, ghyll scrambling, abseiling, and walking.

Evenings will be spent cooking and chatting around a campfire. The fee includes all accommodation, meals, activities, and safety equipment. Participants need to have a moderate level of fitness.

• Date: Friday, 21st to Sunday, 23rd June, 2019
• Time: 5pm Friday to 3pm Sunday
• Cost: £220
• Tickets / More information: pathtoadventure.co.uk/women-only-retreat-lake-district

Summer Solstice Starlight Swim, Fell Foot Park, Newby Bridge

Celebrate the summer solstice in a unique fashion this June by joining in with a starlight swim. This is a wild swim in the southern end of Windermere with light from glowsticks and buoys for guidance.

This is not a race, with participants able to swim as many laps as they like within 30 minutes, all within a marked safety zone with kayakers on hand to help out. The registration fee includes a swim cap, medal, glass of Pimms, and free photos to download after the event. Advanced registration is essential.

• Date: Friday, 21st June, 2019
• Time: Registration 8.15pm, 9.30pm start
• Cost: £25
• Tickets / More information: sleekerswim.co.uk

Step up to the Plate: Walk the Ullswater Way for Hospice at Home, Ullswater

Take on a challenge this June and raise money for a great cause at the same time by walking the Ullswater Way for Hospice at Home. This charity walk will see participants walking 20miles around Ullswater (with a shorter 10-mile route also available) and, this year, the event has a Cumbrian food theme, with stops along the way offering Cumbrian delicacies to fuel the walkers.

This is a dog friendly event that will start at Pooley Bridge, where local canine celebrities Max, Paddy, and Harry will be on hand giving out free doggy treats. Participants agree to raise a minimum of £125 and will receive a t-shirt, water bottle, and badge. Along with the refreshment stops. there will be a grab and go breakfast at the start and a hot meal at the end.

• Date: Saturday, 22nd June, 2019
• Time: Expected start time 8am. Estimated walking time for full 20-mile route is 10 to 12 hours
• Cost: Entry fee for adults £30 with £125 minimum sponsorship
• Tickets / More information: hospiceathome.co.uk

Where Is Peter Rabbit? The Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness-On-Windermere

Returning for the summer season, the hugely popular show, Where is Peter Rabbit? will be on stage daily from 22nd June at the Old Laundry Theatre, next door to the World of Beatrix Potter attraction. Potter’s most beloved characters will be brought to life with beautiful puppets and fabulous songs that include lyrics by Sir Alan Ayckbourn.

All the favourites will be there, including Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, and the show features voice-overs from some well-known personalities, including Griff Rhys Jones. Combined tickets are available that include entrance to the World of Beatrix Potter attraction.

• Date: Daily from Saturday, 22nd June, 2019 (except Fridays)
• Time: Up to three shows per day at 11am, 1.30pm, & 3.00pm
• Cost: Show only Child £9, Adult £11, Show + Attraction Child £12, Adult £17.50
• Tickets / More information: hop-skip-jump.ticketsolve.com

Woolfest, Mitchell’s Lakeland Livestock Centre, Cockermouth

Woolfest is a celebration of every stage of natural fibres, from the fleece that is removed from livestock, to yarn and the crafted products it’s used to create. The festival is a must for anyone interested in crafts using wool, but it is also an interesting and varied day out. There’s a rare breeds parade, sheep shearing demonstrations, a craft auction, and various talks.

In addition, there will be a giant knit and spin, where 100 people will be knitting together, plus a plethora of demonstrations and workshops in wool crafts. For those seeking inspiration for their own crafting, there will be numerous traders in attendance, and food and drink will be available to buy throughout the event.

• Date: Friday, 28th & Saturday, 29th June, 2019
• Time: 10am to 5pm
• Cost: Adult One-Day Ticket (includes programme & parking) £10; Two-Day Ticket £15; Accompanied Children Free
• Tickets / More information: woolfest.co.uk

Lakeland Trails Ambleside 14K & 23K Trail Run

Lakeland Trails are an established organisation that organise several trail runs across the Lake District throughout the year. On the 29th of June, the group will be in Ambleside with their Ultra 100K race. That event is now full, but places are still available on the 14K and the 23K trail runs. Both events start and end in Ambleside, taking in Rydal Water and Loughrigg fell.

Entry fees include a technical t-shirt, a professional photo taken on the course, electronic chip timing, and a fully waymarked and marshalled route. The 14K has a water station along the way, whilst the 23K has two feed stations. Advanced booking is essential and there are limited places available.

• Date: Saturday, 29th June, 2019
• Time: TBC
• Cost: 14K £29, 23K £38
• Tickets / More information: lakelandtrails.org

Cockermouth Live, Cockermouth

Cockermouth Live returns this June to the small town on the western edge of the Lake District. The annual festival is bigger than ever this year, featuring 90 different performances across 18 venues, as well as an art display that will be taking over the shop windows around the town. This year’s festival welcomes headline act Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri. Kiki Dee has previously had a number one hit with Elton John in 1976 with Don’t Go Breaking My Heart and has since teamed up with guitarist, Carmelo Luggeri, to perform in venues across the UK and Europe.

In addition, throughout the event, various local singers and bands will perform in cafés and pubs around the town. Wordsworth House will be hosting poetry sessions, and Cockermouth Castle, which is not normally open to the public, will open its gardens for several performances, and there will be special tours of the castle available, with advanced booking required. Whilst most events are free, tickets are required for some of the performances.

• Date: Friday, 28th June to Sunday, 30th June, 2019
• Time: Varies
• Cost: From Free to £20
• Tickets / More information: cockermouthfestival.org

Keswick Midsummer Festival (Including Keswick Scruffs), Fitz Park, Keswick

The Keswick Midsummer Festival is a series of events that celebrate the summer season over a long weekend. The event kicks off on the Friday evening where local rock bands will be performing on a temporary stage erected in the town centre. On Saturday, there will be more music with a prom in the park, and there will be an outdoor painting competition that is free to enter with all types of materials welcome.

The festival ends on the Sunday with Keswick Scruffs, a fun dog show that celebrates Keswick’s status as one of the most dog friendly towns in the UK. The show offers an alternative to traditional dog shows with award categories that include the Waggiest Tail, the Best Biscuit Catcher, and the Most Appealing Eyebrows. There are some fabulous prizes to be won, including vouchers, camping stays, meals, and guided walks.

• Date: Friday, 28th June to Sunday, 30th June, 2019
• Time: TBC
• Cost: Free entry (dog award entry £3 per category)
• Tickets / More information: facebook.com/KeswickFestival | keswick-scruffs.co.uk

Much Ado About Nothing, Blackwell the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-On-Windermere

Three Inch Fools are a theatre company who are well known for their inspiring productions in locations across the country, and this summer, they will be performing Shakespeare’s comedy, Much Ado About Nothing on the lawn at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House.

This hilarious performance will feature just five actors and a range of musical instruments. Visitors will need to bring their own seating (either camping chairs or picnic blankets) and dress for the weather. Picnics are welcome.

• Date: Friday, 28th June, 2019
• Time: Show starts 7pm, Grounds open at 6pm for picnics
• Cost: Adults £16, Under 18 £8, Family (Two Adults + Two Children 10-18 years £40), Under 10s Free
• Tickets / More information: blackwell.org.uk

Ullswater Country Fair, King George V Playing Field, Patterdale

The country fair season continues at the end of this month with the return of the Ullswater Country Fair at Patterdale, near Glenridding. The show has something for everyone, with stallholders selling a range of goods, falconry displays, dog shows and displays, vintage tractors, dry stone walling demonstrations, and a shepherd’s crook show.

For running enthusiasts, the show features the Arnison Dash which is a 3km race with a gruelling 300 metres of climbing from the show field to the top of Arnison Crag. The local school also organises a series of races for children.

• Date: Sunday, 30th June, 2019
• Time: Show field opens 10.30am
• Cost: Adults £5, Children £2.50, Under 10s Free
• Tickets / More information: ullswatercountryfair.co.uk