What’s on in the Lake District: March 2019

The Keswick Film Festival, The Theatre By The Lake / Alhambra Cinema, Keswick

The Keswick Film Festival continues this month, having launched at the end of February. Most screenings take place at the Alhambra Cinema and the Theatre by the Lake, but there are some additional screenings over at the Rheged Centre near Penrith.

Now in its 20th year, the festival is a fabulous opportunity to enjoy some independent film-making, with screenings of films that you won’t necessarily find in mainstream cinemas. One highlight of the event is the Osprey Short Film Awards, which recognises the achievements of local film makers in Cumbria.

• Date: Thursday, 28th February to Sunday, 3rd March, 2019
• Time: Varies
• Cost: Individual screenings £7, Festival passes £60
• Tickets / More Information: keswickfilmclub.org

Quirky Workshops – Needle Felting & More, The Greystoke Cycle Café, Near Penrith

The Greystoke Café near Penrith hosts a series of quirky workshops throughout the year. The workshops, usually lasting all day with lunch included, often provide a basic introduction to a lesser known craft activity and are led by experts in their field.

During this March workshop, attendees can learn how to make a needle felt hare, a porcelain plant pot, some funky felt slippers, a needlefelt Herdwick doorstop, or some artisan bread and scones. Advanced booking is required.

• Date: Various dates in March
• Time: Varies
• Cost: Varies
• Tickets / More Information: quirkyworkshops.co.uk

Theatre, Music, & More at The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal

If you are heading to the south lakes this March and looking for some evening entertainment, check out the March programme at the Brewery Arts Centre. Theatre highlights include The Gut Girls, which explores the lives of girls who worked in the gutting sheds of cattle markets during the Edwardian era. There's also Green Ginger: Intronauts, which is a wacky and absurd show exploring what would happen if microscopic human cleaners could be injected into other humans to carry out essential maintenance. There are several concerts at the centre this month, with performances by fiddle group Blazin’ Fiddles, Celtic singer, Karen Matheson, and politically charged duo, Sleaford Mods, amongst others.

Comedy fans will be pleased with this month’s programme that includes performances by well-known comedians, Reginald D Hunter and Jason Manford. Comedian and Edinburgh Fringe winner, Mark Thomas, will be taking an irreverent look at the NHS, whilst Rachel Parris, star of BBC’s The Mash Report, is bringing her popular tour to the centre this month. In addition, throughout the month the centre is hosting a number of creative and learning workshops. Topics covered include etching, upholstery, porcelain, yoga, and German conversation.

• Date: Various dates in March
• Time: Varies
• Cost: Varies
• Tickets / More Information: breweryarts.co.uk

March at the Theatre By The Lake, Keswick

This month at the Theatre by the Lake much of the stage time is taken up by either the Keswick Film Festival or the Words by the Water festival. However, for theatre fans there are still a good number of shows to choose from. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance. 

• No Miracles Here – The story of Ray, a young man with mental illness who joins a dance marathon competition. Filled with live music and dancing, it’s a show that will make you smile. Tuesday, 5th March at 7.30pm.
• Creditors – A new version of August Strindberg’s black comedy exploring the relationship between Adolph, a young artist, and his wife, Tekla. Daily between Friday, 22nd & Saturday, 30th March, 2019 at 7.30pm.
• VERVE Mixed Bill – An evening of original dance from dance company VERVE. Friday, 22nd March at 7.30pm.
• The Thief, The Fox, & The Phoenix – A family friendly performance of a folk tale about a fox and a thief who are hunting an enchanted phoenix, told through aerial circus, dance, and music. Saturday, 23rd March, 2019 at 12pm & 3pm.
• Royal Northern Sinfonia – An evening of classical music performed by the Royal Northern Sinfonia with a pre-concert talk available with orchestra members. Sunday, 24th March at 7.30pm (Talk starts at 6.45pm).
• Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad’s controversial novel is turned upside down in this adaptation that sees a female Congolese detective sent to a fallen Europe filled with concentration camps in an alternative post-war history. 26th, 27th, 29th, & 30th March at 7.30pm.

Live Music Nights At Baha, Bowness-On-Windermere

Baha is a sophisticated café lounge in Bowness-On-Windermere that hosts live music nights each weekend. This month performers include popular Cumbrian singe,r Cory Spedding, classic rock covers band, the Thieving Magpies, jazz and soul singer, Becki Fishwick, and funk & soul duo, Louise Spiteri and Chris Hodder. Events are free but booking a table is recommended.

• Date: Weekends in March
• Time: Varies
• Cost: Free (charges for food and drink apply)
• Tickets / More Information: cafebar.bahabowness.com

Exclusive Tour Of Hill Top, Near Sawrey, Hawkshead

Hill Top Farm is Beatrix Potter’s former home. She bequeathed the house and all its contents to the National Trust and today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Lake District. The house is closed every Friday outside of the school holidays in order to allow essential maintenance to take place, but this March, the National Trust are opening the doors on Fridays for a small number of guests to take an exclusive tour without the usual crowds. Advanced booking is essential as spaces are limited.

• Date: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th March 2019
• Time: 2pm to 3pm
• Cost: £15 per person
• Tickets / More Information: nationaltrust.org.uk

Photo Walks With Carmen Norman & George Fisher, Keswick

A must for budding landscape photographers, this event has been organised by outdoor gear retailer George Fisher with expert photographer, Carmen Norman. Spend a day walking in the fells with Carmen and learn about how to get the most out of your DSLR camera. You will get the chance to take some beautiful photos with help and tips from Carmen.

The walk will start at the George Fisher store in Keswick and participants will head towards Friars Crag and Derwent Water before walking along the eastern side of Derwent Water towards Ashness Bridge and then onto Lodore Falls. The route is just under 5 miles on good paths so you will need to be of moderate fitness to take part. Advanced booking is essential.

• Date: Monday, 4th March, 2019
• Time: 8am to 3pm
• Cost: £50
• Tickets / More Information: georgefisher.co.uk

Guided Walks & Conservation At Eycott Hill Nature Reserve

Eycott Hill is a tranquil nature reserve with fabulous views. It lies on the eastern edge of the Lake District, overlooked by the summit of Blencathra, and is a delightful place for a low level walk. Managed by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust it is home to wildflowers, colourful insects including butterflies and dragonflies, and an array of birds including lapwing, skylarks, and birds of prey.

This month, there are two opportunities to learn more about the reserve, with guided walks taking place on Tuesday the 5th and Saturday, 30th March. These walks are free to attend but donations to the trust are welcome. Alternatively, on the 6th March, the reserve will be hosting a conservation day. Volunteers are asked to help with a range of tasks, such as drystone walling and planting.

• Date: Guided Walks 5th & 30th March, 2019 | Conservation Day 6th March, 2019
• Time: 5th March Guided Walk 11am to 1pm, 30th March Guided Walk 10am to 12pm, 6th March Conservation Day 10am to 3.30pm
• Cost: Free; Donations welcome
• Tickets / More Information: cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/eycott-hill

Words By The Water, Theatre By The Lake

Held every year at Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake, Words by the Water is literature festival organised by Ways With Words, who host other literary festivals across the country. It’s an opportunity for literature lovers and aspiring writers to meet great writers, commentators, and thinkers who will be talking on a diverse range of topics.

Throughout the ten day festival, there will be daily talks and workshops. Guest speakers include Bake-Off judge, Prue Leith, former MP and Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, explorer, Chris Bonnington, and poet, Roger McGough. You can either purchase tickets for single events or buy an event pass that covers multiple events, either for one day or multiple days.

• Date: Friday, 8th to Sunday, 17th March, 2019
• Time: Varies
• Cost: Single events from £10; Day passes from £24; Multi-day event pass £160
• Tickets / More Information: wayswithwords.co.uk

Wild Women Days, Whinlatter Forest

Have a girls’ day out with a difference this March. Whinlatter Forest are hosting a series of Wild Women Days, where experienced instructors will be leading a day of adventure and fun for women. On the day, you can learn various outdoor skills, such as foraging and cooking plants, lighting a fire using traditional methods, and wood carving. Participants will need to bring waterproof clothing, walking boots, and a packed lunch. Booking is essential.

• Date: Friday, 8th March, 2019; Further date Friday, 26th April, 2019
• Time: 10am to 2.30pm
• Cost: £30
• Tickets / More Information: forestryengland.uk/forest-event/events-whinlatter/wild-women-days

Dan Snow: An Evening With The History Guy, Carnegie Theatre, Workington

BAFTA award winning historian, Dan Snow, has presented numerous history television shows, some of which have taken him into active war zones. He is currently touring the UK and his unique show will feature interesting historical facts and stories about each town on the tour. This show at Workington’s Carnegie Theatre will be of interest to anyone who is keen to learn more about local history and it will be followed with a 20-minute long question and answer session.

• Date: Friday, 8th March, 2019
• Time: 7.30pm
• Cost: £26
• Tickets / More Information: carnegietheatre.ticketsolve.com

The Malcolm Wilson Rally, Various Locations

After last year’s event was sadly cancelled due to a lack of forestry availability, the Malcolm Wilson Rally returns to Cumbria this March for the 43rd time. Scrutineering for the rally will take place the day before on Friday, 8th March in the centre of Cockermouth between 2pm and 9pm. Floodlights will be erected on Main Street and spectators will be able to view the cars as they are checked for compliance and safety.

The M-Sport WRC car and WRC trophy will also be on display and there will be plenty of merchandise available to buy. On Saturday, 9th March the rally will take place, visiting forests across Cumbria, including Whinlatter, Wythop, and Grizedale. Full details of the route and where to watch the cars will be available closer to the race.

• Date: Saturday, 9th March, 2019
• Time: 8am to 6pm
• Cost: Free (Parking charges for some areas will apply)
• Tickets / More Information: malcolmwilson.co.uk

The Poetry Business Writing School, Dove Cottage & The Wordsworth Museum, Grasmere

This month there is a unique opportunity to hear contemporary poetry read aloud by the writers at Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s former home. This free event will see twelve graduates of the Poetry Business Writing School each perform samples of their poetry for around five minutes each.

The Poetry Business Writing School is a course funded by the Arts Council England for established poets. Many of the poets who will be reading at this event have been widely published and some are poets in residence at various establishments. This event is free, but advanced booking is highly recommended to guarantee getting a place.

• Date: Sunday, 10th March, 2019
• Time: 2pm to 4pm
• Cost: Free
• Tickets / More Information: wordsworth.org.uk

Introduction To Growing Vegetables, Larch Cottage Nurseries, Melkinthorpe, Penrith

Once the spring bulbs have finished flowering it’s time to start prepping the ground ready to grow this year’s season of vegetable crops. You can learn more about how to grow your own vegetables at this workshop held at Larch Cottage Nurseries near Penrith.

The garden centre has grown a myriad of vegetables, despite the Cumbrian climate, and the course will cover how to design a vegetable garden, techniques for crop rotation, and which crops you should choose. The course focuses particularly on growing vegetables in the Cumbrian climate, and coffee is given on arrival. Advanced booking required.

• Date: Tuesday, 12th March, 2019
• Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm
• Cost: £15
• Tickets / More Information: larchcottage.co.uk

A Pandemonium of Poe, The Old Fire Station, Carlisle

American writer, Edgar Allan Poe, is best known for his eerie and mysterious tales. This month a selection of Poe’s sinister stories will be performed on stage, led by the terrifying and spooky Dr Trevellyan. The show is the latest adaptation by Don’t Go Into The Cellar!, a theatre company who specialise in adaptations of 19th century ghost and horror stories. Advanced booking is recommended.

• Date: Thursday, 14th March, 2019
• Time: Doors 7pm, Show 8pm
• Cost: £10
• Tickets / More Information: oldfirestation.carlisle.city

Mark Thompson's Spectacular Science Show, Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven

Mark Thompson first debuted his Spectacular Science Show in 2016 at the Edinburgh Fringe, where it sold out. Since then, he has taken his show to schools and theatres across the country. This month, Mark will be performing at the Rosehill Theatre at Whitehaven.

He will be conducting fabulous visual experiences, such as exploding elephant’s toothpaste and howling Jelly Babies. Featuring pyrotechnics and loud bangs, Mark will show that science is far from boring and the show is suitable for adults and children.

• Date: Friday, 15th March, 2019
• Time: 10am & 1.30pm
• Cost: £8
• Tickets / More Information: rosehilltheatre.co.uk

Cumbria Life Home and Garden Show 2019, The Rheged Centre, Penrith

Cumbria has a rich arts and crafts heritage and this is celebrated at the Cumbria Life Home and Garden Show that takes place this month at the Rheged Centre in Penrith. The show is a celebration of home and garden design, with over 80 suppliers from the north of England and southern Scotland in attendance.

Throughout the event, there will be talks, demonstrations, and masterclasses from design experts, and topics covered include lighting, recycling, home decoration, gardening, eco-living, candle making, and much more. There are also activities for children. Weekend passes are available, but masterclasses must be booked and paid for separately.

• Date: Friday, 15th to Sunday, 17th March, 2019
• Time: 9am to 5pm (4pm on Sunday)
• Cost: Day Tickets £5 in advance, £7 on the day; Weekend tickets £10, Masterclasses £10 to £25
• Tickets / More Information: rheged.com

Landscapes In Acrylic Paint, Thuline Gallery, Windermere

Thuline is a Belgian artist who runs occasional workshops from her studio-gallery in the centre of Windermere. She is best known for her images of farm animals, with a particular focus on cows, but this month she is running a workshop on landscape painting using acrylic paint.

Participants will use a photo of their favourite landscape (or borrow one from the studio) and they will paint it using the techniques taught on the course, including colour mixing and brush strokes. All materials are included in the course fee.

• Date: Saturday, 16th March, 2019
• Time: 10am to 4pm
• Cost: £50
• Tickets / More Information: thuline.com/artworkshops

Marmalade Festival 2019, Dalemain, Near Penrith

The annual and original marmalade festival returns to Dalemain this March, celebrating the delightful citrus treat. The event features all things marmalade with market stalls, cookery demonstrations, talks, and entertainment that includes music, storytelling, and a human fruit machine. There will be tastings galore and an awards ceremony recognising the world’s best marmalade.

Marmalade experts will be on hand for questions. Entry to the festival courtyard is free, with a charge of £5 for entry to the house and gardens where thousands of marmalades will be on display. The festival takes place on the Saturday, and, on the Sunday, the house will be open with marmalade displays and tastings.

• Date: Saturday, 16th March, 2019
• Time: 10am to 2pm
• Cost: £5
• Tickets / More Information: dalemain.com/marmalade-festival

Daffodils & Mother’s Day at Lowther Castle

Lowther Castle is hosting two events this March. The first takes place on Thursday, 21st March and is a garden tour that explores the daffodils of the castle’s grounds. The tour will be led by head gardener, Martin Ogle, who will explore some of the stories behind the flowers and after the tour you can ask Martin some questions whilst enjoying a hot drink and cake in the café, included in the price.

Sunday, 31st March, 2019 is Mothering Sunday and Lowther Castle is offering a delicious afternoon tea in the castle’s café. The afternoon tea must be booked 24 hours in advance and mothers will receive free entry to the castle.

• Date: Daffodil Tour Thursday 21st March, 2019, Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Sunday, 31st March, 2019
• Time: Daffodil Tour 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Afternoon Tea 2.30pm to 4pm
• Cost: Daffodil Tour £20, including castle entry, coffee and cake, Afternoon Tea Normal entry fees apply and charges for food applicable
• Tickets / More Information: lowthercastle.org

Scafell Pike Sunset Walk, Wasdale

Mountain Adventure Lake District are a specialist outdoor activity company who offer various challenges and events. This March, they are hosting a special walk to the summit of Scafell Pike. Departing Wasdale Head National Trust campsite in the afternoon, walkers will be led up to the summit to arrive just before sunset.

At the summit, walkers will be treated to some Champagne as they watch the sun go down, before heading back down to Wasdale in darkness with careful guidance from the Mountain Adventure team. Walkers will then be invited to join everyone for a pint in the pub. A professional photographer will be accompanying the group. Advanced booking is required.

• Date: Saturday, 23rd March, 2019
• Time: Departing Wasdale at 2.30pm
• Cost: £35
• Tickets / More Information: mountainadventurelakedistrict.co.uk

Cumbria Rural Choirs In Concert, Carlisle Cathedral

Join one of the largest amateur choirs in the county for an even of choral music this month in the beautiful setting of Carlisle Cathedral. Cumbria Rural Choirs consists of singers from across the county and they will be performing Haydn’s The Seven Last Words of Christ and Mozart’s Requiem. T

he choir will be performing with the British Sinfonietta, conducted by John Butt and features soloists, Susanna Fairbairn (soprano), Katie Bray (alto), Paul Smy (tenor) and Andrew Slater (bass). Tickets can be purchased from Eden Gallery in Penrith, Bookends in Carlisle or by contacting 01768 894404 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Date: Saturday, 23rd March, 2019
• Time: 7.30pm to 9.30pm
• Cost: Adults £15, Children £5
• Tickets / More Information: carlislecathedral.org.uk

South Cumbria Music Festival, Coronation Hall, Ulverston

The South Cumbria Music Festival returns this March. First established in 1976, it is one of the most respected competitive events in the country and caters for a variety of music with bursaries awarded to the winning performers that can be used to help develop their music career.

There are performances every day in the morning, afternoon, and evening with choirs, brass bands, pianists, vocalists and more. Tickets can be purchased on the door and the full schedule is available on the festival website.

• Date: Sunday, 24th March to Saturday, 30th March, 2019
• Time: Varies
• Cost: £1.50 to £3
• Tickets / More Information: southcumbriamusicalfestival.co.uk

Beginners Bike Maintenance Course, Cyclewise, Cockermouth

If you have recently discovered the joys of cycling then this course is for you. Cyclewise, who own the bike hire shop at Whinlatter and run various cycling events are hosting this course in their Cockermouth workshop this March. Taught by qualified Cytech mechanics the course will teach you the basics of cycle maintenance.

The course is suitable for both mountain bikers and road cyclists and will cover various topics, including puncture repair, adjusting gears, setting up brakes, cable replacements and various other skills. All tools are provided during the course and after participants are invited to purchase tools at a discounted rate. Advanced booking is required.

• Date: Sunday, 24th March, 2019
• Time: 9am to 4.30pm
• Cost: £90
• Tickets / More Information: cyclewise.co.uk

Mother’s Day At Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass

This Mothering Sunday why not give your Mum a special day out at Muncaster Castle in Ravenglass. The castle is offering a day package that starts with a paper flower making workshop where participants will learn different methods for making paper flowers large and small. Refreshments will be provided during the workshop, along with all materials.

Guests will then be able to tour the castle and its grounds, as well as visiting the birds of prey and possibly see a flying display by the birds. After, guests are invited to join in with an elegant Afternoon Tea in the castle rooms with views of the gardens. Advanced booking is essential.

• Date: Sunday, 31st March, 2019
• Time: Paper Flower Workshop 10am to 1pm, Bird of Prey Display 2pm, Afternoon Tea from 2.45pm
• Cost: £72 or £77 with Prosecco
• Tickets / More Information: makethelakes.co.uk