LAKELAND BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024
Lakeland Book of the Year celebrates top quality writing inspired by the Lake District, Cumbria. Over the past four decades, this prestigious annual competition has seen authors create an incredible catalogue of books covering a range of rich and varied subjects, from landscape and tradition to literature and poetry.
Founded in 1984 by prolific author, journalist and broadcaster Hunter Davies OBE, all entries for Lakeland Book of the Year must be set in – or feature – Cumbria in some way. Grace Dent, Rory Stewart and James Rebanks are among the many talented writers who have previously scooped the overall title of ‘Book of the Year’.
The 2024 Awards will be held at The Castle Green Hotel in Kendal.
Date: Tuesday 9 July
Time: 12:30pm – 4:30pm
Click here for more information: Upcoming Events | Cumbria Tourism
UPCOMING EVENTS IN AND AROUND KENDAL
HERITAGE GARDEN TOURS AND CREAM TEA
Various Dates from March to November 2024
Embark on a journey through time as you uncover the captivating narrative behind the creation of the renowned Brockhole Gardens by esteemed landscape architect Thomas Mawson.
Available on selected dates from March to November 2024, the tour offers a duration of 45 minutes, providing a profound insight into the rich history of the estate, meticulously crafted in the late 19th Century.
As part of the experience, indulge in a traditional cream tea featuring homemade scones.
Tickets: £6
Location: Brockhole on Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria
For more information press here
CLASSIC DRIVE AND RIDE AT LAKELAND MOTOR MUSEUM
Saturday 4th May 2024
Immerse yourself in a celebration of automotive heritage as proud owners of classic vehicles gather to showcase their prized possessions at the museum.
Classic car enthusiasts are welcome to display their vintage cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles, as well as models like hot hatches and high-performance sports cars.
Participating drivers and their companions will also receive vouchers for discounted admission to the museum.
You do not need to own a classic vehicle to join in the excitement. Explore the museum’s exhibits or indulge in refreshments at the riverside Cafe Ambio.
The most exceptional classic car on display will be honoured with the esteemed Chairman’s Trophy.
Location: Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8TA
For more information click here
KENDAL MAY FEST 2024
Saturday 25th May 2024 10am
Get ready for a vibrant celebration at Kendal May Fest on 25th May 2024, Led by the Town Crier and Mayor Dickie Doodle of Doodleshire, this event promises a day filled with music, dance, mime, and theatre right on the streets of Kendal.
Join the Green Procession starting at 10am from Kendal Parish Church in Kirkland, heading up to Market Place and Stramongate. Expect storytelling, singing, and dancing. Everyone is welcome to participate.
Carolyn Francis and her band, including international musicians Neil Luck and Adam de la Cour, along with Kendal’s own Benedict Taylor, will accompany the procession with lively tunes.
Don’t miss out on the fun! Attend one of the four rehearsals starting 27th April at Kendal Parish Hall or simply join on the day!
Location: Kendal Parish Church, Kirkland, Kendal
For more information visit their Facebook page by pressing here
CARTMEL RACES
First Race Saturday 25th May 2024
Experience an unparalleled adventure in a breathtaking setting at Cartmel Races. Offering an unforgettable blend of heart-pounding jump racing and a laid-back party vibe, this destination draws crowds year after year, making it perfect for families, friends, and special occasions.
During nine exhilarating race days each season, witness horses from across the UK and Ireland compete in thrilling races on a close-knit course, immersing you in the excitement as the majestic animals soar over hurdles.
Immerse yourself in the celebration, complete with a resident DJ, a delightful family funfair, and easy access to the charming village of Cartmel. Here, you’ll discover a treasure trove of fantastic dining spots, cozy bars, and one-of-a-kind shops.
Location : Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6QF
For more information click here
PENRITH BEER FESTIVAL
Friday 14th June – Saturday 15th June
Prepare yourself for a weekend where beer, music, and fun converge! Mark your calendars for the debut of the Penrith Beer Festival, happening on June 14th and 15th, 2024. Designed to ignite your taste buds and ignite the stage for an incredible experience, the festival guarantees a plethora of handcrafted brews, live tunes, and delicious bites to cater to every craving.
Nestled in the scenic Frenchfields of Penrith, CA11 8UU, this year’s Penrith Beer Festival promises to elevate your summer escapades. With an impressive lineup of over 10 breweries showcasing their finest concoctions, beer aficionados will have the chance to explore a diverse spectrum of flavours and styles, ranging from crisp lagers to bold stouts.
Yet, the Penrith Beer Festival isn’t solely about the brews; it’s a jubilation of music and communal camaraderie! Get ready to sway to the beats of captivating live performances by some of the region’s most talented musicians. Featuring dynamic acts like Sparky and the Wailer, The Moonshine Shakers, Soul Junction, Pottsy, Nobody’s Friends Shanty Group, BJamba, Indie Street Club, Time Machine, and AKA Skafell, the festival promises continuous entertainment from dawn till dusk.
In addition to the stellar brewery lineup and live music, attendees can tantalize their taste buds with an assortment of delectable treats from food vendors offering a medley of savoury and sweet options.
Location: Frenchfields, Penrith, CA11 8UU
Tickets: Early bird tickets available at Eventbrite –www.eventbrite.com/e/penrith-beer-festival-tickets-
For more information click here
THE MYTH & MAGIC OF PLANTS: A GUIDED WALK WITH IAIN MCNICOL
Saturday 22nd June 11 am-2:30 pm
Learn about the practical uses and folklore origins of the plants, flowers and berries found locally with this guided walk around the Arnside and Silverdale area.
Join your guide Iain McNicol and discover the history of the flora hidden around the spectacular landscape.
The walk will cover moderate terrain and is recommended for experienced walkers.
Tickets: £3
Location: Heron Corn Mill, Mill Lane, Beetham, Milthorpe, Cumbria
For more information press here
ROCK CLIMBING – BEGINNER TO ADVANCED – GUIDING OR INSTRUCTION
Whether you’re a novice gearing up for your first climb or a seasoned climber seeking to enhance your skills, The Lakes Mountaineer provides tailored courses to meet your needs.
Specializing in climbing Lake District routes, their offerings range from single-day group activities featuring climbing and abseiling to advanced self-rescue techniques.
Whether it’s guiding, instructing, coaching, or personal exploration, they are dedicated to empowering climbers with the necessary skill set to explore further heights.
Location: Ambleside, Cumbria
For more information click here
LAKELAND SINFONIA
SEASON AHEAD
Lakeland Sinfonia Concert Society has eight concerts planned for its 2023/2024 season.
While two of these will feature our very own Lakeland Sinfonia orchestra (November and March), we will also have four visits to Kendal by Royal Northern Sinfonia – including an October visit with their Chorus and a special Christmas by Candlelight concert in December – and performances by the Hallé in September and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic in April.
You can download the season brochure here as a PDF.
Lakeland Sinfonia would like to encourage as many regular concert-goers as possible to become Members or Friends and to book several concerts, if not a full season ticket. There are significant ticket price discounts available to Members purchasing tickets for several concerts, starting at 5% and going up to 20% if you book a full season ticket, ie tickets for every concert in a single transaction. Find out more here.
Fuller information on each concert is available on the Lakeland Sinfonia website.
COLLECTION GALLERIES
Lakeland Arts’ much-loved art collection includes paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture ranging from the 1700’s to the present.
Historic artists and subjects will be shown alongside works from modern and contemporary eras, telling a diverse story of people; their lived experiences, conflicts and shared commonalities.
Contemporary artists, such as Kendal-based artist Lela Harris have been invited to exhibit alongside the Abbot Hall collection.
You’ll be able to see The Great Picture which depicts the accomplishments and family history of Lady Anne Clifford (1590-1676). Painted during the English Civil War, it is a rare celebration of the life of a woman from that period. Through a combination of portraits, words and symbols it represents Anne’s fight for her rights, her intelligence and her talent as a writer.
The collection galleries are situated in galleries 1-4, on the main floor of Abbot Hall. All our exhibitions and displays are included with gallery admission. Members go free. Other concessions available.
Prebook your TICKETS to guarantee your preferred entry time.
Location: Abbot Hall, Kirkland, Kendal, LA9 5AL
MICROWORLD
A playful environment filled with vibrant colours, ambient sounds and digital creatures, inspired by ecosystems found in nature.
Immerse yourself in the Microworld and discover a space where creatures respond to each other and to you. Each Microworld is a celebration of a new type of living art that encourages experimentation and collaborative play.
Designed for all ages, you can play, explore, experiment, discover, collaborate, create and learn. Microworlds are inclusive, requiring no specialist knowledge. As soon as you walk into a Microworld, you start affecting it.
Included with museum admission. Members go free. Concessions available.
Microworld is designed and programmed by Genetic Moo and produced by Lumen Art Projects. Genetic Moo is a collaboration between creative coding duo Nicola Schauerman and Tim Pickup. Since 2013, Genetic Moo has been working on Microworld, an ambitious digital ecosystem project. Lumen Art Projects specialise in curation, production, installation and maintenance of art and technology-based artworks and exhibitions.
Location: Windermere Jetty Museum, Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 1BN
