Upcoming Events

Weeping Window Is Coming To Carlisle. The iconic Weeping Window sculpture, by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper, will be installed for all to see at Carlisle Castle from 23 May - 8 July 2018. WHAT IS WEEPING WINDOW? Weeping Window is one of two sculptures from the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation, originally displayed at the Tower of London in 2014. The original artwork consisted of 888,246 poppies, one to commemorate every British or Colonial life lost at the Front during the First World War.

Cartmel Racecourse are delighted to be welcoming BOYZONE to one of their nine summer race meetings, on Friday 29th June 2018! Ronan, Keith, Mikey & Shane (better known as Boyzone) are one of the UK and Ireland’s most successful bands having sold 25 million records worldwide by 2013. Their 2018 tour celebrates the 25th anniversary of their pop career and the special evening performance at Cartmel Races will take place after the racing. The concert raceday will undoubtedly form one of the highlights of Cartmel Racecourse’s summer racing fixtures.

An opportunity to walk your legs off, enjoy some beautiful countryside and raise money for MacMillan nurses. The 26 mile walk begins at Dalemain House and follows the Ullswater Way, ending at Lowther Castle. For more information, visit The Mighty Hike – Lake District. A wonderful worthwhile cause. Registration Fee: £25 Minimum Pledge: £250 Raise £250 for people living with cancer and in return we’ll give you a fantastic day out, including: A free Macmillan technical t-shirt A free buffet lunch and hot food at the finish Regular check points with free drinks and snacks Clearly marked route Medical assistance Finisher's medal and bubbly Go on, stretch your legs, its all for a good cause!

The Barbecue Meeting is at Cartmel Racecourse on Saturday 21st July and Monday 23rd July! There is a full program of horse racing and entertainment for all the family. Bring your own BBQ/picnic and enjoy the races. You can even pre order BBQ meat packs with advanced ticket purchases.

The 46th Cumbia Steam Gathering will take place at Cark Airfield, Flookborough on the 28/29th July. This year will see over 1100 exhibits, presenting a large selection of historic vehicles and memorabilia for all to enjoy. This ranges from vintage steam tractors to motorcycles, memorabilia, quadbike shows and live music. Gates open at 09.00am and close at 5.00pm. Ticket prices are: Advance purchase online only; Adult £12.00, Concession (over 65) £10.00 On the day: Adult £14.00 Concession £12.00 Children (under 16) FREE. Car parking FREE.

Head down to Morecambe for the biggest party on the prom! This event is free and there will be a whole host of activities for the family to enjoy. This ranges from live music to stalls, fairground rides and of course the famous "floats". Definitely not one to be missed! 11-12 August

Set in the Vale Of Esthwaite famous for Beatrix Potter (a founder member) & William Wordsworth the show field is situated half a mile north of the quaint village of Hawkshead With plenty of attractions for people to see all day - The Hawkshead Show sees the judging of all horse classes ranging from the miniatures to the heavy horses, Private driving (horse & small carriage) and jumping classes, Judging of a large variety of sheep along with dogs & cattle. The Horticultural is a must to see. With home produce, flowers vegetables, arts & crafts. There are also Hound Trails where you can have a little flutter on the dogs that follow a trail of aniseed around the countryside. This year's main ring attraction is Shaun Raywood's Dog Display Team- they will be demonstrating obedience, agility with a few bangs and crashes. With over 50 trade stands there is plenty for the family to see and do.

Thursday 13 September 2018 Located on the fringes of the Lake District, Westmorland County Show is a fantastic day out – voted as one of the UK’s favourite Shows and enjoyed by over 30,000 visitors every year. A major livestock Show with classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and alpacas, heavy and light horses too, there’s plenty to see. Come and meet the foxhounds, get up close to magnificent cattle, marvel at the show jumping, discover the interactive displays in our Learning for Life Marquee, get inspired by the WI’s crafty creations, or cheer on your favourites in the Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling. Be tempted by artisan chocolates, cheeses, pies, gins and much more in the North West’s largest local Food Hall, or drop the children off at our creche and enjoy the Show at your own pace. With the chance to discover the best of farming and the countryside, as well as seeing some of the country’s top quality livestock, shop till you drop amongst hundreds of trade stands or get involved with our Rural Craft have-a-go areas, you’ll be spoilt for choice at this year’s Show. Winner of the Tourism Event of the Year in the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2015, Westmorland County Show is not to be missed

Kendal Mountain Festival returns again from 15th-18th November. 'Kendal' sets the standard as an innovative, inclusive and creative celebration of everything outdoors. Thousands of outdoor enthusiasts plus media industry specialists, athletes, top brands & equipment manufacturers, artists, photographers, adventurers, explorers and inspirational speakers gather every year to share adventures and celebrate the very best in outdoor and adventure sports culture. At the heart of Kendal’s rich programme is the International Film Competition, attracting premières from around the world – it has been called the 'Oscars of outdoor filmmaking'. Over 100 films are screened (from 240+ entries) with twelve coveted awards up for grabs. However Kendal is not all extreme action - you can experience culture, drama, wildlife and environmental documentaries, plus the world's largest lecture programme covering outdoor content. Other highlights include art exhibitions, book events, including the coveted Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain Literature and the ever popular 'Kendal Mountain Film Academy'. The 'Film Summit' (supported by Channel 4 TV) welcomes 200+ industry professionals to an insightful programme of debate and presentations. The packed 'Specialist Sessions' are now legendary and provide a core social gathering for the following categories – Climb, Bike, Snowsports, Endurance Sports, Underground (Cave), Adventure & Exploration and a new one for this year - Outdoor Swimming. They really are events within the event!

Hawkshead Christmas Fair returns 1st & 2nd December. Come & join in for a very special Christmas fair in the beautiful village of Hawkshead in the heart of the Lake District. Hawkshead village will be filled with stalls selling a fantastic array of Christmas craft, local produce, Christmas carols, live entertainment as well as a Santa's Grotto and lantern display.

8th - 9th December Windermere Christmas Markets Windermere's German themed Christmas market returns to the Lake District this festive season. The two day extravaganza will have a huge range of unique stalls selling some seasonal gifts that will make for perfect Christmas presents. Delicious food and drink will also be on offer as well as exciting street entertainment and even a special visit from Santa and his reindeers. The festive celebrations will be continuing into the night in some of Windermere’s brilliant bars and restaurants.

If you fancy festive food with extra sparkle there’s no need to head out of the county – come to Cockermouth this Christmas. Taste Cumbria Christmas takes place in Cockermouth on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December 2018. There’ll be a festive food fair with all the sights and smells you’d expect at this fabulous time of year. Main Street will be packed with giant marquees selling food, drink and lots of pretty things for your Christmas table. There’ll be gifts galore, and food to eat on the spot, while the youngest foodie visitors will love the fairground and Christmas-themed arts and crafts. There will also be a beer and fizz tent adding a festive street party feel. Many of the independent businesses in Cockermouth will also join in the event, offering special offers, samples and competitions, making the town the perfect place to do all your Christmas shopping and soak up the festive atmosphere.