Upcoming Events

Tidelines Literary Festival is a first in Grange-over-Sands, taking place 17th & 18th August 2019 on The Esplanade, where the world of words will be celebrated. We have an exciting line-up, where there will be activities for all ages and families can enjoy the day looking out at our unique, picturesque view of Morecambe Bay. On the Saturday 17th August, the day will begin with activities for families, from a Flamingo Fiesta celebrating 20 years of Usborne's 'That's Not My' books where we invite families to create their own flamingo art to add to our party atmosphere, you'll be hopping on one leg and turning pink with excitement! For 7-11 year olds we will have a Moon Base poetry competition commemorating 50 years since the moon landing. Tidelines will even have a renowned space consultant, Stuart Atkinson who will be bringing a REAL piece of the moon. Throughout the day there will be a hubbub of activities from intricate paper crafts with artist Penny Hillier Evans, giant crosswords, Typewriter Busking, 'Make Your Mark' Loesje poster workshops for teenagers and a Living Library of interesting people sharing their life stories in a 1-1 session. On the main stage, Matt Sowerby, an award-winning young poet, will perform his debut show 'Kidz Theez Dayz' in anticipation of his slot at Greenbelt, where he will talk passionately about the negative effects of climate change and the strength of 'generation Z'. Local author Katie Hale will be promoting her book, 'My Name is Monster' with a Q&A session to follow. The evening will begin with a spoken word, open mic slot where budding writers are welcomed to take to the stage and share their words proceeded by a Short Story Slam led by Garry Cook, where we are still looking for potential novelists to sign up for the 200 word competition. Our headline act on Saturday evening is the comedic Kate Fox, performing “Where there’s Muck, There’s Bras” a hilarious and thought-provoking show which sees stand-up poet Kate Fox and actor Joanna Holden explore the Northern women you’ve heard of (and the ones you haven’t). This funny performance lecture uncovers the hidden history of the writers, scientists, sportswomen, politicians, protestors, musicians and other heroines who make up a far more diverse North than we usually see. On the Sunday 18th, Linda Hampton a renowned children’s story teller will transport young ones into a fantasy world of words and the Living Library will continue throughout the day. In the evening comedian Tony Vino will entertain, followed by a Gospel choir from London to close our festival. Of course there will be much more happening at Tidelines Literary Festival from book stalls, refreshments, a poetry takeaway, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Morecambe Bay Partnership Oral Histories collection. We hope to see as many of you attend our FREE literary festival, please register for your tickets on Eventbrite and if you would like to be involved in the Spoken Word, Short Story Slam, Living Library or have any ideas or queries please email tidelines@thornleigh.org

The Epic Lakes swim series consists of open water challenges at locations across Cumbria and it is the third and final event in the series. It takes place from the Bluebird Cafe, in Coniston. You can choose either the 500m, the 1 mile or the 'Iron' 3.8k distances, depending upon your age and ability. Coniston provides yet another amazing venue, with stunning views and it's a great family day out. For lunch, you can visit the famous Bluebird Cafe or take a ride on the Steam Gondola for a relaxing and scenic afternoon out.

Following last year's huge success, the Tour of Britain Cycle Race will be coming through Cumbria once again on Tuesday 10th September. In Eden, Stage 4 of the race, having started in Gateshead, will pass through Brough, Great Musgrave and Kirkby Stephen before heading to Sedbergh and a finish in Kendal. So why not come up and visit for a long weekend to join in the festivities? Please note: When travelling by car in the area, there will be a rolling road closure with police motorcyclists closing the roads on the route approx. 20 minutes before the bikes are set to go through.

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. With livestock, foxhounds, and more, you can learn about the industry or take to the shops and buy some bespoke local produce.

Bringing together some of the most mouthwatering and thirst quenching food and drink for foodies across Cumbria, Taste Cumbria 2019 is returning to bless the taste buds of Cockermouth in one of the county's biggest culinary events. The event has been carefully compiled by Taste Cumbria magazine and Cumbria Life, two major players in the Cumbrian food world, and definitely the right people to organise any event about Cumbrian food! With over 80 stalls and an expected 40,000 attendees, the event is going to be a big one you're not going to want to miss. There will also be a pop-up restaurant with one of the county’s best chefs, demonstrations from some brilliant food and drink experts, a beer festival, comedy night, children’s activities and free town trails to help visitors explore.

It's never too early to get excited about Christmas, and with one of the tastiest Christmas festivals coming up - we can't wait! Appearing at the festival will be all your festive favourites, with some new ones to boot. Mince pies, mulled wine, festive fizz, fancy cakes, hot food, cold food, and everything in between - you will find it at Taste Christmas Festival. The event takes place Saturday 7th - Sunday 8th December 2019 at Cockermouth . Expect to see a giant producers’ market with 60 stalls, a hot food court with meals and snacks, and a bar packed with ales and fizz. There will also be plenty of family activities and festive entertainment, with a fairground and Christmassy arts and crafts. The local Christmas Lights will also be twinkling in the background for your day making the festival truly special.