After a whole year of seeing events cancelled and plans getting postponed, Cumbria is getting geared up for an exciting Summer in 2021. With the government roadmap out of lockdown well underway, many exciting events are currently being organized that are to take place over the upcoming months.
Although some of the usual annual events have been postponed until 2022, there is still a very exciting list of upcoming activities that are currently awaiting your return to the Lake District.
Whether you’re a Cumbrian local and are exited for a Summer of freedom, or you’ve never visited the area but quite fancy a taste of countryside life, there is so much happening in the Lake District and Cumbria throughout 2021.
Find out what’s on in Cumbria this Spring & Summer…
Bluebell Watch (April – May)
The easing of travel restrictions in April happens to nicely coincide with the appearance of the famous Rannerdale Bluebells that visitors flock to the Lake District to see.
Located on the edge of Crummock Water stands Rannerdale Knotts, a small but picturesque fell that plays host to some of the most brightly coloured bluebells you have ever seen in the Spring months.
The bluebells tend to make their debut any time between the end of April or the first weeks of May. They don’t last too long, so it’s important to try see them during May before they disappear until next Spring.
Guided Alpaca Walks
One of the Lake District’s newest and most popular activities are the Guided Alpaca Walks that allow you to explore the beauty of the countryside alongside a furry friend! Of course, there will also be an Alpaca expert there to guide you and help you get to know your new pal.
You can walk with the Alpacas at Whinlatter Forest or at the Lingholme Estate which are both a short distance away from Keswick.
Laugh, smile and make lifelog memories by taking part in this quirky activity, and don’t forget… spit happens.
Great British Food Festival Lowther Castle (3rd – 4th July)
For the first time ever, the Great British Food Festival will take place at Lowther Castle near Penrith.
If you love cooking, learning about food or even just eating food, this is an excellent event for you! With food, drink and music all round, the Great British Food Festival is guaranteed to make an excellent day out.
Expect chef demonstrations, men vs food eating challenges, street markets, kids’ cookery classes, ‘cake-offs’, an artisan market plus more. There really is something to suit all palettes!
Kendal Calling (29th July – 1st August)
It’s time to face the music and dance, because summer 2021 finally sees the return of music festivals! This July, music will return to Lowther Deer Park near Penrith as Kendal Calling returns.
Including some amazing acts such as Stereophonics, Supergrass, The Streets, Dizzee Rascal, Blossoms, Scouting for Girls plus more, this fantastic festival may just provide you with the excitement you’ve been missing.
Keswick Ghost Walks (April – June)
Beginning at Keswick’s Market Square, take a tour unlike any other that will help you unearth the secrets of Keswick’s past. Follow ‘The Lady’ and see this traditional Lakeland town in a new light as you discover who or what lies at the bed of the lake and in the shadows of the mountains.
The walk lasts about 1 and a half hours and tickets must be purchased in advance.
Meditation & Mindfulness in the Forest (ends 27th August)
I think we would all do with a bit of meditation after the past year! But luckily, there are some brilliant Mindfulness events running at Whinlatter Forest over the summer months.
Spending time in nature offers a multitude of positive benefits such as helping you feel relaxed, reducing stress and improving your overall mental health. Combine these existing benefits with a tutored meditation session and you’re guaranteed to leave feeling extra zen.
These sessions are running throughout summer until the end of August and booking is essential.
The Lakesman Triathlon (20th June)
This thrilling sporting event promises to be as much of an experience to spectators as it is to those taking part in the triathlon itself.
The race consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and a 26.2 mile run based predominantly in the Keswick area. The swim begins in Derwentwater lake and cycling begins at the Theatre by the Lake. Competitors cycle out to the west coast of Cumbria before retuning to Keswick for their final run.
Entry for the 2021 triathlon is now open should you feel up to the challenge, and if not, it is still worth spectating as the atmosphere is excellent.
Keswick’s Mid-Summer Festival (date TBC)
If there is one summertime event that you should not miss, it’s Keswick’s Mid-Summer Festival. Generally held across a weekend, this festival offers different events across each day of its programme.
The Mid-Summer Festival always kicks off with a Rock Concert held in Keswick’s Market Square. The festival also includes a ‘Prom in the Park’ event held at Fitz Park which is Keswick’s tribute to BBC’s London based event of the same name.
The festival is concluded with a fun-loving dog show entitled Scruffs, where your dog could be in with the chance of taking home a prize!
All events are free of charge and you do not require a ticket to attend. Dates have not yet been finalized for 2021 and are to be concluded.
10in10 Challenge (19th June)
The 10in10 challenge has built up a huge reputation among local Cumbrians and even trail runners from afar. It originally began in 2011 as a fun but challenging activity to raise money for MS, where runners are expected to complete 10 Lake District peaks within 10 hours.
The route is 16.1 miles long and the 10 peaks included in the line up are Causey Pike, Sail, Crag Hill, Wandope, Whiteless Pike, High Snockrigg, Robinson, Dale Head, High Spy and Maiden Moor. The route starts and finishes at the Swinside Inn within the Newlands Valley.
Anyone is able to participate in the 10in10 on any day of the year, however the organisers ask that you please register your attempt and raise some money for the MS Society. For more details, click here.
Other upcoming events to look out for
Keswick Mountain Festival (10th – 12th Sep)
Usually held in the month of May, Keswick’s most popular festival has been pushed back to September 2021, to allow you to still enjoy all the festival has to offer.
Located at Crow Park opposite Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake, this fan favourite festival offers something for everyone, including: excellent live music, thrilling sporting events, challenging outdoor activities, inspirational talks plus more.
Keswick Half Marathon (26th September)
After the popular Half Marathon was cancelled last year, Keswick’s Half Marathon is back with a bang this September.
As one of the nation’s most picturesque half marathons, this event makes for a wonderful day out whether you’re actively participating, by-standing or supporting friends.
Keswick Agricultural Show (30th Aug TBC)
Another exciting, local event that will return in summer 2021 is the Keswick Agricultural Show. The Keswick Show always makes for an excellent day out and it fun for all the family.
The show is provisionally scheduled for 30th August 2021 as it is typically held every August Bank Holiday Monday.
Expect to see cattle, horses, dogs, poultry and those famous Cumbrian herdies, as well as handicrafts, Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling, fell races, an art & crafts marquee, children’s entertainment plus more.
