5 Things to do in August in Cumbria

1. Lowther Show – 10 & 11 August

Lowther Show is one of the highlights of the Cumbrian summer calendar, celebrating country life. It was a popular event for HRH the Duke of Edinburgh with the Lowther Horse Driving Trials.

We have happy family memories of attending the event, and I can’t understand why we haven’t been to the show for many years – however, we are rectifying that in 2019 and come rain or shine will be joining the crowds who will be enjoying a wide range of activities in the shadow of Lowther Castle.

Last weekend it was the music fans attending Kendal Calling in the grounds, next weekend it will be filled with families and animals, with events from Sqibbfreestyle Motorcross Display Team to Pony Club, Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling to chef demonstrations.

We are particularly interested in seeing the K9 Aquasports, also known as dock diving or dock jumping where dogs jump from a deck into a large swimming pool and compete against each other for distance, height or speed – and there’s an opportunity to ‘have a go”. What do you think of that Mr Arthur Weasley (our newshound sheepdog)?

There are plenty of things for us to ‘have a go at’ including clay shooting, Lowther trail run, and airgun shooting.

And it wouldn’t be a country show without sheep and crafts – there will be a nine breed sheep parade and craft marquee. Plus, if you missed Kendal Calling, there will be a Folk Roots Festival too.

Dogs are welcome and there is free car parking too.
On the day tickets:
Adult one day (17 years +) £18
Child one day (6-16) £7
Family (2 adults & 3 children) £45

2. Solfest – 23-25 August

Cumbria’s seaside music festival at Tarnside Farm, Solfest celebrates its 15th anniversary this month.

Solfest has evolved continually since its inception in 2003, growing from a local shindig, into one of the best-loved of the UK’s independent festivals.

Run by a dedicated team and a small army of volunteers, Solfest has stayed true to its anti-corporate roots. This means that art and decor take the place of advertising and the international big names on the mainstage don’t drown out the voices of the hidden gems.

And alongside the music is an eclectic collection of activities, including creative kid’s area, interactive art and a Healing Garden.
Bands this year include: The Coral, Mark Chadwick of The Levellers and From The Jam. For full details visit the Solfest website.

Adult ticket £89
Family ticket £229

3. Cartmel Races – Saturday 24 August and Bank Holiday Monday, 26 August

Cartmel Cup Day is the opening day of the August meeting and one of the most popular days in their season due to the running of the valuable and highly competitive Carmel Cup race.

Racecourses are becoming more than places to have a flutter on the GGs – they are events venues with something for all the family.

This year Cumbrian racecourses have played host to Sigel, Cliff Richard and Sophie Ellis Bexter, and Gok Wan is coming to DJ on the course at Carlisle later this summer. Check out our blog about the Cumbrian Racecourse Gigs

And at Cartmel on August 26 there will be a funfair in the Course Enclosure for the whole family to enjoy. And at Cartmel, dogs and picnics are also welcome!

For more information visit the Cartmel Racecourse website

There are two types of general admission tickets at Cartmel:

Paddock Advanced £22 Gate on the day £26
Course Enclosure Advanced £14 Gate on the day £17

4. Medieval Fair – 31 August

Medieval Festival at Furness Abbey near Barrow.

You can step back in time this month as Furness Abbey Fellowship present the Medieval Fair at Furness Abbey.

This is a total immersive event, where you can experience Immerse smell the food cooking over the open fire as you explore the living history camp and see birds of prey in free flight. This reenactment event will allow you to meet the alchemist and many other Medieval characters, watch craftspeople at work, or simply sit down to enjoy the music and displays.
The Medieval Fair will be within the English Heritage site and is ideal for all ages from 10 am until 5 pm.
For more details visit the English Heritage website

English Heritage members Free
Adult £6.60
Child, 5-17 years £4.00
Concession £6.00
Family £17.20

5. Penrith Arts Festival – 29 August – 1 September

The rural market town of Penrith will be hosting a four-day arts festival with a wide range of artistic fun. We will be going along to our local arts festival – just on our doorstep – so don’t forget to follow us on Instagram.

The programme highlights include the Yorkshire poet Ian McMillan plusLuke Carver Goss – Between you and Me, EVAN (Eden Valley Artist Network), musicians, artists workshops, Hat ‘tastic‘ Making hats, wearing hats, decorating hats plus Blue Jam Arts, Upfront Puppet Theatre performances, Artisan Market and much more.
For more details visit the Penrith Arts Festival website