10 Best Festivals in the Lake District

In the Northern Lake District, beautiful Keswick hosts the yearly Keswick Movie Festival. Beginning Thursday night--usually with beverages and food--the festival will continue through Sunday, showing multiple movies from filmmakers around the world. In addition, the Movie Festival includes the Osprey Short Movie Awards, highlighting short movies from local filmmakers that go on to receive ratings from both judges and the audience.

Showings take place at one of three theaters--The Theater by the Lake, The Alhambra Movie theater and The Rheged Center. Each gorgeous theater is located near the waterfront in Keswick and hosts showings every few hours.

In the heart of Cumbria, overlooking the breathtaking Coniston Fells, celebrate and compete in country traditions at the Lakeland Country Fair. Beginning at noon sometime in August, the Country Fair provides a full day of entertainment, including sheep clippings, dog shows, a Fell Pony display, wrestling, horn-blowing competitions, Fell Races and Children's Sports Challenges. You can also watch various skill masters at work doing things like stick making, chair-caning, lacemaking, fly tying, weaving, spelting and more.

The children can have fun jumping through the bouncy castle or tumbling on trampolines. All ages will enjoy delicious Cumbrian food and adults can partake of beverages from a fully licensed bar

The Lake District Summer Music Festival is a collaboration of artists from around the world playing anything from string quartets to jazz and baroque instruments. Both experienced musicians and up-and-coming artists take part in the yearly festival.

The festival acts as a launching pad for new artists who have studied under masterclass musicians throughout the year through the Lake District Summer Music Festival Foundation. In between discovering new artists and experiencing blissful music from established bands, you can enjoy some of the most delicious food in the UK and partake in family events or walks in the glorious nature around the Lake District. You don't want to miss this one-of-a-kind festival in Cumbria.

Every summer, Kendal Calling takes place in the fields around Cumbria's Lake District, bringing together fabulous musicians and music lovers from around the world. But music isn't the only attraction at this annual shindig. Mud sculptures, giant mint cakes, skiing, table dancing, Cumbrian Games and outdoor adventures combine to make Kendal Calling a truly unique experience.

With its location in the Lowther Deer Park near Cumbria, Kendal Calling visitors can expect to encounter deer and other animals throughout their stay. Camping in the beautiful park is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and stay close to all the action, or you can book a room in the luxurious Deer Lodge.

In early August, head to the Lake District Folk Weekend in the small town of Staveley. This festival is an ongoing celebration of music with live concerts Friday and Saturday. You can head to The Village Hall Friday evening and Saturday afternoon or The Roundhouse both evenings.

If you want to stay for the weekend, book a camping spot or a room with one of the cozy inns in Staveley. If you have a passion for live music, good ale and fun activities, then the Lake District Folk Weekend is a must.

Head to Bowness-On-Windermere in October to see live drawings from comic artists, partake in interviews and explore a variety of workshops, presentations and exhibits at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival (LICAF). Comic art-themed crazy golf, Little LICAF activities for the kids, the Windermere Jetty Museum and nearby dining options make the comic art festival a truly multi-generational event.

The Laundrama features guest signings, the Lake District Boat Club hosts book launches and previews and the Windermere Jetty Museum provides entertainment for the little ones.

At Solfest, taking place over the Banking Vacation weekend, you can enjoy musical artists such as Charlatans, Sugarhill Gang, Dutty Moonshine Big Band and more. Plus, you'll find diverse food options like bao buns, artisan pizza, fish 'n chips and even some vegan meals. A huge Children's Arena offers lots of kid activities and the Healing Garden hosts workshops and events for the whole family.

Located in Cumbria, Solfest is only about a two-hour train ride from big cities like Edinburgh, Lancaster, and Manchester. Solfest is far enough from civilization that music can blast all night, but that doesn't mean it's a rural outdoor adventure.

Each year, Penrith, Leeds and Hertfordshire each host a Wannasee Festival featuring a lineup of live musical talent playing songs from the world's greatest artists dating back to the 50s. You can stop by for a day or spend a whole weekend enjoying live music, family-friendly activities and lots of good food and beverages.

In the kids' area, you'll find rides, attractions and face painting, much of which is offered for free. A few rides and attractions for older attendees are provided at competitive pricing. In addition, you can park for free and purchase a competitively priced camp ground if your family wants to stay and play for the whole weekend.