Seasonal Cultural Events

A whole host of exciting things to do awaits this winter across the beautiful region of Westmorland & Furness. Stretching from Barrow-in-Furness in the south to the market town of Alston in the north, this part of Cumbria is steeped in culture and heritage.

Our arts and culture attractions will keep the whole family entertained, with a wide range of exhibitions, events and creative activities for all ages to enjoy.  We have put together a handy guide of what’s on this winter.
 

Concerts

 

The Nashville Nights Tour

27th February 2025, Brewery Arts, Kendal

Welcome to The Nashville Nights Tour, where the heart and soul of country music come alive on stage.

Beethoven in Barrow

21st March 2025, The Forum, Barrow-in-Furness

Beethoven Violin Concerto. Domingo Hindoyan conductor. Veronika Eberle violin

Cara Dillon: Coming Home

22nd March 2025, Brewery Arts, Kendal

Following the official release of the album and the publication of her book of the same name in March 2024, Cara brings her acclaimed “Coming Home” show to life once again.

Exhibitions

Farfield Mill

Telling a Yarn: Remember, React, Re-tell - Threadmill Textile Artists

Until 21st December (Wednesday – Sunday 10:30 - 16:00), Farfield Mill Sedbergh

Threadmill are a group of fifteen textile and mixed media artists committed to the promotion of textiles as both a decorative and expressive art form.

The Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness

South Lakes Arts Collective - Turing Tides

Until 5^th January, The Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness (Wednesday to Sunday)

Art exhibition exploring the theme of turning tides. Touches on various topics including environmental concerns and spiritual themes.

Everest Revisited

6th December 2024 to 23rd February 2025, Rheged

2024 is the centenary of Mallory and Irvine’s disappearance near the Summit of Everest, so what better time to choose Everest as the Exhibition theme for our Gallery, and bring lesser known stories and Everest ‘firsts’ to life using art, photography and film making.

Lawson Oyekan

1st November 2024 to 16th March 2025, Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House

This exhibition celebrates the work of British-Nigerian sculptor, Lawson Oyekan (b.1961).  Oyekan’s ceramic sculptures explore the human experience, the fragility of life and its strength to overcome.
 

Amy Bateman Exhibition at Kendal Museum

Amy Bateman – My Journey to Forty Farms – Exhibition

16th November 2024 to 23rd March 2025, The People’s Gallery – Kendal Museum

Amy is British Life Photographer of the Year, and through images her new exhibition tells her unique story, from framer to award winning photographer.

Piano recital series "Through the Winter"

8th December 2024 to 19th April 2025, Brantwood, Coniston

Series of matinee piano recitals showcasing talented concert pianists in the exquisite venue of Brantwood.

Festive Events

Christmas Carols with Grasmere Glee

1st & 8th December 2024 (1.30pm to 3pm), Allan Bank, Grasmere (National Trust)

Enjoy a traditional afternoon at Allan Bank singing carols around the Christmas tree with local choir Grasmere Glee. Anyone can join in - the more the merrier!

Christmas at Levens Hall

7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 21st & 22nd December 2024

The House will be beautifully decorated for Christmas and fires will be lit.  Carols and traditional Christmas music at specified times (check website for details) in the Great Hall. Take a leisurely walk around the Topiary Garden and see the topiary at its winter best, with crisp lines and stunning shapes.

Hawkshead Christmas Fair

7th & 8th December, Hawkshead village

The pretty village of Hawkshead will once again become a picture postcard setting for their annual Christmas Fair.

Wordsworth Grasmere

Georgian Christmas at Wordsworth Grasmere

21st December

What was Christmas like when the Wordsworth’s lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some Georgian Christmas crafts, including making pomanders and wreaths.

Sizergh Castle

Winter at Sizergh

22nd November to 24th December, Sizergh Castle (National Trust)

Wander through a nature-themed lights trail around the Knoll, inspired by Sizergh's estate, and get closer to our winter wildlife. In the House, enjoy historical Christmas decorations through the ages.

Theatre

The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin

14th, 18th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd & 24th December, Brewery Arts, Kendal

The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin explores individuality, being different, learning to communicate, and fitting in. Overall, it is humorous, joyful, full of energy, exploratory and works for people of all ages.

The Christmas Family Magic Show

28th to 30th December, Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere

The Great Baldini is a magical legend, a relict of the music halls, a theatrical performer of the old school. Known worldwide as ‘The Emperor of Illusion’, ‘The Prince of Prestidigitation’, and ‘The Maharajah of Mystery’, he is a hugely entertaining stage magician. Baldwin, the magical dog, is his faithful companion.

Looking Ahead to Spring

Acorn Bank – Snowdrop Weekends

Saturdays and Sundays from 1st February-16th March

A chance to see the spectacular snowdrop displays in the woodland at their most brilliant. Enjoy the snowdrop spectacle, then have a wander in the garden and a bite to eat. Plus vintage book sales every weekend in February, and a programme of crafts, talks and family fun.

Holker Hall & Gardens – Reopens 26^th March 2025

Hutton-in-the-Forest

Hutton-in-the-Forest – Historic House & Gardens Reopens 30 March 2025

Levens Hall & Gardens – Reopens 27^th March 2025

Discover more cultural events and creative courses

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Westmorland and Furness Council.

The Let’s Go Culture project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Westmorland & Furness Council.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus