Friday 29th July – Sunday 31st July 2011
Lowther Deer Park, Hackthorpe, The Lake District
Full adult Weekend ticket: £95

Tickets available from www.ticketline.co.uk / www.kendalcalling.com

Winner of Best Small festival at 2010 UK Festival Awards

Nominee for NME Best Small festival award

8,000 capacity – 8 stages 3 days and nights of fun in the fields in the beautiful Lake District

With tickets selling like hot cakes and the Emperors Field camping already sold out, Kendal Calling 2011 is set for a record breaking year, and all without revealing any Headliners! Well all that is set to change as Kendal Calling 2011 announce the almighty, one and only Sunday Girl Blondie to close this years show as the final night headliner and bass thumping Chase & Status as Friday nights top act. Other bands on board include The Whip, Young Knives, Nero and Middleman. We are yet to announce our Saturday night headliner so watch this space

Blondie is a band that needs almost no introduction. Headed up by one of the most stunning and talented musicians in pop music history, Debbie Harry, Blondie have 40 million worldwide record sales under their belt, 4 platinum selling albums, 5 UK Number 1s and countless awards and accolades.

Kendal Calling can’t wait to hear their iconic sound echo across the stunning Lowther Deer Park. As famous for their music as for their stunning look, Blondie were icons of New Yorks celebrated new wave & punk scene. They defined an era and at the helm was one of THE most iconic frontwomen of all time; Debbie Harry.

She went from the pages of Punk magazine to being on the cover of just about every mainstream publication on the newsstands! Blondie are renowned for their eclectic mix of musical styles, incorporating elements of disco, pop, rap and reggae. Their hit single Rapture was one of the earliest rap influenced songs. With a back catalogue full of much-loved hits: Denis, Picture This, One Way or Another, Hanging on the Telephone, Heart of Glass, Sunday Girl, Atomic, Call Me to name a few. Blondie will deliver one hell of a show to the Kendal Calling fields! Their songs are still as influential today as they were first time around. With a new album planned for release later this year expect new material alongside much-loved hits.

The Cribs are one of the biggest cult bands in the UK and are our Saturday night headliners. Hailing from Wakefield, Yorkshire twin brothers Gary and Ryan Jarman and younger brother Ross Jarman are renowned for their combination of natural pop sensibility and love for rock n roll. Legendary ex-The Smiths and Modest Mouse guitarist Johnny Marr is now a fully fledged member of the band.

This internationally touring critically acclaimed band deliver their well written catchy songs including Hey Scenesters, Mens Needs and Our Bovine Public with unbelievable passion. This is guaranteed to be one hell of a live show! The Cribs are only playing a few shows this summer ahead of going into the studio to produce their 5th studio album, and this is their only small festival headline slot too!

True to our word of booking the best in dance music as well as world acclaimed bands, Kendal Calling HQ have confirmed one of the UKs finest electro producing duos Chase & Status as Friday night headliners. Things are going from strength to strength for these guys: 2009 saw their fanbase and notoriety rise where they were promoted to major label vertigo / Mercury Records and with this they smashed into the top 10 in the UK singles chart with End Credits featuring 2011 BRIT award winner for Best British Solo Male – Plan B.

Over the past year they have been ripping up countless festivals and earned themselves numerous award nominations. Their second studio album, No More Idols charted at number two in the UK charts and they can cite Jay Z, Snoop Dogg and Pharrell as fans; Friday night is going to be mega!

Also on board are festival circuit regulars – The Whip, having recently toured with Babyshambles and British Sea Power at NMEs Weekender in Cambersands, this Oldham trio will be showcasing tracks from their 2008 X Marks Destination Album. Including the singles “Trash” and “Divebomb” which were featured on the Kitsune Maison Compilations 3 and 4 respectively. The Whip have also recently been commissioned to do remixes for bands such as Editors, Hadouken! and The Courteeners track “Fallowfield Hillbilly”.

2007 Mercury Prize nominee, Young Knives are a three-pronged vocal attack with catchy guitars and drums. This threesome are as eccentric as they are prolific with top 40 hits including the infectious The Decision, Terra Firma, Weekends and Bleak Days and Turn Tail the future is looking very bright for this quirky trio.

Confirmed for the Dance Tent is Nero; first coming into widespread attention with their monstrous bass banger remix of The Streets Blinded by the Light. This super producing duo have been turning heads at Radio 1 and 1Xtra and finding favour with Zane Lowe, Annie Mac and Mistajam. With the recent release of the single Me and You, the future is looking bright for Nero and Kendal Calling can’t wait to provide a platform.

Middleman are a four-piece alternative band from Leeds who splice infectious song writing with driving guitar riffs, heavy beats, bass-lines and poetry-slammed vocals. Middleman are gaining notoriety rapidly and have been picked out as Ones to Watch by national radio stations such as BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and XFM.

This first Headliner announcements are just a taster of what is still to come… the full Calling Out (new music) stage, Kaylied Tent (folk stage), Glow dance tent and five other stages line ups are still to be announced; Kendal Calling 2011 is already shaping up to be an epic weekend with some of the finest UK and international artists to be showcased on the festival circuit. However Kendal Calling isnt just about ambitious and cutting edge music; there are oodles of other activities and events going on throughout the weekend. Riding on the wave of the huge success of the Real Ale festival last year, Kendal Calling HQ are embarking on the tough task of sampling all the local ales to ensure that only the very best beverages are on offer for its return to this years festival! There is also the flamboyant and ludicrous Fancy Dress Saturday where all inhibitions and sanity are lost in a world of eccentricity, this year’s theme to be announced very soon.

Kendal Calling is an award-winning, innovative, independent festival based in the Lake District. It features pioneering contemporary music and art alongside traditional rural entertainment. Possibly the most fun you can have in the countryside, with fields full of activities and attractions for everyone from families to stag parties!

Come and join us for a weekend of festivity and escapism in the fresh country air.

The capacity is small and intimate so you wont be herded around like cattle or spend hours in queues at the bar. Feel the freedom of being able to move between the 8 performance stages in a matter of minutes and never miss an artist.

Kendal Calling is all about fun the old fashioned way, great times, great entertainment and great friends all in one place!

See you in the fields.

LINE UP SO FAR: BLONDIE / CHASE & STATUS / THE CRIBS / ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN / BEARDYMAN / THE LEVELLERS / MR SCRUFF / THE YOUNG KNIVES / TIM BURGESS & MARK COLLINS FROM THE CHARLATANS ACOUSTIC SET / THE WHIP / MIDDLEMAN

Later this week properties across England will throw open their doors for free as part of the country’s annual celebration of local architecture, history and culture.

Supported nationally by English Heritage and run locally by an army of volunteers and community champions, Heritage Open Days takes place on people doorstops and is the country’s leading grassroots cultural event.

One million people are expected to take advantage of the four day event, exploring more than 4,000 properties of every style, period and function, many of which are normally closed to the public or usually charge an admission fee.

Participating properties in North West England include:

Barrow – Dalton Castle (Dalton-in-Furness)
Birkenhead – Birkenhead Park, Birkenhead Priory, Lady Lever Art Gallery
Blackpool – Blackpool Tower, Winter Gardens
Bolton – Bolton Steam Museum
Burnley – Gawthorpe Hall (Padiham), Queen Street Mill Textile Museum
Bury – Fusilier Museum, East Lancashire Railway, Peel Tower
Carlisle – High Head Sculpture Valley
Chester – Chester Racecourse, Grosvenor Museum, Little Moreton Hall (Congleton)
Kendal – Abbott Hall Art Gallery, Museum of Lakeland Life, Sizergh Castle
Lake District – Beatix Potter Gallery (Hawkshead), Blackwell (Windermere),
Liverpool – St George’s Hall, Cunard Building, Liver Building,
Macclesfield – Quarry Bank Mill
Manchester – Victoria Baths
Morecambe – Morecambe Town Hall
Oldham – Saddleworth Museum
Penrith – Acorn Bank
Preston – Samlesbury Hall
Rochdale – Healey Dell, Rochdale Pioneers Museum, Touchstones,
St Helens – World of Glass
Stockport – Hat Works, Staircase House, Air Raid Shelters, Bramall Hall
Warrington – Norton Priory (Runcorn)
Wigan – Museum of Wigan Life, Trencherfield Mill Engine

Kendal calling will even host their own beer festival in our pub; The Holy Quail complete with our own local tipple on tap; Kendale!

Headlining sets come from the likes of Doves, The Coral, Calvin Harris, British Sea Power, Stereo MC’s, Badly Drawn Boy, Wild Beasts and many many more…

The site opens a day early this year for The Invisible Circus to open the proceedings with Freakeasy; an exceptional extravaganza of sword swallowers, the worlds tallest DJ, sculpture installations, mayhem and magic for just 1500 lucky ticket holders.

The dance arena has expanded too; see full line up below. Set in one of the most beautiful locations in the UK, Kendal Calling is soon to land. Thankyou to everyone who has bought a ticket; let’s have the best celebration yet as Kendal Calling turns 5! We will be having a massive fancy dress birthday party on Saturday so bring your silliest outfits!

Ben Robinson, director of Kendal Calling says: “We’re over the moon we’ve sold out! We’d like to say a gigantic thanks to everyone who has bought tickets and supported us over the past five years. We can’t wait to celebrate with you all… see you in the fields!”

Joining the main stage bill fresh from their success with single ‘Opposite of Adults’ are Chiddy Bang. These hip hop samplers reached number 8 in the charts with the aforementioned track that famously sample MGMT’s ‘Kids’. ex- Verve Guitarists Simon Tongs band Erland & the Carnival and new talent Danny Fontaine are also added to the main stage.

The Calling Out stage is all about new music, with a special collaboration with Clint Boon (XFM presenter and ex- Inspiral carpets keyboardist) who curates the Saturday. His ‘Boon Army Presents’ day will is all about new music from all over the UK.

Belfast boys General Fiasco will be heading up the Calling Out Stage, fresh off the back of their world tour they rock up with guitar driven sound and tracks from their recently released debut album “Buildings”. Signed to the Infectious records label, General Fiasco’s sound is just that with a high-octane sound we can’t miss.

The Parlotones have recently supported Ash and have sold out a 300-date world tour over the past 18 months, their success has spread by word of mouth and they are soon set to conquer the UK charts with their darkly romantic lyrics & atmospheric pop structures.

Glasgow’s self dubbed “Fight Pop” band Dananananakroyd have received critical acclaim and last year toured with Foals and Kaiser Chiefs taking them all over the globe and they released their album “Hey Everyone”. Joining them on the bill are indie allstars Good Shoes who have supported some of the biggest names in indie and this year released their third album “No Hope, No Future”.

Scousers Sound of Guns are sterling purveyors of anthemic indie rock – providing the perfect soundtrack for field frolics!

Supporting local talent Kendal Calling have our ear to ground to pick out the cream of the North, South Yorkshire’s Exit Calm have been described by Metro as “unashamedly epic” and as delivering shows that leave you speechless.

Also on the bill are The Morning Parade who are wowing crowds all over the UK this Summer with an epic tour schedule.

Manchester’s the Jessie Rose Trip recently released their single “You Won’t Forget Me Boy” and have been acclaimed by the UK press as ones to watch – catch them while you can before they go off globetrotting.

Morecambe’s The Heartbreaks have recently released their single “Liar, My Dear” and are excited to be on board. The band said: “It’s heartwarming to be part of such a great event that is a mere bus journey from our childhood homes”

Those who like things a bit heavier and more raucous will be delighted to hear that Leeds bands Chickenhawk and Pulled apart by horses will be thrashing out some grunge and metal and showing why they have been reaching national acclaim for their intense and powerful stage shows.

Ben Robinson director of Kendal Calling says: “Great new music is the backbone to a really good festival and I’m sure fans will find some new favourite bands among these acts. Don’t forget Mumford and Sons were on this level just a year ago!”

FULL KENDAL CALLING LINE UP SO FAR:

DOVES / THE CORAL / CALVIN HARRIS / BRITISH SEA POWER / STEREO MC’S / BADLY DRAWN BOY / WILD BEASTS / THE FUTUREHEADS / EROL ALKAN / HIGH CONTRAST / DJ YODA / PLUMP DJ’S / SCRATCH PERVERTS / DUB PISTOLS / ELITE FORCE / ESKIMO TWINS / KID BRITISH / CRAIG CHARLES FUNK & SOUL SHOW / OK GO / LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS / THE KING BLUES / JUSTIN ROBERTSON / DANNY BYRD / DOORLY / EMALKAY / PEOPLE GET REAL / RICH REASON / KEN EVIL / ASH HOWELL

KAYLIED STAGE:

MARK CHADWICK (ACOUSTIC SET FROM THE LEVELLERS FROMTMAN – FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVE!) / FIRST AID KIT / BAKED A LA SKA / LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS / ELECTRIC CHAIR – THE UNABOMBERS /CRAIG CHARLES FUNK & SOUL SHOW / DENIS JONES/ BEAT / SKIP MCDONALD / JOHN SMITH / JESCA HOOP / KIRSTY ALMEDIA / MATTHEW HALSALL / TANKUS THE HENGE / IAN KING / MICHEAL KIWANUKA / 1, 2, 3, 4′s / JONATHAN JEREMIAH / THE MOUSE OUTFIT / RAGHU DIXIT / KATHRYN EDWARDS / THE SEE SEE / JAMES KELLY / TO SOPHIA / JO ROSE / SIMON CONNOR / THE SWITCH / ANDY NEEDHAM / LAZYBONES

Hundreds of tourism professionals and businesses from around the county gathered at Rheged where the evening began with a drinks reception followed by a celebratory dinner. Host for the evening was Stuart Maconie, TV and radio presenter, who announced the winners and entertained the audience with a series of Cumbria related anecdotes.

Fifteen awards were presented on the night, recognising excellence in business, customer service and training and development.

Each category winner received a certificate and specially designed award, individually handcrafted by Jo Vincent of Jo Vincent Glass Designers.

The winners were:

• Taste of Cumbria Ward – The Cottage in the Wood, Whinlatter
• Guest Accommodation of the Year – Number 43, Arnside
• Large Visitor Attraction of the Year – The World of Beatrix Potter – Bowness
• Small Visitor Attraction of the Year – Lake District Coast Aquarium, Maryport
• Sustainable Tourism Award – Elder Grove, Ambleside
• Large Hotel of the Year – Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa, Bassenthwaite
• Small Hotel of the Year – Overwater Hall, Keswick
• The Lady Inglewood Award for Training & Development – Roundthorn Country House, Penrith
• Tourism Experience of the Year – Cumbrian Heavy Horses, Millom
• Holiday Park of the Year – Skelwith Fold Caravan Park, Ambleside and Woodclose Park, Kirkby Lonsdale
• Tourism Event of the Year – Great North Swim, Windermere
• Business Tourism Award – North Lakes Hotel, Penrith
• The Sheila Hensman Award for Outstanding Customer Service – Alan Gillon, Learning and Access Officer, The Beacon, Whitehaven
• Self-catering Holiday of the Year – Tottergill Farm Cottages, Brampton
• Access for All Tourism Award – The Beacon, Whitehaven

Celebrating music from all over the globe, Band on The Wall presents The Kaylied Stage at Kendal Calling festival. The stage will feature a diverse showcase, taking a traditional area & revelling in the love of cross-genre music. A mixed bag of eclectic delights will take to the Kaylied Stage with everything from folk to ska, soul to punk, electro to folk-pop, northern soul to americana.

2009 saw the likes of Frank Turner, Tunng, The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show, Mumford & Sons, Tommy Reilly plus many more. Held in the Croissant Neuf Tent, Glastonbury’s oldest running area & Europe’s biggest solar powered tent, Kendal Callings ear for diversity illustrates why press are referring to the festival as The Glastonbury of the North!

The Kaylied gives music lovers the chance to discover what the love for tradition is all about. Due to popular demand as a late night hot spot we have decided to keep the Kaylied open longer with the music pumping through till 3am.

Following on from his phenomenal set last year, BBC6 Music’s Craig Charles will be back with his immense collection of funk and Soul to once again bring the festival to a close with some serious booty shaking. Friday night sees The Unabombers founder of legendary Manchester clubnight Electric Chair bring their renowned basement soul to the fields and on Saturday its Beat Boutique with a Northern Soul night that will keep you dancing till the wee small hours.

On Friday the Kaylied headliners will be Swedish sister folk duo First Aid Kit, enchanting story telling at its finest the band are stepping into Kendal fresh from their world tour. On Saturday Mark Chadwick – The Leveller’s frontman will be delivering a Festival exclusive! With an acoustic set The Levellers lead vocalist and guitarist comes to Kendal Calling for a very special and intimate set. The Levellers are one of Britain’s most renowned folk rock bands, this is not to be missed.

Baked A la Ska have been described as ‘Utterly bonkers but irresistible’ by Manchester Evening News. The 11-piece big band feature MCs, harmonicas & one of the tightest rhythm sections in Manchester, Baked A la Ska bring a raucous & uplifting set to the fields.

Hailing from North California is Jesca Hoop, singer songwriter whose been mentored by Tom Waits. Jesca has shared the stage with the likes of Elbow, Polyphonic Spree & Mark Knopfler. Her soulful vocals are beautiful and well worth checking out while you have the chance.

Also from across the pond Skip McDonald aka Little Axe is on board, a Blues musician and legendary guitarist with a background in jazz, doo wop and gospel. Skip (whose stage name is Little Axe) was a member of the house band for Sugarhill Records and appeared as a guitarist on many early rap albums including The Message for Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five.

Up and coming folk star John Smith gained critical acclaim from his recent tour with Mercury Prize-nominated and ex-Lamb frontwoman Lou Rhodes, and is one of the most exciting new voices in British folk music, showing the diversity of the Kayleid stage as he stands alongside folk artists from all over the globe.

CEO of Band on The Wall, Gavin Sharp says:

“We were delighted to be asked to curate the Kaylied stage at this year’s Kendal Calling and see this as a fantastic partnership between one of the UK’s most exciting emerging boutique festivals and Band on the Wall, a music venue that prides itself on bringing together the best music from around the world.”

KENDAL CALLING LINE UP SO FAR:

DOVES / THE CORAL / CALVIN HARRIS / BRITISH SEA POWER / STEREO MC’S / BADLY DRAWN BOY / WILD BEASTS / THE FUTUREHEADS / EROL ALKAN / HIGH CONTRAST / DJ YODA / PLUMP DJ?S / SCRATCH PERVERTS / DUB PISTOLS / ELITE FORCE / ESKIMO TWINS / KID BRITISH / CRAIG CHARLES FUNK & SOUL SHOW / OK GO / LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS / THE KING BLUES / JUSTIN ROBERTSON / DANNY BYRD / DOORLY / EMALKAY / PEOPLE GET REAL / RICH REASON / KEN EVIL / ASH HOWELL

KAYLIED STAGE:

MARK CHADWICK (ACOUSTIC SET FROM THE LEVELLERS FROMTMAN – FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVE!) / FIRST AID KIT / BAKED A LA SKA / LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS / ELECTRIC CHAIR – THE UNABOMBERS /CRAIG CHARLES FUNK & SOUL SHOW / DENIS JONES/ BEAT / SKIP MCDONALD / JOHN SMITH / JESCA HOOP / KIRSTY ALMEDIA / MATTHEW HALSALL / TANKUS THE HENGE / IAN KING / MICHEAL KIWANUKA / 1, 2, 3, 4′s / JONATHAN JEREMIAH / THE MOUSE OUTFIT / RAGHU DIXIT / KATHRYN EDWARDS / THE SEE SEE / JAMES KELLY / TO SOPHIA / JO ROSE / SIMON CONNOR / THE SWITCH / ANDY NEEDHAM / LAZYBONES

Joining the likes of Calvin Harris, local lads Wild Beasts and The Futureheads they will take to the mainstage for some trailblazing live sets over the 3-day event. Doves who are used to country dwelling after recording their last two albums in greener settings will be Saturday night headliners, treating revellers to hits such as ‘There Goes The Fear’ and ‘Pounding’ plus other tracks from last year’s Kingdom of Rust album. Doves have a back catalogue of hits that have seen them open for the likes of Coldplay and U2 with their hypnotic and exuberant soundscapes.

Fellow North West heroes & Sunday night headliners The Coral are set to close the festival with their infectious blend of freewheeling guitars and heart-warming Mersey beats. Down to earth lyricists and good time troubadours; The Coral weave words about everything from grandmothers to love to loneliness with high-octane hooks from the 7 piece band. Kendal Calling crowds can look forward to hits like ‘Dreaming of You’, ‘In the Morning’, and ‘Jacqueline’.

Kendal Calling HQ are delighted that British Sea Power back by popular demand, they headlined our first ever Kendal calling in 2006, returned in 2008 and the band are excited to come and celebrate the festivals 5th Birthday with us & deliver one of their famed storming sets. Originally from Kendal, BSP will be fresh from their own mini festival taking place at Britain’s highest pub – Tan Hill. Kendal Calling are massive fans of British Sea Power and they’ll also be celebrating the launch of their new album – Sunday’s performance is set to be special. With a huge cult following, British Sea Power reside in Brighton, they’ve toured all over the UK and now sail to the high hills of the Lakes!

Prolific songwriter Badly Drawn Boy is also on board the Sunday line up, set to relay his sunshine hits ‘Once Around the Block’ bringing his acoustic sounding magic to the fields.

Brixton dance legends Stereo MC’s will take to the stage on Friday, an extra special show complete with full band & light show and a back catalogue of hip shaking hits spanning the last decade. Their tracks are etched on everyone’s musical memory. Fresh from supporting Madness at O2 Arena last year The Stereo MC’s will take to Kendal Calling main stage with hits such as ‘Connected’ and tracks from their latest Double Bubble album.

Playful Manchester 4-piece Kid British set out to clear the clouds drawing on the street smart sounds of Madness and Blur. They were recently polled above Oasis in a survey of Manchester’s best bands. Delivering a rude boy blend of club friendly beats with hip-hop production – the Kendal fields will be shaking under foot!

Described by NME as ‘riotous sozzled punk with a pinch of salt’ The King Blues return to Kendal Calling after headlining the 2nd stage last year. They make rough radical music that sits just as well on the Radio as it does in festival fields. Fresh from last year’s recordings of ‘Save the World, Get the Girl’ this band is a must-see.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oabK5Nc7ntk

Just 1500 tickets are available for the Freakeasy show so revellers can kick off the weekend a day early and enjoy no queues, first pick of camping & a full evening of all-encompassing parties. Highly skilled circus and side show performers are part of Freakeasy to complete a multi medium feast for the senses as well as the feet.

Freakeasy features the world’s tallest DJ, cabaret & the garden of the paranormal. Amazing, jaw dropping installations like the gramo lantern: a massive gramophone with the horn as a projection screen and a walk-in Victorian parlour underneath. Plus a mobile piano street show, sword swallowing Guinness World record holder Space Cowboy plus angle grinding, hoop twirling & fire-laced spectacular to start the night with a bang!

Europe’s biggest solar powered stage Croissant Neuf will host a cavalcade of live bands, DJ’s and sideshow troubadours all tied together by master of ceremonies, Don Francisco (compere to Lost Vagueness, Trash City, Arcadia and his very own Invisible Circus.)

So roll up roll up, this ground breaking show manifests for one night only – Kendal Calling beckons!

For more details visit www.kendalcalling.co.uk.

Check out the video below for a taster of what to expect:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7I5O-YsUL4

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oabK5Nc7ntk

Set in the stunning rolling hills of the Lake District, Kendal Calling is set against one of the UK’s most beautiful backdrops. With a list of heavyweight artists already on board this taster of performers is something to salivate over. Flying the flag for Kendal are local heroes and Mercury prize nominees WILD BEASTS, their album ‘Two Dancers’ was released late last year to critical acclaim and this show is a unique chance to catch the festival homecoming gig of the year.

Also on the mainstage are Angular all-stars THE FUTUREHEADS igniting our dancefloor field with their new wave pop sound and hits such as ‘Hounds of Love’. The 5-piece deliver high-octane live shows & Kendal Calling revellers are in for an audio treat.

Chicago Grammy award winners OK GO are flying in to Cumbria to show us the creative genius that has seen them score over 50 million online hits of their video “Here It Goes Again” and 12 million views in as many days for their latest single “This Too Shall Pass”

Big Beat raucous crew the DUB PISTOLS are on board! Always sure to get the party started with their riotous, stomping blend of hip hop and dance, the Pistols give it their all and feature Godfather of UK hip hop Rodney P on the mic.

The Dance tent is throbbing with the first bookings from legendary promoters Wax:On and Ape who will be hosting on Saturday & Sunday. Disco reviver, iconic t-shirt designer, genre creator, album producer & euphoric anthem maker are just some of the words that sum up underground music idol EROL ALKAN. Joining him on deck duties is the king of cut and paste DJ YODA, sure to amuse & entertain as he does best.

Famous for producing some of the fattest sounds of the millennium, PLUMP DJ’S redefined breakbeat with their cutting edge skills and are a must see for every dance lover out there!

DJ hip hop duo SCRATCH PERVERTS are in the house alongside ELITE FORCE, HIGH CONTRAST & Manchester DJ legend JUSTIN ROBERTSON. Drum n bass wizard DANNY BYRD is also on board alongside genre hopping DOORLY, resident DJ at Wax:On and hailed as the hottest thing by everyone from PETE TONG to ZANE LOWE.

Another member of the Wax:On DJ crew ESKIMO TWINS have shared stages with Erol Alkan so are right at home in the den of superstar DJ’s, deck maestro EMALKAY released clublands best dubstep track of 2009 ‘When I Look at You’ and flexes his skills at Kendal Calling.

Also on board are DJ collective PEOPLE GET REAL, RICH REASON, KEN EVIL and ASH HOWELL.

The majority of stages at Kendal Calling run until 3am, making it one of the latest-running festivals in the UK.

On the Kaylied Folk Stage we’re welcoming the return of BBC 6 Music funk master CRAIG CHARLES and the first appearance for comedy folk band LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS.

With so much more news coming soon, early bird tickets selling out in 1 minute and a bigger revamped site and family-friendly facilities, the Kendal Calling crew are gearing up for the most anticipated festival yet.

With 8 stages of eclectic sounds featuring world famous bands on the main stage & Europe’s biggest solar powered tent Croissant Neuf through to our booty shaking Dance Arena, Kendal Calling is the Lake Districts hottest ticket this summer. This year KC also hosts a kid’s area, Garden of Eden and Peacefull Progress; a creative crew of graffiti artists, breakdancers & sculptors and much more.

Nominated for Best Grass Roots festival and Best Small festival at 2009 UK Festival Awards
8,000 capacity – 8 stages – 3 days and nights of fun in the fields

The Kendal Calling hive is buzzing with the news that dance promoters APE and Wax:On will take over the Dance Tent; an announcement that will ignite the passions of dance lovers everywhere. Club curators Ape and Wax:On both respectively throw some of the biggest Drum n bass & dubstep events in the UK and book a repertoire of the world’s best DJ’s. We can’t reveal the DJ line up just yet but one thing is certain; it’s going to be BIG with these heavyweights on board! Wax:On will take the reins on Saturday and Ape will host the arena on Sunday.

For festival-goers bringing little ones, Kendal Calling crew have a plan for families to experience the best of both world’s with the all-new Emperors field! This year’s Emperor Family Camping area will be located in a quiet field away from the main campsite, a stone’s throw from the main arena and offer a special pass to camp next to your car (available for £10).

Set near the campervan field, the quiet family camping will have its own toilet facilities including showers & even a baby changing unit. Gone are the days of summoning superhuman strength at festivals to carry big bags & babies, this family camping experience couldn’t be easier.

ABOUT APE:

Since its conception in 2005 Ape has gone from strength to strength to become a major force in the world of drum n bass, dubstep & other bass driven genres. With innovative line ups, a real emphasis on good time vibes and a loyal and up-for-it crowd, Ape strives to combine the leading names in clubland with breaking talent and the freshest underground artists from around the world.

With their residency at The Warehouse Project firmly established since 2006 and massive Manchester Apollo shows under their belt; some of the best North West dance events of recent times have taken place under the Ape monikor and now they are raring to host the dance arena on Sunday at Kendal Calling!

ABOUT WAX:ON:

For the last 5 years Wax:On have hosted some of the most sought after electronic dance events in the country and played host to over 200 amazing DJ’s and live artists.

They’ve recently taken a leap into releasing music; pioneering the promotion for some of the sterling artists that have set their Wax:On dancefloors alight! Now they are soon to release tracks by Matt Walsh, Doorly & Eskimo Twins.

Dan Blackledge from Wax:On said: ‘’Over the last few years Kendal Calling has grown to become one of the most innovative and exciting festivals in the country and we are extremely pleased to be involved this year. We’ll be bringing in some massive headline talent alongside some amazing upcoming DJs and Live artists from the world of electronic music’’

Director of Kendal Calling Ben Robinson says: “We can assure people that with Ape & Wax : On building our line ups we are going to have an energetic and electric feel that will be a literally mind-blowing experience for all our dance music lovers.”

In travel news Big Green Coaches are on board this year, for as little as £15 they are offering travel to our beautiful Lowther Deer Park from 19 locations across the UK. For those arriving by train Big Green coach will also be running a shuttle between the site & Penrith train station for a discounted rate of £8 (advance bookings).

Kendal Calling revealed the first details of the 3 days extravaganza a few weeks ago and sold out of 500 early bird tickets in 1 minute! With the first line up announcement coming soon, there will be 12 stages and areas mixing up everything from world famous bands on the main stage to Europe’s biggest solar powered tent Croissant Neuf and our booty shaking Dance Arena. This year KC also hosts a kid’s area, Garden of Eden and Peaceful Progress; a creative crew of graffiti artists, breakdancers & sculptors and much more.

TICKET DETAILS:

Date: 30th July – 1st August 2010
Location: Lowther Deer Park, Hackthorpe, CA10 2HN
Ticket Price: Weekend Camping Tickets: £85

Family Camping tickets offers: https://secure.ticketline.co.uk/tickets/13244128/kendal-calling-emperors-fields-family-camping/cumbria-lowther-deer-park/2010-07-30

Big Green Coach travel & festival ticket: £93 available at http://www.biggreencoach.co.uk/index.php/product/affview/kendalcalling/

Direct Tickets: www.kendalcalling.com

New facets have been added to the area’s already superb scenic, cultural, food, family-focused and outdoor activities offer, making a visit in 2010 a real must-do for many groups.

The new things that the area can boast include:

• New K Village, The Lakes Outlet opening on June 25 2010, comprising over 30 premium factory outlets, a new K Heritage Centre and five restaurants/cafés to create a unique, state-of-the-art destination shopping and leisure complex.
• New Garden Café at Beetham Nurseries which features home cooked ‘real’ food, produced to high standards with locally sourced ingredients.
• New ‘Full Steam Ahead: Quakers and Railways’ feature at the award-winning attraction, The Quaker Tapestry, Kendal, exploring the relationship between engineer, George Stephenson, and Edward Pease – a Quaker coal owner and merchant, who shared the dream to build a public railway line from Stockton to Darlington. The new Quaker Tapestry display features a working model railway.
• New ‘Keeping House With Mrs Tittlemouse’ exhibition at the Beatrix Potter Gallery, Hawkshead – celebrating 100 years of Mrs Tittlemouse and with a children’s activity sheet to bring the exhibition to life.
• New children’s garden trail during school holidays at Hill Top, Near Sawrey.
• Spectacular new bulb displays for Spring 2010 at Sizergh Castle and Garden thanks to the planting of 7000 bulbs in November, these being 3000 red, cream and yellow tulips in the herbaceous border, 1500 white tulips in the Hot Border and 200 mixed, coloured tulips and Dutch iris in the Kitchen Garden.
• New booking arrangement for groups and school parties visiting Grasmere Gingerbread, plus refreshments and sampling for pre-booked groups.
• New Lakeland Motor Museum opening soon.

Within a relatively compact geographical area, The South Lakes continues to have a concentration of top quality attractions that are the envy of other destinations. Major attractions include:

• The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness
• Lakes Aquarium, Lakeside
• Windermere Lake Cruises
• The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, Lakeside
• Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, Milnthorpe
• The Lakeland Maize Maze, Sedgwick near Milnthorpe
• The Quaker Tapestry, Kendal
• Kendal Museum, Kendal
• The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal
• Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kendal
• The Museum of Lakeland Life, Kendal
• Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum & Art Gallery, Grasmere
• Rydal Mount, Rydal
• Sizergh Castle and Gardens, Sizergh, near Kendal
• Hill Top, Near Sawrey, Hawkshead
• Townend, Troutbeck
• The Beatrix Pottery Gallery, Hawkshead
• Blackwell – The Arts and Crafts House
• Go Ape, Grizedale
• Levens Hall & Gardens, Levens

Just a short drive away are the attractions of Coniston, including Brantwood, Steam Yacht Gondola, The Ruskin Museum, the Coniston Launch and the Coniston Boating Centre.

Also close at hand are Holker Hall & Gardens and the coastal area of Grange-over-Sands, Arnside and Silverdale.

Outdoor activities can be arranged with a wide variety of providers, or easily booked, even last-minute, through Destination Cumbria. Activities for families wishing to engage in some woodland exploration can be booked through Playdays in the Woods.

Those wishing to enjoy a brew with a view have a plethora of cafés, restaurants, hotels and other stop-offs to head to, the journey made all the easier by the special ‘Brew With A View’ booklet from South Lakeland District Council.

This publication highlights coach and mini-bus friendly stop-offs and the ‘view’ that can be enjoyed whilst drinking in the landscape or eating the wonderful local produce.

Real foodies can tuck in to the special culinary courses provided by LucyCooks in Staveley, try a regional speciality at Grasmere Gingerbread, or visit the Country Fest show, which includes the former Westmorland Food Lovers Festival.

With a highly attractive and packed events calendar, there are frequent opportunities to build a group itinerary around a specific festival or day out, whether this is Damson Day, Country Fest, The Westmorland County Show, Mintfest, Lakes Alive events, Lake District Summer Music, the Great North Swim, Kendal Torchlight Carnival, the English Stone Skimming Championships, or country events such as Grasmere and Ambleside Sports, or the Rydal or Ings Sheepdog Trials.

The South Lakes has everything to get the party started, thoroughly entertained, thrilled and delighted, and back on the coach or mini-bus with a mass of memories to last a lifetime.

For more information on the South Lakes visit www.southlakeland.gov.uk/tourism.

This year’s Lakes Alive programme of events will run from 29 April to 5 September. It is Cumbria’s unique contribution to the Legacy Trust UK programme, which was set up to help build a lasting cultural and sporting legacy from the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

The mainly free shows will include modern circus, dramatic outdoor theatre, contemporary dance and exciting, fiery processions.

Lakes Alive is created and directed by Kendal Arts International with Manchester International Arts. Julie Tait, the director of Kendal Arts International, says: “Lakes Alive is an ambitious four–year Cumbria–wide programme. Last year we set ourselves the objective of making the county a centre of excellence for street arts and we are already well on the way to making that a reality.

“Over 75,000 attended the events in our first year and by 2012 we will have brought at least £4 million of new arts spending into the county. We’re very excited by this year’s programme. As well as the top UK acts, Lakes Alive in 2010 will feature work by outdoor arts companies from across the world including Spain, France, Holland, Germany, Austria, India and Australia.”

There will be a chance to get a taste of Lakes Alive ahead of the full season at the Welcoming the Light event in Carlisle on Saturday 13 March, as part of Illuminating Hadrian’s Wall. A fiery parade will be accompanied by street artists and musicians and led by the incredible Heliosphere balloon with a performer suspended beneath it performing aerial acrobatics.

The Lakes Alive season will formally open in the atmospheric ruins of Furness Abbey near Barrow from 29 April to 2 May, with evening performances of a new show created by critically-acclaimed South Asian Dance Company, Akademi. The show has been specially commissioned by Lakes Alive.

A series of events across the May half term holidays will start with a thrilling outdoor animation festival in Whitehaven showcasing the town’s historic harbour on 29 and 30 May, including a dramatic procession with fire, light and giant illuminated fish by Spanish artists Sarruga.

From 3 to 5 June We Built This City will give people a chance to take part in a public construction extravaganza in the centre of Carlisle. Using thousands of big cardboard boxes and the energy and ingenuity of kids and families, Polyglot Theatre from Australia will help build a magnificent city.

Accompanied by live music buildings will go up, be pulled down, be redesigned, extended, walked through and jumped on, and reconstructed. At the end of the day, everybody can have fun knocking down and squashing the whole city into a recyclable heap of cardboard rubble.

In the south of the county Barrow will welcome some of the best and most exciting modern circus acts from Britain and overseas from 4 to 6 June. Zircus Plus, a unique International Circus Festival, will put on an amazing show at several locations across the town.

On 23 and 24 July German group Theater Titanick, one of Europe’s leading outdoor performance companies, will stage a stunning, large-scale show involving illusion, fire, water, music and dance at Carlisle Castle.

From 28-30 July a number of Cumbrian woodlands will play host to an afternoon of shows that have been specially created for woods or with a woodland theme. Into the Woods at Grizedale, Whinlatter and Talkin Tarn will provide an afternoon of outdoor family adventure with a difference.

Also during the summer holidays (dates TBC), The Cabaret of Dr Caligari, a show created especially for Lakes Alive in 2009, will tour towns in West Cumbria providing an afternoon of cabaret with music, dancing, comedy and spectacle for a family audience. The chaotic Dr Caligari conjures oddities, eccentrics and acrobats out of thin air to entertain the audience, but once out of the box they refuse to disappear!

On Sunday 1 August in Penrith there will be a new international street festival featuring puppetry, strolling characters, comic creations and more from across the globe.

On 30 August highly respected French artists Commandos Percu will stage a dazzling extravaganza of sound, fire, light and colour at Maryport.

The season of events will culminate in Mintfest, one of the country’s largest street arts festivals, which takes place in Kendal at the gateway to the Lakes. Running from 2 to 5 September the festival will include a host of the very best street artists from across the world, including new work commissioned by the UK street arts consortium Without Walls.

Further details about all the shows will be available at www.lakesalive.org.

Lakes Alive is one of three annual programmes commissioned for WE PLAY, the Northwest cultural legacy programme for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. WE PLAY is funded by Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity set up to help build a lasting cultural and sporting legacy from the 2012 Olympic Games. The project is led by the Arts Council England Northwest on behalf of a new regional partnership. Lakes Alive is sponsored by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and has also received funding from Arts Council England and the Northern Rock Foundation.

Moira Swinbank, the Chief Executive of Legacy Trust UK, says: “Legacy Trust UK is delighted to be funding Lakes Alive, which has already made a considerable impact on Cumbria’s cultural landscape and will continue to build a lasting cultural legacy for the area with the fantastic line-up for the 2010 programme.

Peter Mearns, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the NWDA said: “Lakes Alive has fast become a much anticipated programme of world-class events, attracting visitors to Cumbria from far and wide. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the region to a wide audience and adds a whole new dimension to the visitor experience. 2010 promises to deliver another unique collection of events which will no doubt provide a great boost to the region’s visitor economy.”

The Lakes Alive season is also supported by a wide range of other organisations including every council in Cumbria, the Lake District National Park, Cumbria Tourism, Carlisle Renaissance, Carlisle Tourism Partnership, Barrow Regeneration, the Forestry Commission and companies including K Village.

It will feature professional market traders from France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Holland and Poland, wearing traditional costumes, selling a wide range of foods and other products.

The market will be held in and around the Elephant Yard shopping centre. It will be open from 9 am to 6 pm Wednesday to Saturday, and from 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday.

The 2009 Northwest Tourism Awards ceremony was held at Blackpool Tower and organised by the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

18 winners received awards fro BBC presenter Ranvir Singh:

• Bed and Breakfast of the Year – The Ashton, Lancaster
• Large Hotel of the Year – The Lowry Hotel, Manchester
• Small Hotel of the Year – Gilpin Lodge Country House Hotel, Windermere
• Self Catering Holiday of the Year – Hall Hills, Dalston, near Carlisle
• Holiday Park of the Year – Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park, Keswick, Cumbria
• Large Visitor Attraction of the Year – Imperial War Museum North, Manchester
• Small Visitor Attraction of the Year – Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich, Cheshire
• Taste of England’s Northwest – Low Sizergh Barn Farm Shop, Kendal, Cumbria
• Tourism Experience of the Year – Farmaggedon, near Ormskirk, Lancashire
• Tourism for All – Kerridge End Holiday Cottages, Macclesfield, Cheshire
• Tourism Event of the Year – Blackpool Illuminations
• Public Space Award – Pier Head Public Realm and Canal Link, Liverpool
• Tourist Information Centre of the Year – Wigan TIC
• Travel Journalist of the Year – Stephen McClarence, The Observer
• Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award – Nigel Haworth, Northcote, near Blackburn
• Excellence in Business Tourism – Arena and Convention Centre, Liverpool
• Excellence in Customer Service – Christina Dixon, Jurys Inn, Liverpool
• Sustainable Tourism Award – Arena and Convention Centre, Liverpool

Each will represent the North West in next year’s national tourism awards.

The event will be hosted by BBC presenter Ranvir Singh and is being organised by the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

The finalists are:

Large Hotel of the Year

Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa, near Chester
Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, Cumbria
Preston Marriott Hotel, Preston, Lancashire
The Lowry Hotel, Manchester
Malmaison Liverpool, Liverpool

Small Hotel of the Year

Peckforton Castle, Tarporley, Cheshire
Gilpin Lodge Country House Hotel, Windermere, Cumbria
Mytton Fold Hotel and Golf Complex, Ribble Valley

Bed and Breakfast of the Year

Harrop Fold Farm, Macclesfield, Cheshire
Storrs Gate House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
The Ashton, Lancaster, Lancashire
Brooklands Lodge, Sale, Greater Manchester
The Ambassador Townhouse, Southport, Merseyside

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire
Walby Farm Park, near Carlisle, Cumbria
Blackpool Tower and Circus, Blackpool
Imperial War Museum North, Manchester
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, Liverpool

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich, Cheshire
Wordsworth House and Garden, Cockermouth, Cumbria
Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, Helmshore, Lancashire
Museum of the Manchester Regiment, Manchester
Acorn Farm, Liverpool

Self Catering Holiday of the Year

Kerridge End Holiday Cottages, Macclesfield, Cheshire
Hall Hills, Dalston, near Carlisle, Cumbria
Clough Bottom Farm Cottages, near Clitheroe, Lancashire
Blue Rainbow Apartments, Manchester
Premier Apartments Liverpool, Liverpool

Holiday Park of the Year

Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park, Keswick, Cumbria
Sunset Park, Hambleton, near Blackpool

Business Tourism Award

Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa, near Chester
Warwick Mill Business Village, near Carlisle, Cumbria
Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green, near Blackpool
The Lowry Hotel, Manchester
BT Convention Centre, Liverpool

Taste of England’s Northwest

Walk Mill, Chester
Low Sizergh Barn Farm Shop, Kendal, Cumbria
La Locanda Ristorante Italiano, Gisburn, Lancashire
The Modern, Urbis, Manchester
Delifonseca, Liverpool

Tourism Experience of the Year

Roman Tours, Chester
Silverband Falconry, Penrith, Cumbria
Farmaggedon, near Ormskirk, Lancashire
Costumed Performers, Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester
Art in the Age of Steam, National Museums Liverpool, Liverpool

Customer Service Award

Janet Bradshaw, Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire
Jennifer Taylor, The Archway Guest House, Windermere, Cumbria
Hannah Lee, The New Holly, near Preston
Mahendran Mayan, Renaissance Hotel, Manchester
Christina Dixon, Jurys Inn Hotel, Liverpool

Sustainable Tourism Award

Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa, near Chester
Langdale Leisure Ltd, Ambleside, Cumbria
Malkin Tower Farm Holiday Cottages, Blacko, Lancashire
Radisson SAS Hotel Manchester Airport, Greater Manchester
Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool, Liverpool

Tourism for All Award

Kerridge End Holiday Cottages, Macclesfield, Cheshire
Ullswater Steamers, Glenridding, Cumbria
Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool
The Trafford Centre, Greater Manchester

Tourism Event

Nantwich Food and Drink Festival, Cheshire
Westmorland County Agricultural Show, Milnthorpe, Cumbria
Blackpool Illuminations, Blackpool
Manchester Pride, Manchester
Creamfields, Merseyside

Public Space Award

Cockermouth Market Place Regeneration Scheme, Cumbria
County Square Environmental Enhancement Scheme, Ulverston, Cumbria
Pier Head Public Realm and Canal Link, Liverpool

Tourist Information Centre of the Year

Congleton TIC, Cheshire
Coniston TIC, Cumbria
Cleveleys TIC, Lancashire
Wigan TIC, Greater Manchester
St Helens TIC, Merseyside

Travel Journalist of the Year

Chris Moss, Time Out
Craig Fleming, Blackpool Gazette
David Atkinson, Freelance
Paul Croughton, The Sunday Times
Stephen McClarence, The Observer

The event starts tomorrow and runs until Sunday September 13.

Hundreds of attractions and properties in the North West are taking part. For more details visit the official Heritage Open Days website.

Highlights include:

Barrow

Furness Abbey – Impressive remains of a Cistercian monastery.
Barrow Town Hall
Dalton Castle, Dalton-in-Furness – 14th century tower.

Birkenhead

Birkenhead Park – Grade I listed public space.
Birkenhead Priory – The oldest standing building in Merseyside.
Oxton Village
Port Sunlight Museum

Blackburn

Haworth Art Gallery, Accrington – Tudor-style Edwardian house in 9 acres of parkland. Home of Europe’s largest public collection of Tiffany Glass.

Blackpool

Blackpool Tower – Guided tour of the aquarium, circus, and ballroom.
Funny Girls – Opened as the biggest Odeon cinema outside London. Now one of Blackpool’s premier entertainment venues.
Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve – Nature reserve on the outskirts of Blackpool.
Stanley Park
Grand Theatre Blackpool – 1100-seat theatre designed by Frank Matcham in 1894.
Winter Gardens
Lytham Hall, Lytham St Annes – Grade I 18th century manor house in 80 acres of mature parkland.
The White Church, Lytham St Annes – Fairhaven United Reform Church.

Bolton

Bolton Steam Museum – Houses 25 steam engines that once drove the cotton mills of Northern England.
Hall i’th’ Wood – Tudor wooden-framed house.
Smithills Hall – Manor house.

Burnley

Burnley Football Club – Tour of Turf Moor, home of Burnley FC.
Oak Mount Hill Engine House – Cotton mill engine house dating from 1887 with recently restored steam engine.
Queen Street Mill Textile Museum
Rourke’s Forge – Watch blacksmiths at work.
Towneley Hall – Historic house, art gallery and museums, natural history centre, woodland walks and nature trails.
Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham

Bury

Bury Transport Museum
Fusiliers’ Museum – Tour of the new museum
East Lancashire Railway – Tour behind the scenes at the East Lancashire Railway, including a ride from Bolton Street station to Ramsbottom.
Peel Tower – Climb to the top of Bury’s famous landmark, built in 1852 in tribute to Bury-born Sir Robert Peel.

Carlisle

Carlisle Castle

Lake District

Beatrix Potter Gallery, Hawkshead – Home to original watercolours and sketches of Beatrix Potter.
Hill Top, Hawkshead – 17th century farmhouse where Beatrix Potter wrote many of her stories.
Townend, Windermere – 17th century stone and slate house.

Chester & Cheshire

Bear & Billet – One of the oldest pubs in Chester.
Chester Racecourse
Grosvenor Museum
Grosvenor Park
Little Moreton Hall, Congleton – Cheshire’s most iconic black and white house.
Beeston Castle, Tarporley – Former Royal Castle perched high on a rocky sandstone crag.

Kendal

Sizergh Castle

Lancaster

Lune Aqueduct – Canal cruise from Lancaster city centre to the Lune Aqueduct.

Liverpool

Britannia Adelphi
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral – Roman catholic cathedral.
Liverpool Town Hall
St George’s Hall – Grade I listed building opposite Lime Street station.
The Bluecoat – The oldest building in Liverpool city centre.

Macclesfield

Silk Museum
Quarry Bank Mill, Wilmslow – Former cotton mill.

Manchester

Manchester Town Hall
Monastery – Restored monastery in Gorton.
Victoria Baths

Morecambe

Morecambe Town Hall
Morecambe Winter Gardens

Oldham

Saddleworth Museum & Art Gallery

Penrith

Acorn Bank Garden & Watermill – Tours of the herb garden and Acorn Bank house.
Penrith & Eden Museum – Local history museum and Tourist Information Centre.

Preston

Museum of Lancashire – Museum in Preston’s Old Court House.
Samlesbury Hall – Historic house dating back to 1325.

Rochdale

Greater Manchester Fire Museum – Official museum of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
Healey Dell Nature Reserve – Guided walk.
Hollingworth Lake
Rochdale Pioneers Museum – The world’s first successfully operated co-operative store. Now a museum with restored historic shop.
Three Owls Bird Sanctuary – Wild bird hospital.
Touchstones – Arts and heritage centre with museum, art gallery, local studies library, tourist information, shop and café.

St Helens

Dream – Spectacular sculpture designed by world-renowned artist Jaume Plensa.
World of Glass – Explores the history of St Helens and its glass making heritage.

Stockport

Bramall Hall – One of Cheshire’s grandest black and white timber-framed Tudor manor houses.
Hat Works – The only museum in the UK dedicated to the hatting industry.
Lyme Park – Mansion house, gardens, and ancient deer park.
Staircase House
Stockport Air Raid Shelters – Underground labyrinth of tunnels built for shelter during World War II.

Warrington

Norton Priory, Runcorn – 38 acre site with excavated remains of the Augustinian Priory and woodland gardens.

Wigan

Trencherfield Mill – Restored steam engine.

The budget hotel chain is offering 50,000 rooms at only £12. The rate applies for stays between January 1 and April 1 2010. Rooms are also available from £19 (book 21 days ahead) and from £29 (book 7 days ahead).

To take advantage of this amazing offer, visit this page on their website.

Tim Ellis, aged 41, has bought Sleddale Hall (Uncle Monty’s cottage) from United Utilities for an undisclosed sum. He plans to convert the building into a house.

Earlier this year the farmhouse was purchased at auction by publican Sebastian Hindley, but the deal subsequently collapsed.

Frank’s Bridge at Kirkby Stephen has been renovated and strengthened in a two-week scheme to ensure the crossing is made safe while retaining its traditional look and character.

The double arched limestone footbridge formed part of an old corpse route that in years gone by was used to carry coffins from surrounding villages to Kirkby Stephen.

Nowadays though, it has a much less macabre function being a popular route for both locals and visitors. It gives access to a riverside walk, parkland and the open fell beyond as well as being a link on Alfred Wainwright’s Coast to Coast –a route that attracts walkers and Wainwright enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

The improvement scheme, which included structural strengthening and re-pointing, involved working closely with the Environment Agency and Natural England to ensure no river wildlife was harmed.

As Frank’s Bridge has been inhabited by bats, measures were also taken during the work to leave gaps that will allow them to continue using it as a home.

Councillor Tim Knowles, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for countryside access, said: ‘Maintaining the hundreds of stone bridges that form essential river crossings around the county is a major challenge for the county council’s countryside access team, but having bridges in a safe, working order is vital in allowing locals and visitors to enjoy Cumbria’s great outdoors. Frank’s Bridge is a perfect example of a crossing that is an important link, so I’m delighted this work has been carried out to ensure it continues to be used both now and for many years to come.’

An energetic troupe of innovative street artists, circus performers, comedians, acrobats, dancers and musicians will take part in what has quickly become one of the country’s biggest and best street arts festivals.

The Lakes Alive event, produced in partnership with South Lakeland District Council, offers a rare chance to see so many top flight stars in one place – and most of the acts are free.

French performers Carabosse will be creating a breathtaking spectacle on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, transforming Noble’s Rest park into a glowing fairytale environment with fire sculptures dancing in trees, cascades of candles lining the pathways and animated fire machines. With a live soundtrack of haunting music, the Fire Garden will be an enchanting and magical experience.

Also topping the bill at Mintfest is the UK premiere of Circus Ronaldo’s new show Circenses which has proved a hot ticket around the globe. With a run of sell-out tours, this Belgian act brings a new dimension to contemporary circus with a mix of humour, incredible acrobatics and live music.

In a unique twist, audiences will get to watch the performance from both front of house and backstage thanks to a change of seats during the interval. Mintfest offers the only chance to see Circus Ronaldo perform this year in the UK and as The Independent newspaper comments, they are ‘a rare and treasurable thing’.

The Big Friday Night will feature a trio of top acts that are all free. First up at 8pm is Avanti Display – The Spurting Man, who will make a big splash with a comedy-packed show that culminates in one of the characters transforming into a human water fountain.

At 8.30pm, starting from the Birdcage on Stricklandgate, Salamandre will set the town alight with a beautiful wandering fire parade.

And Friday night’s free fun will climax at 10pm with La Sonambula in the Brewery Arts Centre gardens. This exquisite night-time spectacle takes place behind a screen with illuminated shadows tracing the life and loves of a flamenco dancer to stunning effect.

On Saturday, the streets of Kendal will turn into one giant stage with performers springing up all over town. Running from 10am-4pm, On the Streets will see a colourful array of street acts from around the world show off their talents for free.

From the playful to the powerful and the dramatic to the downright daft, this promises to be perfect family entertainment.

There’s also a free programme of events taking place in Abbot Hall Park on Saturday from 5pm-10pm and Sunday from 1pm-8pm.

Take a picnic blanket, relax and enjoy a line up of fantastic free shows that include Lakes Alive’s two new commissions The Trolls Kitchen from Plunge Boom and The Cabaret of Dr Caligari from Artizani.

More laughs will be guaranteed at the Mint Room Comedy Night on Saturday evening. The Brewery Arts Centre is the setting for a hilarious night of stand-up comedy compered by Mike Hancock.

Highlights include award-winning British Asian comic Shazia Mirza, awesome acrobatics from Marcelo De Ramos and fantastic comedy animation from the Wright Stuff Puppet Company, plus there will be live music and DJ beats to take you into the night.

A succession of live music will fill the gardens of Abbot Hall on Saturday between 7pm-10.30pm and Sunday between 1pm-9pm. The Rhythms of the World event will feature an array of acclaimed musicians including Hank Wangford & the Lost Cowboys and Tango Siempre and Baked A La Ska.

And for a chilled out end to the packed programme of events check out the Jazz Night at the Brewery Arts Centre on Sunday evening. It’s the perfect way to round off a memorable Mintfest weekend.

From Thursday to Sunday there will also be an opportunity to see a spectacular installation of 100 flags at Kendal Castle. Lakes Alive brought ten groups of people from across Cumbria together to design the large-scale flags with an experienced flag-maker and a team of specially-trained artists for the Welcoming the World project.

The project has the theme ‘Inspired by the Landscape’ and explores what kind of images and messages local people want to portray to the wider world in the run-up to the Olympics in 2012. The groups focused on how the landscape defines local identity and explored their aspirations for the future image of Cumbria.

The Welcoming the World project is part of Made in England, a BBC and Arts Council England initiative to bring artists and communities together to explore their landscapes through a series of original arts projects. It has also been supported by the World Heritage Site Project, the Lake District National Park Authority, South Lakeland District Council and Lanternhouse in Ulverston.

By the time this first season comes to an end Lakes Alive will have featured more than 100 different acts and companies involving more than 650 artists and performers, 20 per cent of them from overseas and 80 per cent from the UK (with about half of the UK performers coming from Cumbria and other parts of the North West).

Lakes Alive is one of three annual programmes commissioned for WE PLAY, the Northwest cultural legacy programme for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. WE PLAY is a Legacy Trust UK funded project led by the Arts Council England Northwest on behalf of a new regional partnership. Lakes Alive is sponsored by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and has also received funding from Arts Council England and the Northern Rock Foundation.

Kendal Arts International has also been working in partnership with every local authority in Cumbria, the Lake District National Park Authority, Cumbria Tourism, the University of Cumbria and key arts organisations to deliver the Lakes Alive programme.

Full event listings

Welcoming the World – Flag Installation

Kendal Castle
Thursday, 27 August 2009
6.00pm – 8.00pm. Also Fri 28, Sat 29 and Sun 30 Aug, 10.00am – 8.00pm.

This event is FREE

An installation of 100 giant flags created by local communities from across Cumbria together with professional artists, led by Wendy Meadley.

Circus Ronaldo

Gooseholme Park
Thursday, 27 August 2009
8.00pm-10.15pm. Also on Friday 28 & Sat 29 at 8.00pm.

Tickets for this event: £12.00 (conc 8.00). Half price Preview Thu 27 tickets 6.00 (conc 4.00)

Circus Ronaldo (Belgium) is one of the world’s most exciting contemporary circus companies with sell-out shows wherever they go.

The Big Friday Night

From the Town Hall, Stricklandgate
The Spurting Man, Salamandre, La Sonambula

Friday, 28 August 2009
8.00pm – 10.30pm

This event is FREE

The grand opening to Mintfest takes place on Fri 28 Aug from 8pm.

Three Bonzos and a Piano

Maltroom, Brewery Arts Centre, Highgate
Friday, 28 August 2009
Doors 10.00pm, show starts 10.30pm

Tickets for this event: £10.00 (£8.00 conc)

This new show will delight everyone especially fans of the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. All the recorded favourites are brought to life by three of the original members.

Carabosse – Fire Garden

Noble’s Rest, Maude Street
Friday, 28 August 2009
8.00pm – 10.30pm. Also on Sat 29 and Sun 30 from 8.00pm – 10.30pm.

Tickets for this event: £1.00 pay on Friday, £2.00 on Sat & Sun

A magical, sensory experience awaits you.

On the Streets

In and around Stricklandgate, Kendal town centre
Saturday, 29 August 2009
12.00pm – 4.30pm

This event is FREE

A startling, surprising and colourful array of street performers take over the town centre ensuring top quality entertainment wherever you turn.

Garden of Delights

Abbot Hall Park, Kendal
Saturday, 29 August 2009
5.00pm-10.00pm. Also on Sun 30 Aug, 1.00pm – 8.00pm.

This event is FREE

Rhythms of the World

Brewery Arts Centre Gardens, Highgate, Kendal
Saturday, 29 August 2009
7.00pm – 10.30pm. Also on Sunday 30 August, 1.00pm – 9.00pm

This event is FREE

The headliner on Saturday is Hank Wangford & the Lost Cowboys, headliners on Sunday include Tango Siempre and Baked A La Ska.

Mint Room – Comedy Night

The Maltroom, Brewery Arts Centre, Highgate, Kendal

Saturday, 29 August 2009
Doors 10.00pm, dancing and bar until 1.30am

Tickets for this event: £6.00 (£4.00 conc)

Mike Hancock, Shazia Mirza, Marcelo De Ramos & the Wright Stuff Puppet Company

Mint Room – Jazz Night

The Maltroom, Brewery Arts Centre, Highgate, Kendal
Sunday, 30 August 2009
Doors open 10.00pm, dancing and bar until 1.30am

Tickets for this event:

£6.00 (conc £4.00)

Wind down your Mintfest weekend amongst friends at this chill-out cabaret evening with live jazz from Aeola, bar and dancing until late.