Lake District

The Windermere Air Show will be celebrating its 10th anniversary year in spectacular fashion on July 24 and 25, when it lays on a feast of aerial acrobatics and stunning displays in the skies over Windermere – England’s largest, natural lake – and the stunning fells all around.

Fans of the TV programme ‘The Lakes’ can not only explore some of the Cumbrian scenery that Rory McGrath visited, but enjoy a unique occasion centred on Bowness-on-Windermere, which showcases some of Europe’s best aerial display teams and pilots.

With potentially the best scenic backdrop most teams and crews will perform against, this occasion is one for all the family. It offers a host of different facets and elements to thrill everyone, from the ardent aircraft enthusiast, to the eclectic tourist or day-tripper wanting lots of different things-to-do.

The line-up of teams ready to draw gasps of wonder includes the amazing RAF Falcons. This team carry out five weeks of pre-season training in Arizona to be able to perfect their world-famous non-contact parachute stack, which now includes 11 canopies. Each parachutist trails coloured smoke within the stack, to add to the aerial drama.

The Aerostars Yaks Display Team are the only display team in the UK authorised by the Civil Aviation Authority to start a full formation of fantastic aerobatic figures from a starting point positioned behind the crowd. Their six aircraft aerobatic display is simply awe-inspiring with complex verticals, figures and gyroscopic manoeuvres, which can be talked about for years.

Equally breathtaking are the formation loops and rolls performed by the Team Breitling Wing-Walker planes. The internationally famous team has its planes looping, rolling and performing rollercoaster manoeuvres at speeds of up to 150 mph, whilst wing-walkers perform acrobatics on the wings of the Stearman (Boeing) Model 75 Bi-planes.

Musicality and aerial ability will combine when Bob Grimstead performs a balletic display set to music, in his beautifully designed Fournier RF-4 Redhawk. The graceful moves will be highlighted further by the wing-tip smoke that paints the sky as the routine evolves.

The 10th birthday of this brilliant event coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and there will be a display from two Spitfires and a Dakota, to bring a touch of nostalgia to the proceedings.

Add to this a Twist Duo display, the Huey helicopter widely used to transport troops during the Vietnam war, the Tucano and Sea King helicopter and the exciting Red Arrows display team visit and all eyes will find it hard to resist the skies.

Those who do want something else to do in the 30-minute slots between displays will not be spoilt for choice. With a fun fair, flight simulators, model aircraft flying displays, birds of prey, miniature train rides, Civil War re-enactments and military displays, the only issue relates to deciding what to do first.

There will also be a fun cycling challenge via Cumbria Tourism, tethered hot air balloon rides, archery, a coconut shy and a football target practice game, Harley Davidson motorcycle displays, brass band music, balancing and martial arts acts and a display choreographed by ‘One Man And His Dog’ presenter Gus Dermody, which is performed by his sheepdogs and Indian runner ducks and geese.

The aerial entertainment is all free-of-charge, whilst entrance to the showground costs £2.50 per day. The best deal to opt for is the purchase of the special 52 page anniversary programme for £10, which includes two adult admissions to the showground and free entry for children. It also includes vouchers to the value of £50 in total, which can be used in local shops.

The programme has various competitions on offer, with prizes of a flight in a French acrobatic jet courtesy of Breitling, a stay at the Langdale Chase Hotel and a child’s one-week activity holiday at the YMCA at Lakeside all up for entry.

The 2010 Windermere Air Show promises to be a stunning spectacle, so make arrangements to make a weekend of it and see the action on both days.

More information about the Windermere Air Show can be found at www.windermereairshow.co.uk

With less than 4 weeks to go Kendal Calling Festival has sold out! Set to be the biggest year yet, Kendal Calling has grown to 8000 capacity this year and booked more sterling bands, DJs, poets, circus performers, comedians and more than ever before!

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!”

Several attractions and places in North West England could soon be UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A list of 38 entries is currently being scrutinised by the government and around 10 will be submitted to UNESCO next year.

North West entries bidding for status are Chester Rows, Blackpool, Jodrell Bank, and the Lake District.

Councillor Richard Short, Executive Member for Culture and Recreation at Chester West and Chester Council, said: “I am delighted that the Rows have been included – they are synonymous with Chester and known throughout the world.

“Whilst we firmly believe that Chester itself should be declared a World Heritage Site, we were advised that the Rows on their own would stand a better chance of receiving this international recognition.”

Added Councillor Short: “I believe that the Rows are unique – they are certainly amongst the most photographed aspect of Chester – and must rank among Britain’s best-known shopping malls.”

After announcing a killer line up of the best in live bands and DJs, Kendal Calling stay true to their ethos of supporting breakthrough, cutting edge talent, providing a platform for the hottest new acts to take a well deserved slot alongside some of UK’s most revered musicians coming to the fields. Stepping up onto the mainstage are The Subways; the high-spirited alternative rock 3-piece described by NME as creating “The Best UK Rock Album of the Year”. With a loyal cult following The Subways crowds can catch them live to hear hits “Girls and Boys” & “I Won’t Let You Down”.

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

The winners of the 2010 Cumbria Tourism Awards were revealed at a glitzy ceremony at The Rheged Centre, Penrith last week.

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

World famous adventurer Leo Houlding will be in Keswick on Monday 17 May to officially reopen the town’s Moot Hall Information Centre after a major refurbishment.

Supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency the improvement and development project is a reinforcement of the National Park Authority’s commitment to ensuring the Keswick centre continues to provide the very best possible standards of service to its thousands of visitors and local customers.

Leo Houlding, a Lake District resident in Staveley, near Windermere, will perform the public reopening ceremony outside the building at 3pm.

The key changes to the building will be seen on the first floor, which has been turned into a “hub” to help advertise and promote Cumbria as the nation’s adventure capital. Visitors will be able to book onto a wide variety of outdoor action activities.

“We do hope the public – especially our local residents – will want to come along and help us celebrate this important event in the history of Moot Hall,” said National Park Head of Information Services Tim Haley.

“Moot Hall is really important to us as a vital source of information for all of our Keswick area visitors. But is also plays an important part in the Keswick area community, as a venue for local events, and it also acts as a general meeting place for a variety of local groups and organisations.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved with this refurbishment and I’m excited about the role Moot Hall will now play in promoting the adventure activity side of holidays in Cumbria in general and around Keswick in particular,” he added.

The new and improved Moot Hall Information Centre is the latest in a series of major investments made by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) to improve the provision of visitor information across Cumbria and the whole of the Northwest.

Nick Brookes-Sykes, Director of Tourism at the NWDA said: “Our aim is to have a modern network of well located visitor information centres across the whole of the Northwest. This investment in Moot Hall TIC will ensure it is able to provide an excellent visitor experience and signposting service, not only for Keswick, but also across the Lake District and Cumbria.”

Keswick Information Centre is open seven days a week between 9.30am and 5.30pm offering advice on what to do in the Lake District, where to stay, and how best to enjoy the national park.

Freakeasy: Thursday 29th July
Kendal Calling: Friday 30th July – Sunday 1th August 2010
Tickets: £85 / Lowther Deer Park, Hackthorpe, The Lake District

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

Two of the North West’s finest exports have been confirmed for the Lake District’s Kendal Calling festival: anthem generating Doves and festival favourites The Coral will headline Saturday and Sunday nights at the stunning festival site.

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.

Performance artists Freakeasy will give a special show on the eve of the Kendal Calling festival.

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:

Walkers and cyclists will soon be able to take advantage of a new guide to one of the Lake District’s most popular circular routes, making use of a picturesque section of the old Keswick to Penrith railway.

The “Keswick Railway Path” details a 10km route from Keswick railway station to Threlkeld and back via the ancient monument at Castlerigg Stone Circle, which is ideal for a half-day stroll or an evening bike ride.

A fully detailed map inside the leaflet also highlights several “short-cuts” which enable people to make the route as long or as short as they wish. Motor cyclists and horse riders are unfortunately not allowed on the path.

In addition to the mysterious Castlerigg Stone Circle, other highlights of the route include stunning views over into Brundholme Wood, the fast-flowing River Greta, Tewet Tarn, and the chance to observe paragliders descending Threlkeld Knotts.

National Park Publications Coordinator Charlotte Crosby said Keswick to Threlkeld along the old railway line has always been a popular “there and back” walk, but now by incorporating sections of cycle routes on quiet roads south of the A66 a “circular” route has been created to appeal to even more users.

“We believe the path will also be popular for people with limited mobility and families with children not yet ready for the more strenuous Lake District walks. There really is a lot going on for such a short path, I’m sure the new leaflet will become very popular, very quickly,” Charlotte added.

The leaflet, priced 70p, will be available later this month from the Keswick Information Centre in Moot Hall.