Lake District

Details of Easter events at Grizedale Forest:

Wild Art Adventure- Self-led activity

2 to 27 April …10am-5pm
Look at the forest and artworks in unimagined ways as you journey into your own art adventure.
Sheets available from shop 80p for one £1.20 for two – all ages

On The Move- FREE Drop-in session in the Yan (small charge for some activities)

9 to 25 April …11am-4pm
Many creatures move from place to place to feed & breed. Find out about, and be inspired by, some of their life-stories & adventures.

A Walk in the Forest

18 April …10.30am
Discover hidden artwork in Grizedale Forest and visit two tarns on the way to a spectacular view point. A joint LDNPA & FC event.
FREE, meet at Grizedale shop for a moderate 6 mile walk. Dogs welcome

Chopping Chips (of the wooden kind)

20 April …1pm-4pm
Grizedale is heated by chips, wood chips! A rare opportunity to see the wood chipper in action and take a behind the scenes look at how they keep Grizedale warm!
FREE, meet at Grizedale shop; half hour slots throughout the afternoon no booking required

For further information contact the visitor centre on 01229 860010 or email grizedale@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

There are few places more beautiful and romantic for a celebration than the English Lake District and there would be few celebrations more memorable than an elegant reception on England’s largest lake.

Windermere Lake Cruises now offer bespoke celebration cruises on their charming vintage ‘steamers’, providing a rare opportunity to mark once in a lifetime occasions on the water, against the spectacular moving backdrop of Cumbria’s fells.

The stunning vintage boats can be chartered privately and accommodate between 100 and 180 guests. They boast fully stocked bars, sound systems and even dance floors and can be dressed perfectly to suit any chosen theme.

All celebrations on a Windermere Lake Cruise are individual, there are no set packages and everything from a summer barbeque cruise at sunset, to a chic vintage afternoon tea dance, to a relaxed wedding ‘after party’ can be arranged.

The prices for a celebration cruise are refreshingly manageable too, with a private two hour charter for up to 100 people costing from just £990. There are set menu packages available from around £9 per person and disco hire from approximately £200 but those fancying a ‘DIY do’ can bring their own band, cake, flowers and food for just a surcharge of £2 per guest, making a cruise a real recession busting bash.

For further information on a private charter visit the Windermere Lake Cruises website at www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk or call 015384 43360.

This week Windermere Lake Cruises will launch a daily cruise service from Lakeside near Newby Bridge to beautiful Fell Foot Park, which has just been named as one of the best picnic spots in Britain.

Fell Foot Park featured in the ‘Food with a View’ list compiled by the National Trust and was recognised as one of Britain’s top ten places to enjoy a picnic.

The Victorian country park offers breathtaking views of the Lakeland fells as well as gorgeous lawns and gardens leading down to the lakeshore and an adventure playground for kids.

From the 9th of April, Windermere Lake Cruises will provide a daily service to the pretty park onboard a charming traditional launch.

The relaxing journey to Fell Foot will cost just £1.50 per adult, 75p per child or £4 for a family of two adults and up to three children.

A boat trip on England’s largest lake, a walk among spectacular scenery and a picnic in one of Britain’s best park…All the ingredients for an idyllic day out with great value for money too.

For further information and to book tickets for a Windermere Lake Cruise please visit www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk or call 015384 43360.

FRIDAY: CHASE & STATUS (LIVE)
SATURDAY: THE CRIBS
AND SUNDAY GIRL BLONDIE!
JOINED BY: THE WHIP / YOUNG KNIVES / NERO / MIDDLEMAN

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

Thursday 9 – Sunday 12 September
www.heritageopendays.org.uk – fully events listing and details

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

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