Things to do this Summer - The #CultruralConcierege

Left : Windermere Jetty | Top right : Daffodils by the lake | Bottom right : Theatre by the Lake

Our Cultural Concierge’s highlights of things to do in 2022

Few things are more reassuring that spring is here than a host of golden daffodils. William Wordsworth of course, famously recorded his delight with a stretch of ‘dancing’ and ‘laughing’ daffodils by Ullswater in 1802. Our excitement of spotting seasonal blooms still marks the oncoming of the seasons.

Soon after, our woodland, wilder open spaces and hedgerows will develop their blue haze as the humble bluebell comes out to welcome the early summer sun. At about the same time you can smell and see, the beautiful white wild-garlic ramson flowers.

Then, throughout June, July, and August, immerse yourself in the joys of the wild flower hay meadows as they buzz with insects, butterflies and chatter with birds.

Against nature’s backdrop we put on a calendar of traditional and contemporary events to make the most of the longer days and milder evenings.

Here’s a small selection I’ve picked for your diary. The venues websites will give you the latest news, ticket sales and updates.

Until 29 May you can see two remarkable manuscripts from William and Dorothy Wordsworth on display ay Wordsworth Grasmere for the first-time side by side. The British Library has loaned its unique manuscript of William’s extraordinary poem I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud to be displayed alongside the Wordsworth Trust’s own copy of Dorothy’s Grasmere journal.

Perhaps we have the Romans to thank for the daffodil being such an iconic image of spring. The Romans are known to have planted daffodils in memory of loved ones or comrades fallen in battle and probably brought daffodils to Britain from the Iberian Peninsula.

Seek out all the stories of the Romans in Britain as we celebrate 1900 years since the building of Hadrian’s Wall.

Until 12 June, you can see To the Edges of Empire and Uncovering Roman Carlisle at Tullie House Museum and explore their permanent Roman Galleries. To the Edges of Empire offers an intimate look at 11 Roman treasures illustrating the vastness of the empire including the earliest known souvenir from Hadrian’s Wall: the Ilam Pan, the Newstead Helmet, a phalera from Roman Egypt. Uncovering Roman Carlisle comes only months after the completion of the excavation of the Roman bathhouse site at Carlisle Cricket Club. The exhibition documents the excavation, looking at what was discovered through the stories of the people that found them.

Until the end of October: Continue your Hadrianic journey to the stunning west coast to Ravenglass, Eskdale and Muncaster Castle to see Roman Muncaster and a lively events programme. This exhibition of local Roman finds and artefacts from the port, fort and vicus in Ravenglass will tell you all about what the Romans were doing here and give you an insight into their daily lives.

29-31 July: A personal favourite in the cultural calendar is Potfest. Set to the backdrop of Hutton-in-the-Forest. Potfest has become a place of pilgrimage for makers, collectors and admirers of the finest contemporary ceramics. It’s great to make a purchase, but just as lovely to look and chat to the makers – they love to share! And of course, you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings and Cloisters Tearoom delicious goodies.

Longer summer days means outdoor theatre and summer shows. So, dig out the picnic basket, shake out the rug and start planning summer afternoons and dusky evenings, chilled fizz and strawberries and cream. Don’t forget a rug and warm coats just in case the weather turns!

July & August: Is the season for the touring troupes to be dusting off their costumes, polishing instruments and hitting the road again. Many of the County’s historic houses host them throughout July and August. Check out: Muncaster Castle, Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts house, near Windermere, Brantwood on the shore of Coniston, Holker Hall and Lowther Castle

23 July: New for 2022 - Folk Fell – an exciting new, family friendly, one day event based in the stunning grounds of Holker Hall. Enjoy some of the best headlining Folk Musicians, including the incredible Kate Rusby, on the 23 July. The event is designed to be relaxed and inviting with limited tickets, so everyone can have a great experience – tickets are on sale now.

21 August: The biggest Classic Car event in the region returns to Dalemain! This promises to be their most fantastic show yet with a day packed full of entertainment. You’ll enjoy autotests, arena displays, great music, local food, and the option of a visit to Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens.

Year Round: And if you’re a petrol-head, why not head for a visit to Lakeland Motor Museum –with hundreds of classic and some more familiar vehicles to browse. On some weekends there are rallies by classic car owners and enthusiasts only too willing to share their pride and joy stories with you.

Year Round: Maybe steam’s your thing? Then take a cruise on one of Windermere Jetty Museums fully restored heritage boats. Escape with the gentle sounds and peaceful calm of the lake and embrace the spirit of Edwardian adventure. Their knowledgeable skippers will take you back in time with stories of the fascinating collection and the surrounding landscape that inspired the museum.

There are often times when the weather isn’t perfect for walks and picnics, so my summer indoor pick is Theatre by The Lake.

In April they bring passion and heartbreak to the stage with Kes, Ken Loach’s acclaimed British drama. Their Summer programme begins in June with the world premiere of The Climbers, an exploration of our fascination with the mountains, fittingly premiering in the reputed birthplace of the British climbing movement. And for something a little lighter, from July – September are staging the smashhit comedy One Man, Two Guvnors, a real laugh-outloud rollercoaster for you this Summer.

These are just a few of my ideas to get you out and about enjoying culture in Cumbria. There are exhibitions, events, county shows and music events across the county. So, enjoy your time here, and why not enjoy a taste of Cumbria’s culture, get off the beaten track, discover new experiences and make some great memories.

Muncaster Castle