Cumbrian festivals - September 2009

Dent, Silloth, Brampton, Keswick, Ulverston, Windermere, Carlisle, Maryport, Sedbergh, Tarns, Whitehaven …………….. No, I’m not trying to fill this month’s column by using Sir Clement Freud’s infamous technique of spinning out a minute of speaking without hesitation, repetition or deviation by employing a long list of words or places.

But what do these fine Cumbrian locations have in common? They all play host to festivals - musical, culinary and literary. For example, Windermere plays host to the Lake District Summer Music Festival which offers music ranging from popular classics to some of the most challenging and demanding pieces in the classical repertoire.

Tarns, just outside Silloth is home to Solfest, Cumbria’s ‘mini Glastonbury’ where young people from 0 to 90 come together to experience a wonderfully eclectic mix of music. The rejuvenated Carlisle Festival brings the Cathedral Close alive with vibrant music and welcomes in a secular audience that might otherwise pass by Carlisle’s most precious corner.

The other common element, and why they feature in this column, is that these events are conceived, planned, organized and run by local charities led by volunteers. We normally think of charities as being associated with delivering meals on wheels, running play groups and other caring services. But in Cumbria much of our cultural and artistic opportunities are provided through local charities and non profit organisations. Theatre by the Lake, Brewery Arts Centre, Helena Thompson Museum, Dove Cottage, Rosehill Theatre and Blackwell are just some of our permanent locations run by charitable trusts.

Music and art inspire people; at their best they can help us attain new levels of understanding and peace. In Cumbria where audiences and venues for cultural and artistic events may be small the only way to lay things on is in the old fashioned tradition of do it yourself. People with a real passion and interest throw themselves into making things happen – and they do it for free!

The benefits are so wide ranging, from enhancing the experience of our visitors to bringing art and performances to people who wouldn’t otherwise see them. I know that people choose to visit and stay in the county to take part in these events.

My own organisation has played a very small part in funding events such as the Maryport Blues Festival and Solfest. We’ve been able to watch these events grow in popularity and the people behind them grow in stature and confidence. They help build pride in towns and bring a buzz and excitement.

In these credit crunch times how about looking around and seeing what’s on offer in your own backyard and try an autumn ‘staycation’ in Cumbria provided by your very own charities.