North West Archive

Going underground with Contrary Life: Part 1

There is a whole world of tunnels, mines, caverns and other underground haunts to explore in the UK. So why not join us on a journey to the dark side as Contrary Life picks out some subterranean gems and hidden passageways?
Do you have the appetite for a Wings Eating Competition?

Fancy a tasty challenge? Well, FRANK’S RedHot® is hosting one and asking how many Buffalo wings you can eat in five minutes?
You think you know the Lakes, but do you know about the Lakeland’s industrial past?

Alongside the river in Kendal’s Abbot Hall is the compact yet perfectly formed Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry…
Wray Village gets creative for the Scarecrow Festival

Wray Scarecrow Festival 2013 takes place from 27th April – 6th May with the Wray Fair taking place on 6th May. Visitors come from far and wide to the north Lancashire village to see the scarecrows…
Embrace the arts with Malfest this May

Malfest is an arts & literary festival taking place in Malpas, Cheshire running from Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th May with music, talks, workshops and more…
Capers and conversation in Cockermouth

Until recently not many people had heard of Cockermouth. Then the floods came. But there is more to this part of Cumbria than water damage. The Cumbria Contemporary weekender offered a chance to experience the cultural and historical side of the town…
Can you survive the zombie apocalypse?

Armed with no more than your wits and a map, you have to navigate your way across a city at dusk to find the Survivor Camp, encountering groups of survivors and bloodthirsty zombies en route…
Stunning films and stunning views at Keswick Film Festival

Keswick Film Festival takes place from 21st – 24th February at venues around Keswick including the Alhambra cinema and the Theatre by the Lake…
Join Paddington Bear at the Marmalade Awards & Festival in Cumbria

Next month Dalemain Mansion and Gardens host the Marmalade Awards & Festival in Cumbria with a chance to taste over 200 different marmalades, attend lectures and workshops and meet Paddington Bear…
Valentine’s Day and not a candle in sight

Every year Contrary Life likes to bring you some alternative ways to spend Valentine’s and this year is no exception. Below we bring you our pick of things to do on or around Valentine’s Day to avoid the age old flowers and candle-lit dinner combo…
Having a folking good time on the train

The Folk Train is a musical ride from Manchester to Hathersage via some stunning Peak District countryside with a live band as your soundtrack…
Curiosity of the week: the wish tree

This week’s curiosity is the wish tree, thought to bring luck, these coin covered trees can be found in various places around the UK…