The Lakes come alive with performance and art

A free festival of contemporary arts returns to the Lake District this month, inviting everyone be inspired by the magnificent landscapes.

Lakes Alive will return to venues throughout Kendal, Brockhole on Windermere, Grizedale Forest and Grasmere, with a daytime and evening programme of vibrant illuminations, digital delights, spectacular happenings and performances, presented by international and British artists.

This year, there will be an eclectic bunch of artists, performers and musicians presenting a whole weekend of events for visitors to hear, watch, and take part in. Many of the artists have worked with the local communities to develop some unique commissions for this year’s festival.

Kendal’s annual outdoor dining experience of sharing, music, dance and merriment, Jacob’s Join, will open the festival on Friday 6th September at the Riverside behind Abbot Hall Park.

Last year hundreds of people enjoyed dancing and feasting with family, friends and strangers before parading up to Kendal Castle. This year, party revellers will dance to an Asian beat, and Dhol drummers will accompany the snaking parade to an ‘out of the world’ experience at the Castle. Fantastic Planet, two huge humanoid figures will be in temporary residence amongst the castle ruins, awaiting the festival-goers.

The weekend will continue with a high-energy aerial performance in Topos, a mystery tour with a sphere through Kendal in Congregation, and a cross-between walking tour and immersive rock performance with Heavy Metal Detector.

There will also be tactile sonic sculptures in Colony, a swing-powered adventure in VR Playground, and Shimmer Tree, a six-metre-high tree-like sound and light sculpture controlled by the wind.

When: 6th – 8th September 2019
Where: Kendal, Brockhole on Windermere, Grizedale Forest and Grasmere in Cumbria
£: Most events are free

More info: lakesalive.co.uk/lineup