Join us in Kirkby Stephen to celebrate the landscape, heritage and people of the Westmorland Dales!

Get set for the usual packed programme of exploration, activities and entertainment for all, with some special events in store too. Scroll down to find out what's happening when, and keep watching this website for more info and more events.

This year we're celebrating our 10th anniversary too, so don't miss out on our prize draw - you could win a two-night stay for up to four people at Eden Ewe-Nique Lonnin, a fully accessible cabin on a traditional working hill farm in the Westmorland Dales, with a breakfast hamper full of delicious local produce included. Scroll up to find out how to enter.

Everyone's welcome at the Festival and as usual the bulk of our events - and everything for children - will be free of charge. We are enormously grateful to all the partners and sponsors who make this possible.

If you're an artist, maker or food producer or represent a community or conservation group and would like to be part of the Festival, or if you have any general queries, please contact us at info@westmorlanddalesfestival.org.

We look forward to seeing you there - and don't forget to enter our special 10th anniversary prize draw!

Vivienne Littlefair, Chair, and the Westmorland Dales Festival team

Photographs above © ① Denise Saunders ② & ④ Cumbria Tourism

③ Kirkby Stephen Walkers are Welcome ⑤ WDF

Video © Cumbria Tourism

Westmorland Dales Festival 2026: what's happening when
Keep watching this site for more info & more events!

SATURDAY 25 and SUNDAY 26 JULY 2026

Events running on both days

Where's Woolly?

Hit the treasure trail & help gather our Festival flock scattered around town

The Settle to Carlisle line at 150

Meet the Friends of the Settle to Carlisle Line & help celebrate the line’s 150th anniversary!

Art in the Mart

Art takes over the pens in Kirkby Stephen's Auction Mart!

Self-guided walks

Pick up a leaflet from the Upper Eden Visitor Centre and explore Kirkby Stephen and the nearby countryside at your own pace

WDF @ The Club

A fun programme of entertainment for the Festival weekend!

SATURDAY 25 JULY 2026

Events on Saturday 25 July

Map reading and navigation workshop with Kirkby Stephen Walkers are Welcome

10:00. Get equipped to head out and explore the Westmorland Dales! Booking required

A walking tour of Great Asby

10.30-12:30. Explore the history, heritage and industry of a traditional Westmorland Dales village. Booking required

Discover Orton, one of Westmorland's loveliest villages

10:30-12:30. A guided walk looking at the history of Orton, with fascinating tales of the village and its past residents. Booking required

Get creative with Lakeland Arts

11:00-15:00. Have a go at eco-inspired crafts with Lakeland Arts & their award-winning MEND workshops!

Jubilee Park Open Day

11:00-15:00. Go wild in Jubilee Park with nature workshops for all the family and a guided tour of the park

Brass Blast Tasters with Drum & Brass

11:00-15:00. Grab an instrument, get the basics, feel the buzz & play!

Cumbria Classic Coach tour of the Westmorland Dales

16:15-18:15. Hop on board a Cumbria Classic Coach for a grand tour of some of the highlights of the Westmorland Dales. Booking required

On the Market Square

10:00-16:00. Meet the Festival team, find refreshments & more!

SUNDAY 26 JULY 2026

Events on Sunday 26 July

Cumbrian cookery and chat with Harrison Ward, aka the Fell Foodie

14:00-16:00. Don't miss this cookery demo with special guest Harrison Ward, aka the Fell Foodie! There'll be the chance to sample his food as well as a Q&A session and book signing afterwards

The Festival Fair

10:00-16:00. Artisan markets with local artists, makers and producers as well as community and conservation groups

Live music

10:00. Kirkby Stephen Silver Band kicks off Day Two of the Festival & introduces a morning of great live music. Follow the link to find out who's playing when

Matt Tiffany & Rosie Kelly

10:00-16:00. Circus skills, face painting, bubbleology & all-day entertainment with Matt & Rosie

Rugby, scarecrows & more with Upper Eden Rugby Club

10:00-16:00. Get muddy or creative or both with Upper Eden Rugby Club & get set for their Scarecrow weekend in August!

Wild play with Stomping Ground

11:00-15:00. Go wild with Stomping Ground! Find the team on Church Green & by Frank's Bridge, on the banks of the river Eden

Zumba with Anthea

11:00-12:00. Rhythm, sass & heart: get moving with Anthea!

Eden Animal Rescue Dog Show

12:00-14:00 Bring along your pooches and show them off at Eden Animal Rescue's fun dog show!

Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team

10:00-16:00 Meet the team & explore their base!

Pop-up café by Nateby and Wharton WI

All-day refreshments in the Masonic Hall

Stainmore Railway Company at Kirkby Stephen East Station

Special events for the Festival at Kirkby Stephen's historic station and steam railway

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