March event listings
Your guide to what's on in Cumbria and the Lake District in March.
Chesney Hawkes, Old Fire Station, Carlisle
Tuesday 10 March
Chesney Hawkes became one of the biggest pop stars of his era with his irresistible mega-hit ‘The One and Only’, becoming one of the most recognisable songs of a generation. Having spent over a decade in LA, Chesney is finally back and bigger than ever, with his long awaited comeback album ‘Living Arrows’ securing BBC Radio 2’s coveted ‘album of the week’, and spawning the hit radio singles ‘Get A Hold Of Yourself’, ‘Live Forever’ and ‘LOUD!’.
The Cartoon Museum, The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven
Until Sunday 15 March
A celebration of Britain’s comic art heritage arrives this month at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven, as it becomes one of the first venues to host The Cartoon Museum’s first touring exhibition. The exhibition features a selection of iconic, nostalgic and surprising artworks from the London based Cartoon Museum’s renowned collection. As the only museum in Britain dedicated to preserving and celebrating comic and cartoon history, the Cartoon Museum is dedicated to preserving the best of British cartoons, caricatures, comics and animation.
Garth Marenghi, This Bursted Earth Book Tour, Old Fire Station, Carlisle
Thursday 19 March
Horror author Nick Steen is having visions… A sinister Black Steeple; eerie lights in the sky that look like a Catherine wheel but are not remotely a Catherine wheel… Plus a giant skeleton with a moustache. Are they omens? Auguries? Portenderings of things to come? (Spoiler - yes, they are).
Keswick Film Festival, Keswick Alhambra Cinema
Thursday 19 March - Sunday 22 March
With a choice of over 30 films, including new releases, UK and European premieres and previews, winners from Cannes and Toronto, Oscar nominees, dramas, documentaries and animations, and special guests, Keswick Film Festival offers the best of the best for all ages in an outstanding weekend of cinema. The Osprey Short Film Competition award ceremony takes place over the weekend and showcases the best of Cumbrian creativity.
Aston Merrygold, The Grateful Tour 2026, Old Fire Station, Carlisle
Friday 20 March
Aston will take the stage with a dynamic setlist featuring his much-loved solo songs, including, Get Stupid, I Ain’t Missing You, How Many Times, Overboard and of course Grateful, as well as brand-new songs and JLS nostalgia to top it off. The show will be filled with fresh energy, high tempo and a couple of surprises, that only Aston can deliver. Known for his incredible vocals, slick choreography, and magnetic stage presence, Aston is thrilled to be returning to venues around the UK, reconnecting with fans in a truly intimate and unforgettable way.
Cumbria Book Festival, The Solway Hall, Whitehaven
Saturday 21 March
The festival will feature local authors, offering visitors the chance to meet writers from across the region. The day will also include a costume competition, craft stalls, and a range of creative workshops suitable for all ages.
Old Baby Mackerel, Kirkgate Centre, Cockermouth
Saturday 21 March
Old Baby Mackerel are one of the UK’s largest and best-known Bluegrass bands, recently featured on the front of the British Bluegrass News with a 5 page article. They play high-energy, foot-stomping Bluegrass featuring a fantastic line-up of renowned UK Bluegrass musicians. Be prepared to be transported back in time and space to early 20th century North America where songs dramatised the small town fascination with locomotion, love, violence and the veneration of bootleg liquor.
Mike Wozniak: The Bench, Old Fire Station, Carlisle
Sunday 22 March
New stand-up tour show from Mike Wozniak in which a story about a bench will be prominent. Previous experience of or strong opinions about benches not required. Let Mike worry about that.
Tim Kliphuis Trio, St John’s Church, Keswick
Sunday 22 March
The Tim Kliphuis Trio is coming back to Keswick - the first time since 2018. They will be performing a new take on Mussorgsky' "Pictures of an Exhibition" including 4 new pictures composed by Tim himself. The program also includes a selection of pre-war Django Reinhardt Gypsy Jazz hits; the "Allegro" form the Trio's Bach Brandenburg suite and Water from Kilphuis "The Five Elements".
Jura on the Path of Orwell - An Exhibition by Michael and Anne Batey, Carlisle Cathedral
Tuesday 24 March
Visit The Undercroft to view this Fine Art Exhibition featuring contemporary work by local artists, Michael Batey and Anne Batey, inspired by their week-long residency on the island of Jura. Open daily, 10am - 4pm. Free entry, donations welcomed.
Act Your Age, Brewery Arts, Kendal
Until 24 March
Act Your Age are currently working towards a performance of The Outrunby Stef Smith, based on the book by Amy Liptrot. Existing members can pay at our box office on the day. This course is an open theatre group aimed at those over 60 to develop new skills, stretch their creativity, build their confidence and have lots of fun.
Comedy Night, The Venue, Kendal
Saturday 28 March
Our host, and performer for the evening is Tony Cowards- finalist for ‘English Comedian of the Year’. Joining him is Tez Ilyas and Nick Doody. You may know Tez Ilyas, from Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week; Channel Four’s The Last Leg or Comedy Central’s Roast Battle. Nick Doody is one of the best talents on the comedy circuit, bringing satire and political comedy together.
Kyle Falconer of The View, Brickyard, Carlisle
Saturday 28 March
Kyle Falconer (of The View) heads out on tour next spring, stopping off at The Brickyard on Saturday 28th March.
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