May event listings
Your guide to what's on in Cumbria and the Lake District in May.
Beauty and the Beast, Keswick Amateur Operatic Society, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
Until Sunday 10 May
Be our guest and step into the enchanted world of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Experience the timeless tale of love, magic and adventure, brought to life with dazzling costumes, unforgettable music and captivating performances that will enchant audiences of all ages.
The Tannahill Weavers, The John Peel Theatre, Wigton
Thursday 7 May
The Tannahill Weavers are one of Scotland’s premier traditional bands. Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals and songs, and original ballads and lullabies. They have that unique combination of traditional melodies, driving rhythmic accompaniment, and rich vocals that make their performances unforgettable.
P.P Arnold, Brewery Arts, Kendal
Friday 8 May
Soul Survivor piano duo show: an intimate evening of songs and stories with one of the legends of soul music. Since she became London’s First Lady of Soul back in the 60’s, P.P. Arnoldis a real Soul Survivor, still going strong. The term “well-established” might be appropriate for some artists but it barely begins to cover the career of the phenomenal P.P. Arnold, whose records and performances are now in their sixth decade. Her consistently excellent music covers multiple genres, her high-profile admirers and collaborators are plentiful. She is one of the iconic faces of London’s Swinging 60’s.
Spitfire Girls, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
Tuesday 12 May - Saturday 16 May
Spitfire Girls is inspired by the extraordinary true stories of the women who dared to fly during WWII and the incredible bond that tied them together. Funny and heart-warming, this is an untold story of strength, courage and loss. But above all else, hope.
Session A9, Brewery Arts, Kendal
Thursday 14 May
Over the last 25 years, Session A9 have earned their reputation as one of the best live bands in the country, adored by fellow artists and the wider public alike. It is no wonder they are frequently described as a “Scottish Supergroup”. A concert review in The Times quoted “Playing with zest, finesse, harmonic sensitivity and an element of cheek and mischief”.
Newton Faulkner, Old Fire Station, Carlisle
Thursday 14 May
Newton Faulkner is continually adjusting to a music landscape dominated by flux, he’s moved from the phenomenal success of his debut album ‘Hand Built By Robots’ to the surging triumph of ‘Write It On Your Skin’; from ‘Studio Zoo’ - which was the first album ever to be live streamed online while being recorded, and was also recorded and released in just five weeks – to the sumptuous ‘Human Love’ plus multiple other records over his incredible 15 year career so far.
The Mancunium Consort: A New Light, St John’s Church, Silverdale
Friday 15 May
The Mancunium Consort performs a programme of their favourite motets and anthems based on their debut album, ‘A New Light’.
Lavinia Blackwall, supported by Bitterbeck and The Meteorite, Threlkeld Village Hall
Friday 15 May
A lively and melodic variety of original songs drawing on influences across folk, punk, psychedelia, rock and britpop, including lyrics that highlight the issues of our times. Guaranteed to be emotionally stirring, energising, toe tapping and hip shaking (there will even be a dance competition at the end). There will not only be a licensed bar, but also a raffle in aid of Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
An Evening with The Hoo, Armathwaite Old School Hall, Carlisle
Saturday 16 May
The Hoo are Ian Borrowdale (guitar/vocals/electronic drums) and Ian Thompson (bass/vocals) from Eastriggs, Dumfries & Galloway. Ian (B) has been part of the local music scene for many years having played together in the past with his old mate Olly Alcock and recently used to be part of local band The Hoovers (hence the name). Ian (T) is a seasoned bass player and has played in many bands all over, from the South of Scotland down into the depths of England.
Cumbrian Minstrels: Summer Concert 2026, St. Mary’s Church, Wigton
Saturday 16 May
This concert is a celebration of the Wigton poet John Stagg (1770-1823) and his local contemporaries. The principal work will be the world premiere of Stagg’s most famous poem The Vampyre, set to music by our Music Director Ian Wright. The concert also includes texts by Susanna Blamire, William Wordsworth, Robert Burns and ‘The Cumberland Bard’, Robert Anderson (1770-1833). The concert will be conducted by our Music Director, Ian Wright, and accompanied by The Throstle Ensemble.
Darren McGarvey, Trauma Industrial Complex: The Live Show, Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven
Thursday 21 May
Orwell Prize-winning author, BAFTA and RTS-winning documentary maker, and former BBC Reith Lecturer Darren McGarvey takes his acclaimed Fringe show Trauma Industrial Complex: The Live Show on tour across the UK and Ireland in 2026. An entertaining multi-media exploration of trauma, class, and the modern culture of oversharing, the show blends comedy, spoken word, and social commentary in McGarvey’s unmistakable voice - bold, compassionate, and unflinchingly honest.
The Big Indie Fest, Old Fire Station, Carlisle
Friday 22 May
The biggest indie fest is set to take the roof off of Carlisle. Brace yourself for 4 hours of bangers from your favourite indie legends with our live band, DJs & performers. Belt your heart out to seventeen going under, pull up them knee socks and come out of that cage - as we take you on an indie journey you’ll never forget at this not-to-be missed live music experience.
Manford’s Comedy Club, Barrow-in-Furness Town Hall
Friday 22 May
Come along and join in the fun for a night full of laughs. We have four fabulous comedians to entertain you!
Rosehill Players: Calendar Girls, Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven
Wednesday 27 May - Saturday 30 May
The Rosehill Players return with the ever heart-warming tale of Calendar Girls. After the death of her best friend’s husband from cancer, spirited Yorkshire housewife Chris hatches a scheme to raise money for a memorial to him. Utilising a tradition from the uptight Women’s Institute association, Chris encourages Annie and their friends to create a calendar. The Rosehill Players will be raising money for Hospice at Home West Cumbria during the week of the production through the sale of Sunflowers and Show Calendars.
James Walsh & Ben Ottewell, Old Fire Station, Carlisle
Thursday 28 May
Experience an unforgettable night as two of the best voices of the past 30 years unite for a special double bill. James Walsh of Starsailor and Ben Ottewell of Gomez will share the stage for a powerful evening of live music. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see these iconic artists perform side by side.
Melanie Baker, The Brickyard, Carlisle
Friday 29 May
Melanie Baker makes music about everything that hurts and everything that feels just right. Based in Newcastle (UK), she writes with unflinching honesty - songs that sway between noisy catharsis and quiet confession, between absurd humour and deep vulnerability. With pounding drums, fuzzy guitars, and tender lyrical precision, Baker reclaims the grit and spirit of ’90s alt-rock through a queer, modern lens.
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