Gabriel Stewart

Designer Jess O’Riley has collected about 40 tents abandoned after Kendal Calling and is transforming them into jackets, trousers, bags and accessories for her sustainable fashion brand, J.O. Studio. The collection, made with help from local machinists, is due to be showcased at Manchester Fashion Week. O’Riley aims to rescue hundreds more tents from UK festivals, challenging the waste generated by disposable camping equipment and ultra-cheap fast fashion.

A visit to Kendal Farmers Market highlights its food stalls, farm animals, educational displays and local businesses. The Westmorland County Agricultural Society uses the market to promote farming and the Westmorland Country Show, while beekeepers raise awareness of declining pollinators and the Asian yellow-legged hornet. Pennington Spirits and Liqueurs showcases its Kendal Mint Cake Liqueur and supports the market as an important source of footfall for Kendal’s town centre. The market is portrayed as a lively community institution that combines commerce, local history and public education.

Zip World Windermere offers six family-focused outdoor adventures, including treetop nets, a high-altitude freefall, climbing and zip-lining, and full or mini high-rope treks. Activities cater to children and adults of varying ages and abilities, with training, equipment and accessible harnesses provided. Prices range from £5.25 to £41.13, and discounts are available through September 1, including savings linked to the government’s VAT reduction.

The BBC and Starz are adapting David Nicholls’ novel You Are Here into an eight-part drama starring Claire Foy and Matthew Macfadyen. Filming will take place in the Lake District and around Manchester, following the characters Marnie and Michael as they walk England’s Coast to Coast route from the Lake District to Robin Hood’s Bay. Directed by Lenny Abrahamson, the series will explore loneliness, connection, second chances and an unexpected relationship, while further raising the Lake District’s profile as a major screen-production location.

A packed candlelit vigil was held outside the South Lakes Birth Centre in Barrow to remember midwife Clare Skyrme, who died aged 37 on July 21, 2026. Her brother Mark and former colleagues praised her kindness, professionalism and support for other midwives. Her family has asked that the cause of death remain private, and her funeral is scheduled for August 12 at St Mary’s Church in Barrow-in-Furness.

Supreme Escapes has introduced charges at the previously free 68-space car park opposite the Kirkstone Pass Inn near Ambleside. Partner Jerry Huppert said misuse of the car park and the need to keep the business financially sustainable made the decision necessary, helping avoid higher costs for holiday-let guests or the pub. The inn said customers who eat or drink there can receive free or discounted parking; it reopened under new management in April.

A new three-times-daily Sunday timetable on Stagecoach’s 563 route now provides seven-day bus travel between Penrith and Kirkby Stephen via several Eden Valley communities. The service, supported by Westmorland & Furness Council and local transport campaigners, is intended to benefit residents and visitors, including festivalgoers, and will run until at least early November. Additional seasonal X12 and 534 services have also been introduced in the region.

A recurring SEND disco in Kendal is set to return on August 7 at Netherfield Cricket Club, offering a safe and accessible night out for adults with special educational needs and disabilities. Organisers Amanda Hird and Bethany Bracken launched the events in 2025 to address the lack of inclusive nightlife options in the area. Local businesses have supported the initiative, and the discos have helped attendees reconnect with friends and build community. The organisers hope the model inspires similar events and continue to run family fun days for younger participants.

A 14-year-old from Sedbergh, John-Lukas Stainton, won both the Under-18s 10 stone and Under-15s titles at the Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling World Championships in Penrith. Coming from a family of wrestlers and training at Kendal Wrestling Academy, he secured his third world title after defeating Charlie Armstrong in the final. The article highlights the growing revival of traditional backhold wrestling among young people across Cumbria and other regions, with increased participation and international competition.

A Kendal woman with advanced bile duct cancer has travelled to Turkey for a potential life‑saving liver transplant after raising more than £200,000 through community fundraising. Florence Moffat‑Charles and her husband secured a donor and are undergoing compatibility testing ahead of an ethics committee review required for surgery. She paused chemotherapy in preparation for the procedure and continues to receive strong support from friends, family and local residents, with fundraising efforts ongoing to cover medical and post‑transplant costs.

A ranking of the five most expensive Lake District Airbnbs still available for the August 2026 bank holiday highlights luxury properties in Windermere, Bowness, Coniston, Keswick and Stainton. Prices range from £5,241 to £10,950, with features including private lake access, hot tubs, gyms, panoramic views and large group capacity. Each listing offers premium amenities appealing to high‑budget travellers seeking exclusive holiday accommodation.

Sales at many Cumbrian pubs increased during England’s World Cup matches, with some venues reporting significant boosts in takings during games. While some pubs experienced strong crowds and higher revenue, others saw little overall financial benefit once higher staffing and operational costs were considered. The period highlighted ongoing financial challenges for the pub industry, including recent closures across Cumbria and Britain. Pubs noted strong community spirit and supportive customer turnout despite England’s semi-final exit.

Several Lake District restaurants are highlighted for earning national acclaim, from Michelin‑starred venues to acclaimed pubs. Rowan at Rothay Manor, SOURCE at the Gilpin Hotel, the Lake Edge Restaurant at Storrs Hall, Gilpin Spice, and the Punch Bowl Inn are recognized for seasonal British cuisine, technical fine dining, and locally sourced ingredients. These establishments contribute to the region’s growing reputation as a leading UK food destination.

Sedbergh Primary School received the OPAL Gold Award for transforming its once plain playground into a creative and adventurous play environment. The recognition places the school among the top five percent of schools nationally for play provision after two years of redevelopment involving staff, pupils, and families. Headteacher Victoria Hudson highlighted improvements in children’s creativity, collaboration, and wellbeing. OPAL commended the school’s commitment to meaningful, inclusive play. The achievement was celebrated with an assembly and a Stay and Play session for families.

Westmorland and Furness Council generated £11.05 million after doubling council tax on second homes to address housing shortages and a high number of vacant properties. Local officials argue the premium supports community sustainability and increases available housing, while estate agents report more second homes entering the market due to higher costs. Housing advocates support the measure but warn that increased revenue could result in reduced central government grants. MP Tim Farron urges the government to close a loophole allowing some second homeowners to avoid council tax by letting properties for limited periods.

A group led by Nigel Brookwell plans to climb Scafell Pike in 80kg vintage diving suits to raise money for Florence Moffat-Charles, a Kendal woman requiring life-saving liver cancer treatment abroad. The effort follows a successful fundraiser that met the initial £200,000 needed for treatment in Turkey, where Florence and her husband Josh have already travelled for testing. Additional funds will support further medical needs, while the six-member team will also raise money for Wasdale Mountain Rescue. Nigel draws on past charity climbs and highlights the urgency and shared vulnerability associated with health crises.

Tesco plans to close its Express stores across England at 7:30pm on Sunday if the national team reaches the World Cup final, allowing staff to watch the match while receiving full shift pay. Affected locations in Cumbria include Ambleside, Barrow‑in‑Furness, Bowness‑on‑Windermere, Grange‑over‑Sands, Kendal and Ulverston. Larger stores will already be shut due to Sunday trading laws, and existing online grocery orders for the evening will be fulfilled. Stores will operate normally if England does not advance.