Shap Outdoor Festival is set to return for a second year following its successful debut in 2023.
The village is gearing up to host this year’s month-long celebration of nature and community starting on April 27 and ending on May 26.
Building upon last year, organisers are promising a bigger line up of activities and events for both local people and visitors alike.
Events will include talks, immersive walks, farmers markets and engaging workshops all set within the Lowther Valley.
Patrick Neaves, the festival’s co-ordinator, saidt: “The overwhelming response to our inaugural festival last year demonstrated the incredible appetite for outdoor experiences in the Lowther Valley.
“We have much to offer in this quiet corner of Cumbria, made easily accessible from the M6, with ancient woodland, expanses of moorland and peatland, tranquil lakes and rivers; the festival is a fabulous showcase of what’s out there to explore.
“This year, we’re thrilled to offer an expanded programme which starts and ends with two fabulous farmers markets, allowing us to showcase even more of the unique beauty and biodiversity of our region.”
From badgers to bryophytes, and nature doodles to the dawn chorus, other highlight events will include guided walks exploring ancient woodlands, riverbanks and peatlands led by experts from Cumbria Woodlands, Eden Rivers Trust and Cumbria Connect respectively.
A whole host of organisations and individuals including the RSPB, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Penrith and District Red Squirrel Group, Lowther Estate, Friends of the Lake District, Zero Carbon Cumbria, Cumbria Badger Vaccination Project, At Nature’s Pace and Cumbria Lichens and Bryophytes Group have also come together to create the programme of activities and events.
Nicola Estill, people and places officer for Cumbria Connect, said: “As a new partnership, we’re proud to join the host of individuals and organisations involved in this exciting festival for the first time this year.
“We look forward to meeting lots of people to delve into the world of peatland and river restoration, conservation grazing, and nature restoration and its impact on Shap and the wider area.
“As we seek to halt the decline and increase the abundance of nature across this landscape, this is a fantastic event to celebrate the joy that nature brings.
“It’s truly heartening to see the enthusiasm and support from both locals and visitors for the conservation and appreciation of our natural environment in this area.”
The festival’s official launch will start at Shap Farmers Market on April 27 and will feature live entertainment.
For more information about the Shap Outdoor Festival 2024 and to discover the full line-up of events, visit theoldcourthouse.org/
