Visitors to Kirkby Lonsdale next month can expect to enjoy a packed schedule of events and entertainment, as the town’s first Festival of Ideas gets underway.
Scheduled to run from February 8 to February 23, Illuminate will features live performances, film screenings and speaker events, as well as creative and wellbeing workshops and family fun.
There are free activities for children every day during half-term week!
Highlights include an atmospheric one-man production of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, live music from acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Ben Reel and must-see magic courtesy of The Great Baldini.
A specially curated programme of six films exploring the theme Made in Britain will also be staged at the town’s Lunesdale Hall, including Wicked Little Letters, Polite Society and The Old Oak.
Illuminate has also attracted world-class speakers including geneticist and TV host Dr Adam Rutherford, celebrated authors William Fiennes and Anthony McGowan, and MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale Lizzi Collinge.
The festival is especially significant as Kirkby Lonsdale recovers from the aftermath of a fire that broke out on Main Street during the 2024 Christmas Fair weekend and resulted in the death of a town man.
Organisers hope that the festival will encourage visitors to return to experience for themselves Kirkby’s unique charm and indomitable community spirit.
“We’re beyond excited to launch Illuminate here in Kirkby Lonsdale,” said festival organiser Diane Nowell.
“We were all devastated by the events of December and want to see the town continue to thrive. We’re inviting people to come along and have a great time, while showing their support for our community and businesses following a very difficult Christmas.”
Tickets for individual events can be booked online at https://illuminate.kirkbylonsdale.org but savvy festival-goers can see dozens of shows for just £39 when they buy an events pass that allows them access to all performances, films and speaker events (excluding workshops and chargeable small group activities).
Ms Collinge said: “Following the tragic fire last December, I was thrilled to see how the community pulled together. This festival again showcases the very best of the community. I encourage all those who can to get involved.”
