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While the great outdoors is by far the biggest attraction of Cumbria, the county’s arts and culture community is also well-equipped. Besides countless fire-side folk sessions, music venues in Cumbria’s towns and cities offer regular live performances by touring artists, as well as talented local musicians – with many offering the perfect setting to kick back and relax after a day on the hills.
Here are our picks
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1. Brewery Arts Centre
Image courtesy of Brewery Arts Centre. Brewery Arts Centre, 122A Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4HE - Visit now
The main arts hub of Kendal offers a wide-ranging live music schedule, as well as film, comedy, theatre and more, across its site – which opened in 1972 on the old premises of Vaux Brewery. Honeyfeet, Oysterband and I Am Kloot’s John Bramwell currently feature in the venue’s programme, which often includes a couple of gigs each week.
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2. Old Fire Station
Old Fire Station Old Fire Station, Peter Street, Carlisle, CA3 8QP - Visit now
A converted fire station in the City of Carlisle, this venue offers a variety of spaces for live performances, workshops, exhibitions and more, encourage local art and artists and attract international acts. Acts on the more folk and country end of the spectrum, such as The Rutles, Alabama 3 and Lindisfarne, currently feature in its programme.
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3. The Brickyard
The Brickyard The Brickyard, Richmond Hall, 14 Fisher Street, Carlisle, CA3 8RN - Visit now
Opened in 2002, The Brickyard is Carlisle’s longest-running independent music venue, offering live performances in an intimate 320-capacity, century-old church hall. Miles Kane, Supergrass’ Gaz Coombes and Ginger from The Wildhearts currently feature within its diverse range of shows.
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4. Florence Arts Centre
Florence Arts Centre, Florence Mine, Egremont, Cumbria, CA22 2NR - Visit now
This mixed-used space – on the site of Cumbria’s last iron ore mine – has offered workshops, film, art and live music since 2008. As well as regular jazz, ukulele and open mic nights, the centre hosts touring artists such as Gary Lucas, who was a member of Captain Beefheart’s band.
More places to go
Cumbria Visitor Guides
Restaurants in Cumbria
Cumbria is far from short of good places to eat – here’s our guide to restaurants to put on your map of the area.
Art Galleries in Cumbria
Ranging from impressive, nationally-significant collections in Grade listed buildings, to historic houses that now have a particular focus on local, contemporary artists, here’s our guide to Cumbria’s collection of art galleries.
Museums in Cumbria
Cumbria is studded with fantastic museums – read our picks of the best here.
Theatres in Cumbria
For striking performances in the truly beautiful setting of the Lake District – check out our pick of theatres in Cumbria.
Music Venues in Cumbria
When the sun goes down and you’ve had your fair share of Cumbria’s great outdoors, head to the area’s music venues to catch folk and jazz sessions, as well as regular performances by touring musicians. We recommend some of our favourites.
Literary places in Cumbria
If it was good enough for Wordsworth and Wainwright, then Cumbria surely has much to offer the literature lover who strayed off the M6. From Kendal in the south to Carlisle in the north, we sniff out the best bookish shenanigans.
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