The Story of Carlisle
Tom tells the story of the fascinating and unrivalled history of Carlisle. He is keen to explain how the “The Great Border City” has long been at the heart of national events and linked to an endless list of famous individuals, wars, and natural disasters. Start time: 7pm Finish time: 8.30pm (approximately) Entrance fee: £4 […]
Tea and Cake with Kirstie Pelling
Pop along to hear author Kirstie Pelling chat about her spicy, small-town romantic comedy novel Sink or Swim set in the Lakes, a story of humour, heart and what makes a home.
Borderlines: Nicola Wilding in Conversation with James Rebanks
These Wild English by Cumbrian-born documentary maker Nicola Wilding, is her deeply personal memoir of three generations of her working-class family from the Eden Valley, as they struggle with the forces reshaping modern Britain. A rare and tender reckoning with the love, rage, pride and loss of a community and country. It will change how […]
Borderlines: Assassins and Secret Listeners – Britain’s Invisible Armies, 1939-45 with Alistair Moffat
Listen to the untold stories of unsung WWII heroes – the vast network of secret intelligence that cemented the Allied victory. Ordinary citizens listened to coded messages, whilst others were recruited into secret patrols trained in sabotage and silent killing. Now, after 80 years, Moffat shines a light on their fascinating and crucial work.
Borderlines: Earthworks – Land and Nature in Uncertain Times with Karen Lloyd
Explore alongside Karen Lloyd as she highlights hidden secrets of conservation from Costa Rica to the Lake District and illustrates the importance of attentiveness to the natural world. This insightful collection of essays is a hopeful and rallying call for renewal and resilience, that challenges us all to think differently.
Borderlines: On Thin Ice – An Explorer’s Memoir of Siberia, Surveillance and Survival wirh Charlie Walker
Hear Charlie Walker’s extraordinary story of a perilous and eye-opening trek through the harsh beauty of Siberia, contrasted with the dark shadow of Putin’s administration in a deeply troubled nation.
Borderlines: Helm – The 2026 Gwenda Matthews Talk with Sarah Hall
Join Sarah Hall as she discusses her award-winning, genre-bending sixth novel, which was inspired by the dramatic views of the fells and skies from her childhood home. This is the inaugural Gwenda Matthews Talk, remembering our much-loved festival co-founder and co-programmer, who died in January this year.
Borderlines: Moonlight Express – Around the World by Night Train with Monisha Rajesh
Join journalist Monisha Rajesh as she explores the art of slow travel by train, detailing her experiences on a journey all around the world. All aboard for a warm and witty ride!
Borderlines: Animal Antics with Jake Hope
Do you know which word will bring mice from their house? Or what Lola the puppy’s favourite things are when she’s walking in the park? Will Uncle Jerome be able to stop Zarah from grumbling on the long walk home? Join children’s author Jake Hope for a fun selection of animal themed stories and activities […]
Borderlines: Tom McNally and David Felton in Conversation
Hear the award-winning photographer and author behind the lavishly illustrated Forty Fells discuss some of the highlights from their book and share how much the Lake District means to them.
