Spotlight on September in the Lake District

The Highs of a Visit to the Lakes, September 2017

Theatre by the Lake, in Keswick, has been nominated for the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award 2017, with the results being announced in October. Whilst we wait, it has got us thinking about other exciting event venues across the Lake District that you must visit during your stay in the Lakes this Autumn.

*£200 up for grabs if you join the vote here.

MUSIC & FOOD: Baha, Bowness-on-Windermere

So this is the Lake District’s newest music venture, and it asks locals and visitors to “come together” with friends and family for a sophisticated yet fun night out at the south Lake District’s newest live music venue. Whilst we’re not sure if the reference is purposefully a Beatles one, we like the genuine music offering at this upmarket bar/restaurant/music venue.

Baha’s waffle stack is irresistible !

Offering a delectable serving of live music, from DJs to acoustic performances, and excellent food, 6 nights a week throughout September, a night at Baha will get your toes a tapping and your taste buds a wagging.

The interior is swish to say the least, so to drag another musical reference into this, don your “handbags and gladrags” and prepare for some upbeat music entertainment, happy vibes and sociable dining.

For day-trippers to Bowness, we fancy Baha’s Bottomless Brunch – 90 minutes of endless Prosecco, Bucks Fizz, tea, coffee and unlimited food from their delicious Brunch Menu. Wow!

However, for those hoping to make it up some of the region’s famous fells then perhaps something lighter is in order, like the Baha special of French toast, peanut butter, breaded chicken strips & maple syrup – fuel of champions!

From Ibiza chill out vibes to upbeat jazz, you’ll certainly leave Baha with a spring in your step and a wry little smile from some serious “BAHAHAHAHAs”.

Browse Lakelovers Windermere and Bowness cottages.

FESTIVAL: Holker Hall Chilli Fest, Cartmel

From Mexico to the Lake District, Holker Hall’s Chilli Fest certainly packs a punch on the region’s Autumn events calendar. Running over the second weekend in September, 9th-10^th, as the summer temperatures drop things in the south Lakes get hot and we mean hot. From Jalapeños and Scotch Bonnets to Carolina reapers, the Guinness World Record certified hottest chilli in the world, get your taste buds prepared for some heat!

What is your Scoville tolerance? Test it at the 4th Holker Hall Chilli Festival

Specialist food festivals have become somewhat of a global trend, and the Lakes chilli fest joins the likes of the La Tomatina, the tomato festival in Bruno and the famous Chinchilla Melon Festival in Australia. Here in the UK we have been celebrating our produce for centuries – cheese Rolling in Gloucestershire, Great British Asparagus Run on St George’s Day and whilst we don’t have a pumpkin festival, we all go pretty crazy for the squash over Halloween.

In fact, this year there have been numerous Chilli Fiesta’s, as they have become known, firing up across the UK, from Manchester to Worthing. So, as sale of Heinz Tomato Ketchup fell by 13.2 per cent last year, it looks like we are moving towards more exotic alternatives.

The Holker Chili Fest invites over 30 food exhibitors, where you can see the exciting range of chilli produce from across the UK. It is a great atmosphere where you get some of the most passionate producers, determined to take the exciting spice and create their own infusions. And as if they were not a competitive bunch enough as it is, catch the chilli eating fire off with ‘chilli stuntman’ Darth Naga.

As well as picking up some chilli jam/pickle/sauce/ketchup to take home, enjoy the local catering from the likes of Lakeland Picnic and Deli Churros, where you are sure to find hints of chilli throughout!

To lighten the mood, there’s quirky entertainment, like fire eating (of course) that the kids will love, plus reduced price entry into the stunning 25 acre gardens for you to cool off amongst the water fountains.

Test your Scoville levels at the 4^th Holker Hall Chilli Festival and let us know what you think.

CULTURE: Lakes Alive, Kendal

What a modern, cultural destination the Lake District is!  Over the same weekend as the Chilli Fest, we welcome you to experience Lakes Alive, running from September, 8th-10^th.

Be prepared for world class art in truly unexpected locations. Off the beaten track, locations like the Lake District National Park Car Park at Elterwater, Langdale, to the Brewery Art Centre and Abbot Hall Park, Kendal, there’s art galore.

Expect dance, a writing robot, night sky illuminations and journey through digital apps.

Remember street party’s of VE Day celebrations and such? Well, Friday’s Lakes Alive festivities invite you to enjoy a ‘mass-community get-together’, alongside the River Kent, in Kendal. There’ll be local traders selling delicious dining options or bring your own picnic.

With the Lake District winning World Heritage Status this year, the cultural buzz in the region is palpable. We really recommend you come and join in the celebrations that are sure to be truly memorable.

Browse Lakelovers Central & South Lakes Cottages cottages.