Our Events

About Us

Exploring new territory

A Vision

Welcome to Illuminate: Festival of Ideas.

Our world is in flux. We’re facing challenges that require creative solutions at a global, national and local level. It feels like a tipping point, but also an opportunity to reflect, regroup and recalibrate our approach.
We believe that big ideas can come from anywhere. Our small market town has inspired artists, writers, philosophers and activists through the ages – including John Ruskin, JMW Turner, Margaret Llewelyn Davies (campaigner for women’s suffrage) and the Brontë sisters.
We’d like to see Kirkby Lonsdale celebrated for more than its abundant natural beauty and we’re excited to see what fresh ideas we can inspire and explore! Join us for a series of events – a mixture of performances, workshops, experiences, conversations, panel discussions, films and installations – held in a variety of venues across town.

Spaces and Places

environment, landscape, climate change, nature, travel, sense of place, food and farming.

Being Human

physical wellbeing, mental health, society, community, relationships, collaboration and conflict.

Science and Technology

AI, automation, space, future, exploration and discoveries.

Philosophy and Religion

philosophy, faith, ethics, identity.

The Creative Response

storytelling, performance, music, art, film.

Our Speakers

Be Inspired

Lee Child

Author

Lee is one of the town’s most famous ex-residents; he penned the first of his iconic Jack Reacher thriller series in his Kirkby Lonsdale home, overlooking the church tower. Reacher has since gone on to be a global publishing phenomenon, triggering a multi-billion-dollar media empire and captivating fans from all over the world.

“I wrote the first three Jack Reacher books in Kirkby Lonsdale, and they went on to become the foundation of what has turned into a $3bn global entertainment franchise,”

Diane Nowell

Festival Organiser

Diane is a business writer, journalist and copy editor with extensive experience on corporate and media projects. She is Events Lead for St Mary’s Church in Kirkby Lonsdale, responsible for programming, planning and scheduling performances in this beloved and centuries-old building. Illuminate is Diane’s latest arts and culture project – an initiative designed to bring music, theatre, film and speaker events to the town, as well as to inspire and support local groups to engage, create and volunteer.

Tess Pike

Blue Badge Guide

In 2020 I celebrated 25 years of working as a Blue Badge Guide, and I enjoy guiding visitors around the North of England just as much today as I did all those years ago. My first job included a visit to a traditional Lakeland farm and driving an old Land Rover along a bumpy track. Since then I’ve guided Swiss farmers around the Yorkshire Dales, Scandinavian roofers through the Lake District, 9-year old school children on themed walks around my local town, film crews around Liverpool, families arriving in the Lake District by private ‘plane, train and superyacht, and many other visitors on sightseeing tours around Cumbria, Liverpool, Yorkshire and Northeast England.

Jayne Davies

Freelance Artist

Jayne is a performer, teacher, writer and facilitator. She has an MA in Contemporary Theatre Practice from Lancaster University and works locally in communities, schools and theatres. She has successfully written and delivered a number of community arts and heritage projects. She conceived and created – The Vault: A Kirkby Lonsdale Story Bank – a community heritage project that transformed an old strong room into a contemporary interactive installation

Lizzi Collinge

Labour MP

Elizabeth Rachel Collinge, known as Lizzi Collinge, is a British Labour Party politician serving a Member of Parliament for Morecambe and Lunesdale sine 2024

“People have voted for change. There is no magic wand and there is a long road ahead as we turn the page from the last 14 years. We will work hard, and always put the country first, so that we can start to rebuild Britain.

Whether you voted for me or not, I promise to faithfully serve you and be a strong voice for you in Westminster. I will represent every town, village and hamlet – no one will be left behind”.

Raise your awareness

Events + Experiences

Performance

One of the themes of Illuminate is ‘The Creative Response’. We’ve scheduled a series of theatrical and musical performances to delight and inspire!

Family

Illuminate promises a fortnight of fun for all the family— from film club to live magic and captivating storytelling.

Workshop

With a focus on inspiring creativity, promoting wellness and delivering inspiration, our workshops are designed to spark fresh interests—or rekindle old ones

Film

Our theme is ‘Made in Britain’. Through a short, curated film series, we’ll explore different aspects of what it means to be British in our increasingly diverse society.

Heritage

With a focus on inspiring creativity, promoting wellness and delivering inspiration, our workshops are designed to spark fresh interests—or rekindle old ones

Conversations

How can we best navigate a world in flux? Join us for a series of thought-provoking talks about our spaces, places, challenges and experiences.

Wellness

With a focus on inspiring creativity, promoting wellness and delivering inspiration, our workshops are designed to spark fresh interests—or rekindle old ones

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets to events at St Mary’s, Kirkby Lonsdale?

Tickets are available direct from our website. Simply click the ‘More Info’ button next to your chosen event and you’ll be taken to a full description plus a ‘Get Tickets’ option. Digital tickets will be sent via email. If you have a smartphone, there’s no need to print tickets out – just present your digital tickets at the door. If you have any difficulty booking, please call Diane on 07850 159237.

Is parking available at St Mary’s?

St Mary’s is situated at the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale, a Georgian market town in a picturesque South Lakes location. Unfortunately, the compact and historic nature of the town means that parking is limited. Although there is no parking directly outside the church, there are a number of public car parks just a few minutes’ walk away (map). Audience members with mobility issues can be dropped off at the western entrance (Fairbank). Please do not park on double yellow lines.

How accessible is St Mary’s Church?

There is level, paved access to the church from the Fairbank entrance with good access into the church itself (no steps) through the main doors on the southern side. Wheelchairs can be accommodated and space reserved – please email hello@stmarysevents.kirkbylonsdale.org. All our events have free carer tickets available (one per paid booking) for those who need dedicated support.

Can I buy refreshments?

We plan to offer a pop-up bar facility at St Mary’s events. Depending on our seating plans and audience numbers, you can expect to choose from a selection of soft drinks, wine and beer, as well as a limited range of snacks. For traditional concert-style performances, refreshments with be available before the show and during the interval (interval drinks can be ordered before the performance starts). At cabaret-style events, drinks will be available to purchase throughout the evening. Audience members will usually be invited to bring their own picnic/drinks to outdoor events on the Glebe.

Where will outdoor events be held?

We’re planning a programme of outdoor events for the summer months. These will be held on the Glebe – an enclosed, grassed area to the north of St Mary’s and situated a short stroll from the church (see map). Gates from the churchyard will normally be opened 30-45 minutes before the event and directions will be signposted. No seating will be provided for these events – you’ll need to bring a blanket or folding chairs, as well as weather-appropriate clothing and accessories (though no umbrellas, please). WC facilities are available in the church.

Can I book allocated seating?

Seating isn’t allocated. If you’re attending a traditional concert-style event, you can expect to be seated on pews (feel free to bring a cushion!). If you’ve booked tickets for a cabaret-style performance, you’ll be seated at tables. Feel free to send an email if you’ve booked multiple tickets for a group and would like to share a table – hello@stmarysevents.kirkbylonsdale.org.

Our Events

Experiences

Ticketing

We use TicketSource to provide you with a seamless, secure, and convenient ticketing experience. With easy booking, instant e-tickets, and flexible payment options, you can quickly access our events. Plus, TicketSource’s excellent customer support ensures any questions or issues are addressed promptly, making your experience hassle-free.

Locations

St Mary’s Church
The Methodist Hall
Lunesdale Hall (The Institute)

Organiser

St Mary’s Events – St Mary’s Church, Kirkby Lonsdale