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

Lizzi Collinge

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”.

William Fiennes

William Fiennes

Author

William Fiennes is the bestselling author of ‘The Snow Geese’ and ‘The Music Room’, and co-founder of First Story, England’s leading creative writing charity for young people: www.firststory.org.uk. Celebrated YA author
Dr Zoe Crombie

Dr Zoe Crombie

Lecturer

Career Details
I am an early career researcher recently qualified with PhD in Film Studies, specifically in anime and adaptation studies. In addition to my academic work primarily on Japanese animation, I am also a film critic and member of the OAFFC (the Online Association of Female Film Critics) and GALECA (The Society of LGBTQ Critics), with bylines at publications like Little White Lies, The Skinny, and Vulture.

I also engage in outreach work at the Dukes Theatre, promoting independent cinema at the venue and encouraging post-film discussions following selected screenings.

Thesis Title
A Transnational Study of Studio Ghibli’s Adaptations of European Texts

Professor Charlie Gere

Professor Charlie Gere

Lecturer Lancaster University

Charlie Gere is a British academic who is professor of media theory and history at The Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts, The University of Lancaster and previously, director of research at the Institute for Cultural Research at The University of Lancaster. He is author of several books and articles on new media art, art and technology, continental philosophy and technology. His main research interest is in the cultural effects and meanings of technology and media, particularly in relation to post-conceptual art and philosophy
Anthony McGowan

Anthony McGowan

Author

Anthony McGowan has written over 50 books, for adults, teenagers and younger children. His novel ‘Lark’, part of the four-part ‘Truth of Things’ series, won the 2020 Carnegie medal for children’s literature. He has also twice been longlisted (for ‘The Knife That Killed Me’ in 2008 and ‘Brock’ in 2014) and once shortlisted (for Rook in 2018) for the same award. His ‘How to Teach Philosophy to Your Dog’ was published in 2019 and a follow-up, ‘How to Teach Economics to Your Dog’, written with his wife, the economist Rebecca Campbell, came out in 2022.
Diane Nowell

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.
Dr Adam Rutherford

Dr Adam Rutherford

Lecturer University College, London

Dr Adam Rutherford is a geneticist and host of numerous programmes, such as BBC Radio 4’s ‘Start The Week’ and ‘The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry’. He has produced several TV science documentaries and published ‘Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics’, the Sunday Times bestseller ‘How to Argue with a Racist’, ‘A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived’ and, most recently, a children’s book, ‘Where Are You Really From?’. He is a lecturer in Genetics and Society at University College, London
Tess Pike

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.

I love guiding groups large and small, and enjoy working with families with children of all ages.

The view from my window is out to the Yorkshire Dales, but I live just 30 minutes from Windermere, and a short train journey to Liverpool and York.

I also offer virtual tours on the Zoom platform. If you would like to discuss a bespoke tour for an organised group (real or virtual), please do get in touch.

For more information about my virtual tours, please visit https:// http://www.trybooking.com/uk/eventlist/tesspikebluebadgetouristguide

Jayne Davies

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

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!

Kids

Illuminate promises a fortnight of fun for kidsof all ages—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

Cinema

 

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.

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.

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