Arts in Eden

The Eden area has a strong and vibrant interest in the arts. This is a short guide to what is available locally, though we don’t pretend that it is a fully comprehensive list. To find out what’s going on in the area visit the websites of these providers:

Eden Arts
The arts development agency based in Eden in Cumbria. Music, theatre, literature, exhibitions. Visit their What’s On web page.

Potfest in the Park and Potfest In the Pens
Continental potters’ market featuring ceramicists from throughout Europe.
Potfest in the Park: An amazing day out amongst some of the most creative makers in clay from all over the UK, Europe and beyond in the magnificent surroundings of Hutton-in-the-Forest, nr. Penrith, Cumbria. Potfest in the Pens: (Penrith) Meet the potters, get inspired and get involved. The hustle and bustle of a potters’ market. Established professional potters alongside the next generation. Free workshops taught by real potters. Visit their web page here. Exceptional sculptural pieces and utility pieces for every home.

Highlights Rural Touring Scheme
Highlights is a network of 90 volunteer groups. Together, they organise over 160 high quality professional events in village halls, schools and community centres. These include theatre, dance, music and childrens shows. For a list of What’s on visit their webpage here.

Carlisle Blues and Rock Festival
The highly acclaimed Carlisle Blues & Rock Festival is held over three nights and two days each autumn in Carlisle. International artistes and like-minded audience who travel from all over the UK for this exceptional event each year. Find out more here.

Alhambra Cinema - Penrith
A cinema that came close to closure but was saved after a spirited campaign throughout the area. It is now flourishing. It has a charm and atmosphere that make it very popular. Find out what’s on here.  You can find them on Facebook too, here.

Rheged Centre - nr Penrith
Located in Europe’s largest grass covered building, Rheged has an indoor soft play, outdoor play and a Create pottery painting workshop. There is also the largest 3d cinema screen around. A new Gallery on the top floor has a changing programme of art, photography and craft exhibitions and during every school holiday, and they host a programme of children’s events from mad science shows and family theatre to craft and dance workshops. Find out more here.

The Theatre by the Lake - on the shores of the lake at Keswick
This is a year-round professional producing and presenting theatre which provides a service through the performing arts to communities of, and visitors to, Cumbria.  The core programme is home-produced professional drama productions, including a six month Summer Season of six plays in repertoire, a major Christmas production and at least one other production in the Spring of each year. Find out whats on a more here.

Upfront Gallery & Puppet Theatre - Hutton in the Forest 
The gallery is the home of Upfront Puppet Theatre and the workshops of artist, John Parkinson. The gallery presents a changing programme of exhibitions every six weeks. Find out more here.

Penrith Playhouse - Penrith
A great little theatre righting the centre of Penrith. Their new website isn’t up and running yet but this is the link.

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