A month-long celebration of arts and culture is set to light up the West Coast this summer.
The Muncaster Fringe returns to West Cumbria this August with a packed programme of live music, theatre, comedy, and visual arts events for all ages.
Building on the success of last year’s week-long festival, the expanded 2026 edition promises 29 separate events in venues across the region.
Joshua Payne, one of the festival’s producers, said: "The Muncaster Fringe is all about bringing creativity and culture to new audiences.
"We want the month of events to celebrate both local and national talent and to involve the community as much as possible.
"We are very excited for arts to be taking over the area this August and are keen for as many people as possible to get involved and enjoy the vast array of events on offer."
The festival begins in style with the first-ever Classical by the Castle concert on August 5, featuring the internationally acclaimed Wihan Quartet performing in the elegant setting of Muncaster Castle’s Drawing Room.
Just two days later, on August 7, a special edition of the castle’s monthly open mic night—rebranded as the Open Micsteval—will showcase both invited and open-entry performers.
Later in the month, on August 23, the Muncaster Stramash will bring together folk musicians from across the country for a night of collaborative performance.
Events will also extend beyond the castle grounds into the surrounding community.
Visitors can enjoy live music at The Inn in Ravenglass on August 9 and at The Pennington Hotel on August 15.
Folk fans can head to Muncaster Parish Hall on August 14 for an evening with Chloe Pinney and the Sound of the Fells.
Theatre lovers will have plenty to look forward to, with the dark comedy Wilder! taking the stage on August 20 and 21.
On August 26, audiences can catch Minding the Heavens, a work-in-progress blending puppetry, music, and storytelling to explore the lives of the Herschels, a family of pioneering astronomers.
For younger audiences, two family-friendly shows—She Ran Away to the Circus and Search for the Missing Sparkle—will be performed on the Muncaster Castle Lawn from August 24 to 27.
Admission to these shows is included with general entry and valid memberships.
Comedy will also feature prominently in the line-up, with Ravenglaffs taking place at Muncaster Parish Hall on August 26.
The event will spotlight both emerging and established comedians from across Cumbria.
Performers will have the chance to win up to £100 on the night.
Hands-on activities will be available for families throughout the month.
Growing Together: Family Fun in the Kitchen Garden will run every Tuesday morning, offering gardening sessions in Muncaster’s new community kitchen garden.
On August 9, the garden team will host a mural painting workshop on the village green in Ravenglass, alongside a session on foraging and building a 'bee & bee'.
Interactive theatre experiences will be provided by Cat & Mouse productions.
A full schedule and the latest event details can be found at muncaster.co.uk/muncasterfringe.
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