This year’s Upperby Gala in Carlisle is set to be a great family day out with entertainment to suit all ages. 

The programme for the popular community gala will include a packed programme of fun activities. 

Organised by Cumberland Council and supported by the Friends of Hammond’s Pond Group, Upperby Gala will provide fun for all the family on Bank Holiday Monday (25 May), between 1pm and 4pm. 

The free event will be held at Hammond’s Pond. This year’s programme will include performances compared by The Fairly Famous Family including community dance groups; Studio A Dance Company, Razzamataz Theatre Schools, Carlisle Dance Academy, Express Dance Studios and O’Hehir School of Irish dance plus the Bjamba band and with the highlight of the show the Tom Longton Sheepdog Demos. 

Local charity and advice stalls will be in place to visit and support plus community outreach from Cumbria Police, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service and the Armed Forces Careers. There will be chance to sample sports, exercise and forest skills activities including a Climbing Wall and Wheels of Wellness. 

Other activities include the Hammond’s Pond Railway, children’s activity marquee, a fun fair, Owl Magic and Zoo Madness. 

The Upperby Gala has free admission and there will be food stalls providing refreshments throughout the event. 

The school holidays is the perfect time to explore the wonderful local markets across Cumberland, offering everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.    

For your weekly shopping, Carlisle Market Hall is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm, while Keswick Market welcomes visitors every Thursday and Saturday. Wigton Market is open Fridays, Carlisle Outdoor Market runs every Friday, and Workington Market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

Visitors can enjoy wandering through a vibrant selection of stalls filled with fresh local produce, handmade crafts, unique gifts, clothing, and an array of other delights from our fantastic local traders. 

Whether you’re hunting for fresh local produce, unique crafts, or simply enjoying a lively market atmosphere, Cumberland's markets are a must-visit this half-term. 

There’s lots to enjoy this half term at the Beacon, with exhibitions and activities for all ages. Two exhibitions are running until 21 June, including J.D. Kenworthy, which brings to life Edwardian West Cumbria through the portraits of local artist and civic leader John Dalzell Kenworthy, and I Grew Up 90’s, a fun trip back to the Nineties featuring more than 200 iconic objects from the decade. 

Families can also get hands-on with Beakid sessions on 25, 27 and 29 May. Explore plastic pollution through games, crafts and creative activities inspired by the sea. Over the weekend, Pet Encounters on 30 and 31 May offer the chance to meet and interact with a range of animals and learn about different species – perfect for animal lovers. 

Join the Uncovering Roman Carlisle community excavation until 30 May 2026.

Join in with the archaeological excavations at Carlisle Cricket Club or visit with a group (with prior notice). 

This dig is taking place behind the current Jimmy Little Pavilion at Carlisle Cricket club, in an area that they are still learning a great deal about, building a clearer picture of how this part of Roman Carlisle developed and how it fitted into the wider settlement.  

This half term, step back nearly 2,000 years as The Romans Return! takes over Carlisle on 23 May. Inspired by recent archaeological discoveries, the festival brings the city’s Roman past to life with archaeologists, reenactors, artists and community groups celebrating the people, stories and beliefs that helped shape Carlisle.  

The Roman theme continues throughout the week with half‑term crafts from 23 to 29 May, inspired by the Uncovering Roman Carlisle exhibition. There's also Junior Gladiator Training on 29 May. Come and join our Gladiator Titus for some junior training! Have a go at Chariot racing with a cardboard cart before picking up your sword to learn some fighting skills.

Liam Moorhouse’s Party Time UV Puppets also return on 28 May for a colourful, family‑friendly puppet show with a UV twist. 

Step into the unparalleled world of Taylor Swift in this tribute show on 25 May featuring the incredible: Xenna as Taylor. A celebration of the iconic pop sensation's music, style, and unrivalled stage presence. 

Audiences will be transported through Taylor's world as they sing along to timeless classics from "Love Story," "Blank Space," and "Shake It Off," to “Fortnight.” With dancers and replica costumes, showcasing Swift's distinctive looks. 

There’s plenty of family theatre to enjoy this half term at Theatre by the Lake, with performances that combine storytelling, imagination and a touch of magic.

Toto Kerblammo! is on Tuesday 26 May and Wednesday 27 May, telling the moving and funny story of Effy, who secretly brings her beloved dog to live with her in a building that doesn’t allow pets. Written by Tim Crouch, the play explores themes of listening, kindness and hope in a way that’s engaging for both younger audiences and adults. 

Children will also love Once Upon a Fairytale, running on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 May. This lively, interactive adventure brings much‑loved fairytales to life, with familiar characters including Little Red Riding Hood, The Gingerbread Man and some rather grumpy bears. Presented by the award‑winning Story Craft Theatre, the production is packed with energy, bold dance moves and plenty of silliness, making it an ideal half‑term treat for families. 

The CUFC CST Football Camps are the perfect place for kids aged 5 to 13 to develop their skills while having fun with friends! This half term features the first ever Brunton Park Soccer school with the opportunity to play on the pitch. 

Led by a team of FA-licensed, fully qualified coaches, each session is packed with exciting challenges, skill-building games, and expert guidance to help young players improve their technique, sharpen decision-making, and boost confidence - all in a safe, fun, and friendly environment. 

Brunton Park Soccer School – 26, 27, 28 and 29 May 

Whitehaven Soccer School – 28 and 29 May 

Looking for an adventure with your little ones? You'll love the new trails at Carlisle Castle, where children can discover magical creatures from English myths and legends. 

Each of our three new trails has six unique creatures to meet and two captivating audio stories to enjoy when you get home. Complete a trail to earn a special certificate marking your achievement. 

The trails are completely free to take part in, and will rotate to different locations throughout the year. Can you find them all? 

Join Walby Farm Park for May Mayhem – a week packed with fun, outdoor adventure and hands-on activities for the whole family. 

Taking place during the May Half Term holidays, May Mayhem is the perfect excuse to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air and make unforgettable memories together. 

From creative activities and live shows to outdoor play and animal encounters, there’s something for all ages to enjoy – whatever the weather. 

Experience medieval magic where knights clash, stories unfold, and the past comes alive! 

Each year, Muncaster invites you to step into the past and immerse yourself in the wonders of the Medieval era. The Medieval Muncaster Festival is a grand celebration where history comes alive, filled with excitement, adventure, and fun for all ages. 

Join knights, peasants, wizards and fools and be part of a festival for “The King of the North” to be proud of. 

Join Calvert Stables in Keswick for their Open Day on Monday 25 May and experience the yard like never before.

This family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity to meet the ponies, explore the facilities, and learn more about what they offer. Throughout the day, there will be demonstrations, quizzes, games, face painting and merchandise available to buy.  

Children will have the chance to get involved with hands-on activities, meet the ponies up close, and ask questions in a relaxed and welcoming environment and is free to attend.  

Kpop All Stars

Thursday 18 and Friday 19 June 2026

Ride the K-pop wave influencing the World live on stage!  

From stadium-shaking anthems to breathtaking choreography, K-Pop All Starscelebrates the global phenomenon redefining pop culture. With explosive performances of today’s biggest K-pop hits from BlackPink, NewJeans, Katseye, and BTS and spectacular numbers inspired by the smash-hit film K-pop Demon Hunters, this high-energy tribute brings the thrill of Seoul’s stages to life.    

Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award nominated smash hit show, The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns on tour. 

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! 

Ministry of Science Live
Tuesday 28 July 

Direct from London’s West End.  Over the last few years Science has led the way in getting our lives back to normal. Now, the UK’s favourite science team are back and more explosive than ever!   

Join our presenters as they dive deep into the world of science and look at how science shapes the modern world we live in with a few loud bangs along the way! 

The UK’s Ultimate Tribute to the Global Sensation…Ms Rachel!   

Get ready for giggles, singing, dancing, and non-stop fun as the magic of Ms Rachel comes to life on stage in an interactive, high-energy live tribute performance made just just for little ones and their grownups!