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Illuminate: Festival of Ideas 2026
Illuminate: Festival of Ideas
7–20 February 2026
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.
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!
Workshop
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.
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.
Family
Illuminate promises a fortnight of fun for all the family— from film club to live magic and captivating storytelling.
Wellness
With a focus on inspiring creativity, promoting wellness and delivering inspiration, our workshops are designed to spark fresh interests—or rekindle old ones.
Programme
Lime in Our Built Environment
10am, Saturday 7 February
Yoga Flow
11am, Saturday 7 February
Breathwork for Emotional Release
1pm, Saturday 7 February
QEStudio
Lizzi Collinge and John Pye in Conversation
2pm, Saturday 7 February
Venue TBA
ComedySportz
2.30PM, SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY
In Conversation with Lee Child
7.30pm, Saturday 7 February
Deep Relaxation with the Yoga of Sleep
11am, Sunday 8 February
QEStudio
Sound Bath with Crystal Bowls
1pm, Sunday 8 February
QEStudio
Flash Fiction with Rachell Canwell
1pm, Sunday 8 February
Lunesdale Hall
Art & Storytelling with Trish Phillips
1pm, Sunday 8 February
Methodist Hall
Interstellar (12A)
3.30pm, Sunday 8 February
Rum Ragged
7.30pm, Sunday 8 February
True Stories
7.30pm, Monday 9 February
St Mary’s Church
Bottle and Brush with Bob Sutcliffe OBE
7pm, Tuesday 10 February
Avanti Restaurant & Bar
Tour of St Mary’s Church
2PM, WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY
Dark Side of the Dales with Mark Bridgeman
7pm, Wednesday 11 February
Kirkby Lonsdale Library
Smartphone Photography with Ginny Koppenhol
10am, Thursday 12 February
St Mary’s Church
Love Actually: The Science of Romance
7.30pm, Thursday 12 February
St Mary’s Church
Murder at Gatsby Manor
7.30pm, Friday 13 February
Green Day – Eco Activities
10am, Saturday 14 February
Lunesdale Hall
Breathwork for Emotional Release
11am, Saturday 14 February
QEStudio
Rachel Canwell Book Launch
11am, Saturday 14 February
St Mary’s Church
Deep Relaxation with the Yoga of Sleep
1pm, Saturday 14 February
QEStudio
Ask A Gardener
2pm, Saturday 14 February
St Mary’s Church
Poco Besos
7.30PM, SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY
Yoga Flow
11am, Sunday 15 February
Foresty featuring Nature Art
1pm, Sunday 15 February
St Mary’s Church
Sound Bath with Crystal Bowls
1pm, Sunday 15 February
QEStudio
Limestone in Our Landscape
1PM, SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY
Jurassic Park: Rebirth (12A)
3.30PM, SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY
The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged
7.30PM, SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY
Our Kingdom of Blue with Emma Smallshaw
2pm, Monday 16 February
Kirkby Lonsdale Library
Deepfakes: How Worried Should We Be?
7.30pm, Monday 16 February
St Mary’s Church
The Curious Dance Academy Workshop
10am & 11am, Tuesday 17 February
The Methodist Church
The Art of The Outdoors
10am, Tuesday 17 February
The Old Vicarage, Leck
The Life of Chuck (15)
3.30PM, TUESDAY 17 FEBRUARY
The Curious Dance Academy
7PM, TUESDAY 17 FEBRUARY
The Curious Dance Academy
7.30PM, TUESDAY 17 FEBRUARY
Micro:bit Explorers
10.30am, Wednesday 18 February
Methodist Church
Wild Robot (U)
12pm, Wednesday 18 February
Tour of St Mary’s Church
2PM, WEDNESDAY 18 FEBRUARY
Nightscape Photography
7.30pm, Wednesday 18 February
St Mary’s Church
Smartphone Photography with Ginny Koppenhol
10am, Thursday 19 February
St Mary’s Church
Festival Crafts
11am, Thursday 19 February
St Mary’s Church
Little Star Family Activity
4pm, Thursday 19 February
St Mary’s Church
The Usuals
7.30PM, THURSDAY 19 FEBRUARY
Everything, Everywhere, All At Once (15)
8pm, Thursday 19 February
The Lost Bus
11am, Friday 20 February
Market Square
The Game Show Show
7.30PM, FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY
Festival Pass
Experience more than 40 events with the Festival of Ideas Pass, giving access to live performances, films, talks, and workshops across town from 7–20 February 2026. Enjoy seamless entry, exclusive content, and the freedom to explore diverse cultural experiences — creativity, learning, and entertainment, all in one great-value pass.
Booking
View more details and book online at the Illuminate Festival bookings website