Lakes Alive is a four-year programme of world-class performance and arts events in the spectacular landscapes of Cumbria, the Lake District. The project is run by Kendal Arts International (KAI) in partnership with Manchester International Arts (MIA) and works with TG Events' production team. KAI is a Not-for-Profit Company Limited by Guarantee and MIA is a Registered Charity.

The Lakes Alive programme launched from 23-31 May 2009 with Reach for the Sky – a series of six international live aerial spectacles in stunning locations across the county (Bowness-on-Windermere, Carlisle, Penrith, Barrow-in-Furness, Maryport and Whitehaven), and was followed by a summer season of events across the county, culminating (for 2009) in Mintfest in Kendal over August bank holiday weekend (27-30 August). It continued to present events across the county in 2010 & 2011 and will run throughout 2012.

Lakes Alive is one of three Annual Legacy Programmes commissioned by the Legacy Trust UK for ‘We Play’, the Northwest cultural legacy programme for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are not just about sport and not just about London – The Cultural Olympiad will celebrate communities, cultures, people and languages in London, the rest of the UK and around the world.

The UK’s four-year Cultural Olympiad kicked off in September 08 and will culminate in the London 2012 festival, 'Festival 2012', a UK-wide celebration bringing leading artists from all over the world together from June 21 2012 - September 09 2012. This will be the UK's biggest ever festival, in which Lakes Alive will also play a part. Watch our film and the announcement about Lakes Alive's involvement in Festival 2012, here

Lakes Alive Main Sponsors and Support:

Until 2012, the main sponsor of Lakes Alive has been the NWDA and the project is funded by We Play (Legacy Trust UK), Arts Council England, and is in partnership with all the Local Authorities in Cumbria.

Support has also been given in various forms by several key funders and organisations including: the Northern Rock Foundation, Cumbria Tourism and the Lake District National Park Authority, the latter including seconded staff to help on the delivery of this ambitious programme whilst further developing their own skills.

» Find out more about our funders, supporters and partners

KAI works in partnership with Manchester International Arts and Tim Garbutt events to deliver the highest quality street arts experiences across Cumbria, the Lake District

.    

For additional information or how to get involved, please contact us.