Newfoundland Soul Comes to Kirkby Lonsdale this February

Winter in the Lake District has a distinct rhythm of its own. Once the Christmas lights have been packed away and the New Year celebrations settle into memory, we often find ourselves looking for something special to brighten up those crisp February evenings. There is something undeniably comforting about gathering in a warm, historic venue while the winter air bites outside, ready to lose yourself in stories and songs from across the ocean.

If you are planning a visit to the Lakes early in 2026, we have spotted an event that perfectly captures this spirit. On Sunday, February 8th, the acclaimed band Rum Ragged will be bringing the vibrant, salty air of Eastern Canada to the historic St Mary’s Church in Kirkby Lonsdale.

A Taste of the Atlantic in the Lakes

For those who might not be familiar with the name, Rum Ragged is not your average folk outfit. Hailing from Newfoundland, an island with a cultural heritage as rugged and beautiful as our own Cumbrian fells, this band has been making serious waves on the international music scene. They are 2021 JUNO Award Nominees, which is essentially the Canadian equivalent of the BRITS or Grammys, giving you an idea of the calibre of musicianship we are talking about here.

Newfoundland folk music is a fascinating genre. It shares deep DNA with the traditional music of the British Isles, particularly Irish and West Country traditions, but it has evolved in isolation on the edge of the North Atlantic. The result is a sound that feels both incredibly familiar and excitingly different. It is music born of harsh weather, hard work, and the absolute necessity of making your own entertainment.

Rum Ragged captures this essence beautifully. They are known for striking a balance that many bands struggle to find. They hold a deep reverence for their roots, preserving the traditional songs that have been passed down through generations. Yet, they inject these old tunes with a contemporary, creative edge that keeps the energy high and the sound fresh.

The Sound of Rum Ragged

What can you expect on the night? The line-up of instruments alone promises a rich sonic texture. The band incorporates the bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, guitar, and the button accordion.

If you have never heard a bouzouki played in a folk context, you are in for a treat. Originally a Greek instrument, it found its way into Irish (and subsequently Canadian) folk music where its bright, metallic chime provides a driving rhythm that sits perfectly under the melody of a fiddle. Combined with the heartbeat-like pulse of the bodhran (a traditional frame drum) and the wheeze and puff of the button accordion, the sound is incredibly full.

But it is not just about the instruments. Rum Ragged are celebrated for their vocal harmonies. There is a specific power in group singing that resonates with audiences on a primitive level, and when you pair that with the band’s reputation for captivating storytelling, you have the recipe for a truly memorable night. They don't just play tunes. They tell the stories of the people, the landscape, and the history of their home.

A Perfect Venue for Storytelling

The choice of venue for this concert is inspired. St Mary’s Church in Kirkby Lonsdale is one of the finest historic buildings in the area. Churches were built to amplify the human voice, designed long before microphones and amplifiers, to ensure that a message could reach the back of the nave.

For a band that relies on acoustic textures and vocal clarity, the natural acoustics of St Mary’s will provide a warmth and depth that you simply cannot replicate in a modern concert hall. Imagine sitting in the pews, the stone walls lit gently, letting the sound of the Newfoundland coast wash over you. It promises to be an atmospheric evening, contrasting the ancient stone of the Lake District with the spirited energy of Canadian folk.

Making a Day of It in Kirkby Lonsdale

While we are based in Windermere, we always encourage our guests to explore the wider region, and Kirkby Lonsdale is absolutely worth the drive. It is about a 30 to 40-minute journey from us, taking you through some lovely rolling countryside.

Since the concert is on a Sunday evening, it presents the perfect excuse to head over early and spend the afternoon exploring this market town. Kirkby Lonsdale is famous for 'Ruskin’s View', a panorama of the River Lune that the Victorian art critic John Ruskin declared one of the loveliest views in England. Even in February, a walk along the river to the Devil’s Bridge is a great way to clear the cobwebs.

The town itself is packed with independent shops, cafes, and excellent pubs where you could grab a pre-show dinner. It has a slightly different feel to the central Lakes towns like Bowness or Ambleside. It is quieter, perhaps a little more gentle, but bursting with character.

Logistics for the Evening

For those interested in attending, here are the key details you need to know.

Date: Sunday, 8 February 2026 Time: 7:30 PM (Doors open at 6:45 PM) Location: St Mary’s Church, LA6 2A Tickets: Adults £15

There will be a pop-up bar available, so you can enjoy a drink before the music starts or during the interval. It is worth noting that the organisers expect this event to be popular. Given the band's growing reputation and the intimate nature of the venue, booking in advance is highly recommended. You really don't want to drive over only to find the "Full House" sign on the door.

Your Base for a Cultural Weekend

Attending a concert like this is best enjoyed when you don't have to worry about a long, tiring drive home immediately afterwards. This is where having a luxurious base in the heart of the Lakes makes all the difference.

At Thornbeck Manor, we provide the perfect retreat for music lovers and cultural explorers. After an evening of foot-stomping folk music, you can return to the tranquillity of Windermere. Our villa is designed to be an exclusive "home from home", offering the kind of comfort that allows you to truly relax.

If you are travelling with friends to see the gig (perhaps three couples, or a multigenerational family group), our three-bedroom layout is ideal. You can share the experience of the concert, enjoy the drive over together, and then debrief on your favourite songs back in the living area with a nightcap, surrounded by luxury bed linens and cosy furnishings.

We know that practicalities matter too. We have driveway parking for up to three cars, so if your group is meeting up from different parts of the country, you don't need to worry about finding space. Plus, with our electric car charging facilities, you can ensure your vehicle is fully charged and ready for the trip to Kirkby Lonsdale and back without any range anxiety.

Staying at Thornbeck Manor allows you to combine the excitement of the Rum Ragged concert with a five-star holiday experience. You get the best of both worlds, a night of world-class international music and a stay in one of Britain’s most cherished national parks.

Why February is a Great Time to Visit

Many people wait for the summer to visit the Lake District, but February has a unique charm. The crowds are thinner, meaning you can often have popular viewpoints to yourself. The scenery is dramatic, with snow often dusting the tops of the fells while the valleys remain green.

Events like the Rum Ragged concert show that the cultural calendar in the Lakes doesn't hibernate for the winter. There is a vibrant community here that hosts incredible art, music, and theatre year-round. Being here in February allows you to feel more like a local and less like a tourist. You get to see the real life of the county.

Securing Your Tickets

The band has recorded four acclaimed, award-winning studio albums, and their live shows are renowned for their energy. Concert-goers are promised an experience they won't soon forget.

If this sounds like your kind of evening, we suggest grabbing your tickets sooner rather than later. It is rare to get an act of this international standing playing in such an intimate, atmospheric venue in our corner of the world.

Whether you are a lifelong fan of folk music or just someone who appreciates virtuoso musicianship and good storytelling, this gig at St Mary’s is set to be a highlight of the early 2026 season. And knowing you have the luxury of Thornbeck Manor waiting for you at the end of the night makes the prospect even sweeter.