Lakes Deer Fest 2026
A celebration of deer, wild venison, art and nature recovery
Saturday 10 October 2026
Rheged Centre
9.30am – 5.30pm
Wild venison. Music and performances inspired by the fells. Short films, storytelling, photography, art and creative workshops with hands-on activities throughout the day.
Join us at Rheged for the first Lakes Deer Fest – a new autumn festival celebrating the Red and Roe deer that have shaped the landscapes of Cumbria for centuries.
Enjoy live cookery and butchery demonstrations, free wild venison burgers, and enjoy a full day of talks, films, exhibitions and creative activities across the venue, inspired by the wildlife, culture and landscapes of the Lake District.
Discover the stories of deer in Cumbria through art, folklore, photography and film, and meet the people working to restore habitats, create woodlands and care for the landscapes and iconic wildlife we all enjoy today.
Whether you’re interested in local food, wildlife, creativity or simply looking for a memorable family day out, Lakes Deer Fest offers a warm and welcoming autumn experience.
Why deer matter
Red and Roe Deer are part of what makes Cumbria special. From open fells and wooded valleys to the edges of our towns and villages, these remarkable animals have moved through the landscape for centuries and remain part of its character today.
The places deer live are changing. Across Cumbria, people are creating and restoring woodlands and caring for some of our most treasured landscapes. As deer populations have grown in many areas, finding the right balance between deer and the landscape has become increasingly important.
Lakes Deer Fest brings together different perspectives to explore how we care for deer, create healthy habitats and manage woodlands for the benefit of wildlife, people and future generations.
Through food, film, art, storytelling and conversation, the festival offers a welcoming opportunity to discover more about one of Cumbria’s most iconic animals and the landscapes we all share.
What you can look forward to
From Fell to Fork
Watch live wild venison butchery and cooking demonstrations with chefs and butchers from Westmorland. Discover how different cuts can be prepared and learn how to create simple, delicious meals at home.
Pick up tips, recipes and inspiration and find out where to buy locally sourced wild venison in Cumbria.
Photography and film
Explore a showcase of photographs celebrating Red and Roe deer, people, places and traditions across Cumbria.
Watch a programme of short films exploring deer, woodland restoration, rural life and nature recovery from across Britain.
Family activities
Follow the festival trail, take part in creative workshops, try willow weaving, discover wildlife artefacts and enjoy hands-on activities designed for curious minds of all ages.
As you explore the festival, complete the trail for the chance to win prizes.
Free wild venison burgers
Claim a free wild venison burger and discover why more people are choosing this lean, nutritious and sustainable local food.
Low in food miles and sourced from the landscapes around us, wild venison offers a delicious way to connect with the stories of Cumbria’s fells, woodlands and wildlife.
Conservation in Action
Get up close to thermal imaging cameras, drones, specialist optics, working vehicles and field equipment used to understand wildlife and care for the landscape.
Learn how new technology helps people monitor deer populations, understand wildlife movements and supports nature recovery projects across the region.
Art, music and storytelling
Experience a major new community artwork created by artist-in-residence Rachel Shore and local communities from across Cumbria.
Enjoy live music, storytelling and performances inspired by the wildlife, folklore and landscapes of the Lake District.
Meet the people behind the landscape
Meet the people who care for Cumbria’s landscapes, wildlife and future.
Hear from ecologists, foresters, deer managers, wildlife rangers and conservationists working across the Lake District. Discover how they care for habitats, monitor wildlife and help shape healthier landscapes for future generations.
Explore the history, traditions and practical skills behind deer management in Cumbria through exhibitions, talks and conversations throughout the day.
Help create the festival
Lakes Deer Fest starts long before October.
Across the summer, we’re inviting people of all ages to help shape the festival itself. Join artists, musicians, storytellers and wildlife specialists to create new folklore, community artwork, original music and performances inspired by Cumbria’s deer and landscapes.
Help create the stories that will become part of the first Lakes Deer Fest.
Join artist, Rachel Shore, to help create a brand-new Cumbrian folktale inspired by today’s landscapes, wildlife and changing woodlands. Through guided walks, shared storytelling and hands-on making, participants will transform ideas into a spectacular community artwork that will be unveiled for the first time at Lakes Deer Fest.
Help create the soundtrack to Lakes Deer Fest
Join BlueJam Arts to write songs, make instruments, create costumes and rehearse for a joyful community procession through Rheged. Together, we’ll create new rhythms inspired by the sounds of wind, woodland and water, culminating in the premiere of a brand-new Song of the Deer.
Deer in Cumbria Photography Showcase
Share your images of Red Deer, Roe Deer, landscapes and rural life and you could win a Photography Wildlife Hide Experience. Selected photographs will feature in an exhibition at the festival.
Film submissions
Filmmakers, students and emerging creators are invited to submit films exploring deer, landscapes, rural traditions, woodland restoration and nature recovery.
Volunteer
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help welcome visitors and support activities throughout the day.
To get involved, please email: LakesDeerFest@connectfornature.org.uk
About
The Lakes Deer Fest is organised by Cumbria Connect in partnership with Rheged.
Supported by the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, British Deer Society, RSPB, National Trust and the Forestry Commission.
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