Summer Programme 2026

We’re so excited to launch our summer programme of free activities at and around BlueJam Arts Space (Mostyn Hall, Friargate, Penrith, CA11 7XR). All welcome to the majority of sessions but booking is essential unless stated otherwise – please drop us an email including which session(s) you’d like to come to if you’d like to come along.

Saturday 13th June (10am-12pm) @ BlueJam Arts Space
Great Big Green Week – Poetry Garden Celebration*
Celebrating the development of our poetry garden, including our brand new pergola supplied by JT Atkinsons. The garden is a vibrant home for flowers, trees, vegetables, butterflies and bees. There will be mini workshops to create poems and pictures to put on slates hung from our new pergola and a chance to write songs inspired by the garden as well as live music. We will also share seeds and plants, books and artwork. All are welcome.

Sunday 21st June (2-4pm) @ Penrith Castle
Songs of Stone and Water – Creative Gathering at the Castle***
Join us for an afternoon of creative celebrations as we come to the end of our Songs of Stone and Water project. At the Gathering we will be sharing the live music, art and poetry created by our project participants and featuring new work arising from the collaboration with other local heritage inspired projects. Free to attend, no need to book, all welcome.

Sunday 28th June (10am-3:30pm) @ BlueJam Arts Space
Singing Tips and Tricks**
In this practical workshop, experienced singing leaders and professional musicians Jilly Jarman and Bryony Jarman-Pinto will walk you through how to use singing with children and young people, both at home and in the classroom. The day will include introducing a creative approach to warming up, how to choose and adapt songs, tips to protect your vocal health, how to learn songs with and without harmonies or backing tracks and how to lead group singing. Limited places available – booking is essential. – CHILDCARE IS PROVIDED –

Sunday 19th July (2-4pm) @ BlueJam Arts Space
Relaxed Concert for families (Folk Music)**
A relaxed concert with professional musicians designed to be perfect for families. Free but booking essential – these sessions always get fully booked so advanced booking is very much recommended.

Friday 24th July (11am-1pm) @ BlueJam Arts Space
Have a Go session for families**
Try out a new instrument, learn a new skill and play with music together. No experience necessary! Free but booking essential – these sessions always get fully booked so advanced booking is very much recommended.

Friday 31st July (11am-2pm) @ Thacka Beck
Stomping Ground’s Wild Play Day
Come and find us at Stomping Ground’s annual Wild Play Day at Thacka Beck. Fantastic for families, loads to do and completely free! Find out more here. Remember to bring a picnic!

Tuesday 4th August (10am-12pm) @ BlueJam Arts Space
Have a Go session for families**
Try out a new instrument, learn a new skill and play with music together. No experience necessary! Free but booking essential – these sessions always get fully booked so advanced booking is very much recommended.

Friday 7th August (11am-2pm) @ Fairhill Recreation Ground
Stomping Ground’s Wild Play Day
Come and find us at Stomping Ground’s Wild Play Day at Fairhill Recreation Ground. Fantastic for families, loads to do and completely free! Find out more here. Remember to bring a picnic!

Tuesday 11th August (3-5pm) @ BlueJam Arts Space
Come and Drum session for families**
Come and do some drumming together at BlueJam. No experience necessary. Free but booking essential – these sessions always get fully booked so advanced booking is very much recommended.

Sunday 16th August (2-4pm) @ BlueJam Arts Space
Relaxed Concert for families (Jazz Music)**
A relaxed concert with professional musicians designed to be perfect for families. Free but booking essential – these sessions always get fully booked so advanced booking is very much recommended.

Tuesday 18th August (3-5pm) @ BlueJam Arts Space
Come and Drum session for families**
Come and do some drumming together at BlueJam. No experience necessary. Free but booking essential – these sessions always get fully booked so advanced booking is very much recommended.

Tuesday 25th August (3-5pm) @ BlueJam Arts Space
Have a Go session for families**
Try out a new instrument, learn a new skill and play with music together. No experience necessary! Free but booking essential – these sessions always get fully booked so advanced booking is very much recommended.

* We are thankful to Futureproof Cumbria for supporting this activity so that we can offer it for free
**We are grateful for the support of Cumbria Music Hub for funding these activities so that we can offer them for free.
***We are thrilled that English Heritage have chosen to fund this project. Thanks English Heritage!