Following its successful debut in 2009, Cumbria – the Lake District – is to host its second Fishing Festival in the Spring of 2010. The Festival will run from the 15th to the 23rd of May, and will feature an expanded range of some fifty angling activities aimed at fishers and non-fishers alike, along with a new online pre-booking and pre-payment system. The festival website with the programme of events can be found at www.cumbriafishingfestival.co.uk.
In contrast with the 2009 event, there will be more coarse fishing events, and more events aimed at those who’ve never fished before. The waterside masterclasses that proved popular in ‘09 will continue in 2010, with a number of new additions. The festival opening event on Saturday 15th May will again take place at Bessy Beck Trout Fishery, nr. Newbiggin-on-Lune, and those wishing to attend are asked to pre-book online, if possible.
The Fishing Festival was established in 2009 to showcase the fabulous fishing to be enjoyed in Cumbria’s stunning landscapes, and featured a unique mix of waterside events taking place at different locations throughout the county. In 2009 sponsorship was offered by leading UK fishing tackle company Hardy Greys, who offered to supply expert anglers from their Academy to host and tutor waterside masterclasses, and they are continuing to support the event in 2010. Other events will be hosted by anglers living in, or familiar with the county, or who have strong Cumbrian connections.
Festival events fall into six main categories; learn to fish events, trout fishing on rivers, stillwater trout fishing, salmon fishing, coarse fishing and predator hunting. There will also be a sea fishing event, with Lee Cummings taking parties out to catch mullet on the fly on Cumbria’s west coast.
Hosting the events will be Jeremy Lucas, Nige Williams, Andy Charlton, Stuart Minnikin and/or Andy Smith (Hardy Greys), salmon fishers will enjoy presentations and advice from Ally Gowans, Glyn Freeman, and Clive Mitchelhill. Other champions of Cumbrian angling who will be participating include Paul Procter, Eric Hope, Stuart Broadhurst, Patrick Arnold, Bob & Vera Carlson, Chris Bowman, Tony Riley, and David Stocker.
Leading Cumbrian fishing tackle retailer John Norris, have made a major contribution to publicising the Festival, with Cumbria’s largest angling club, Windermere, Ambleside & District Angling Association, taking on the event organization. The Environment Agency are continuing to support the event.
