Cumbria reaches for the sky in May

A series of spectacular aerial performances will be staged across the Lake District and other parts of Cumbria during the May half-term holidays. Reach for the Sky will feature six shows by leading international acts, including high-wire, acrobatics, dance, music and pyrotechnics.

These high quality and innovative outdoor performances will take place against the backdrop of the varied and spectacular landscapes of Cumbria.

Reach for the Sky will start on 23 May in Bowness-on-Windermere with the British premiere of an aerial show by Voala from Argentina, who use the sky as their stage. The performers play out a striking and lyrical show 100 feet above the audience’s heads, with live music and dramatic acrobatics.

On Sunday 24 May French performers Transe Express will appear as part of a public banquet in the centre of Carlisle.

Live music and dancing in the streets will build towards a stunning finale in which a troupe of drummers will be hoisted high into the sky to create a giant human mobile, beating out the rhythm of the night amongst the stars.

There will be more breathtaking aerial performances during the half term in Penrith (25 May), Maryport (29 May), Whitehaven (30 May) and Barrow (30 & 31 May).

Reach for the Sky is part of a new programme of inspirational outdoor events in Cumbria running from May to December.

Further details about all the shows will be available at Lakesalive.org from late February.