Alston Live 2025: Music Festival & Family Holiday in Cumbria

2025-07-07

If your idea of a perfect summer weekend includes live music, dancing in a field, delicious food, and fresh country air, Alston Live is calling. This lively Cumbrian festival is back for 2025, and it’s bringing good vibes, great tunes, and family-friendly fun to the beautiful South Tyne Valley.

Set in the heart of England’s highest market town, Alston Live is more than a music festival. It’s a gathering of free spirits, music lovers, and laid-back adventurers who want to enjoy a weekend of rhythm and relaxation in the great outdoors.

And when the music winds down, your countryside retreat awaits at Lovelady Shield Hotel, just a short drive from the festival site, offering peaceful riverside views, cosy rooms, and the perfect mid-summer offer for festival-goers.

What Is Alston Live?

Held on 18–19 July 2025, Alston Live is a vibrant community-run festival that brings together a mix of folk, rock, indie, and acoustic performers from across the region. From toe-tapping bands to chill acoustic sets, there’s something for every musical mood.

The festival is set in a scenic outdoor venue with plenty of open space for dancing, picnicking, and letting the kids run wild. It's informal, welcoming, and brimming with local charm, ideal for families, groups of friends, and solo travellers alike.

When: Friday–Saturday, 18–19 July 2025

Where: Alston Playing Fields, Alston, Cumbria

Who: All ages welcome

Tickets: Family-friendly pricing available

Music: Local bands, emerging artists, community performances

Bring a picnic blanket, wear your dancing shoes, and get ready for a joyful celebration in the hills.

Book a Peaceful Festival Stay

To make the most of your festival weekend, Lovelady Shield Hotel invites you to enjoy a relaxing stay from 17 to 20 July. Whether you're winding down after dancing all night or resting before a day of exploration, our hotel offers the ideal blend of comfort and countryside charm.

Our Cumbrian Midweek Break Includes:

Up to 10% off direct bookings
Valid for Sunday–Thursday nights in July & August 2025
Set in the beautiful North Pennines
Perfect for walkers, nature lovers, families, and remote workers
Pet-friendly rooms available
Discount is automatically applied when booking

Book here to claim your offer!

Make It a Full Cumbrian Escape

After the festival lights fade, there’s still plenty to explore. Extend your weekend with some peaceful countryside adventures and family-friendly fun in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Scenic Trails & Nature Walks

Lovelady Shield is a walker’s paradise. You’ll find easy riverside trails and more adventurous hill walks, all right on your doorstep.

Isaac’s Tea Trail: A circular walk with sweeping views, perfect for an active Sunday morning
South Tynedale Railway Path: A scenic walking and cycling route following the restored heritage railway line

River Nent Walk: Stroll directly from the hotel through the tranquil countryside along the riverside

Top tip: Bring walking shoes and a camera, you’ll want to capture those views!

Family-Friendly Day Trips

Alston is surrounded by hidden gems that make ideal day trips for families and couples alike. Why not add a little extra magic to your weekend with:

Nenthead Mines – A fascinating glimpse into Cumbria’s mining heritage
Epiacum Roman Fort – Britain’s highest Roman fort, with panoramic valley views
Talkin Tarn Country Park – A peaceful lake with rowing boats, woodland trails, and a lovely tearoom
The Hub Museum (Alston) – Quirky exhibits and local history for curious minds of all ages

Festival Vibes by Day, Riverside Peace by Night

One of the best parts about Alston Live is its pace; it’s high-energy enough to feel exciting but relaxed enough for everyone to enjoy their rhythm. And when you’re ready to recharge, Lovelady Shield Hotel offers a quiet haven just outside the festival bustle.

Imagine ending your day with a gentle walk by the River Nent, a drink in the garden, and a restful night’s sleep in a charming countryside room. It’s the perfect balance of festival fun and rural tranquillity.

Bring the Whole Family, Including the Dog!

We know holidays are better when no one gets left behind. That’s why Lovelady Shield Hotel offers dog-friendly rooms, so your furry friends can join the celebration too. The nearby trails and open countryside are ideal for long dog walks and fresh air.

Families love our hotel for its spacious gardens, relaxed atmosphere, and easy access to outdoor activities, making it a great base for parents and kids alike.

Handy Tips for Alston Live Weekend

Book festival tickets in advance, they sell out quickly!

Pack for all weather, this is Cumbria, after all

Reserve your hotel stay early, rooms go fast for this popular weekend

Bring comfy shoes for dancing, walking, and exploring

Let us know if you're bringing a dog, so we can prepare your pet-friendly room

Your Summer Festival Escape Awaits

If you’re looking for a summer break filled with music, laughter, and countryside charm, Alston Live + Lovelady Shield Hotel is your perfect pairing.

Enjoy music by day, peaceful riverside relaxation by night, and explore the North Pennines at your own pace. Whether you’re a laid-back traveller, a music-lover, or a family looking for summer fun, Alston’s calling, and the hills are alive with music.

Book Your Stay for Alston Live Weekend

Book your Cumbrian Midweek Break now. See you in Alston for a summer weekend you’ll never forget.

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