The Lakes Hospitality Association, which organises the annual trade show, is to celebrate its 50th Anniversary event next year by partnering with the Lake District Hotels Association to create a legacy event to celebrate, recognise and reward team members who work throughout the Lakes.
The trade show is the region’s leading hospitality showcase, the place where suppliers, innovators and decision-makers come together to shape the future of the industry. It also generates funds to support tourism and hospitality initiatives including, this year, the return of Donald Campbell’s Bluebird for high-speed runs on Coniston Water during a week-long festival in May.
They have also previously supported a number of other hospitality focused events and initiatives throughout the county including foodbanks in the area, the Windermere and Hawkshead Christmas markets, and the annual sausage festival at Muncaster Castle.
James Tasker, who owns the Lamplighter Dining Rooms in Windermere and is one of three directors of the LHA, said that they wanted to establish a “taster” event this year, leading – it’s hoped – to a much bigger event in 2027.
“We’ll be looking to create another hospitality focused event that we hope will very quickly cement itself in the annual calendar for this essential sector within the Cumbrian economy. We hope that the initial ‘seed’ money will allow us to kickstart the event that will then gain traction and become justifiably self-sustaining,” said James.
The LDHA under their banner The Real Lake District represent more than 50 of the leading hotels and tourist attractions in the region, including Windermere Lake Cruises, Ullswater Cruises, The World of Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth Grasmere.
They organise training and networking for hotel staff, support employment opportunities for new and returning staff, and have insider information for visitors on where to stay, where to eat, and where to go.
The award scheme for employees is being introduced as ‘a celebration of our people’ and an incentive for staff in hotels and tourist attractions. Said Clive Wilson, the LDHA treasurer: “It’s the people working in our hotels and venues who make all the difference to the experience of visitors to the Lakes. We want to show our appreciation for their efforts, and we are delighted to be working with James and the team at the LHA in this.”
The Lakes Hospitality Trade Show provides a cash boost to visitor events that take place throughout Cumbria. Since 2018 they have given more than £30,000 to over 18 events, businesses and organisations.
To qualify for the funding, applicants are asked to demonstrate how their events would benefit local businesses and achieve significant visitor footfall for the local economy. Each successful applicant benefits from a bespoke package of PR and marketing activity to promote their event, delivered by the Cumbria Tourism marketing and communications team.
This year five events will receive marketing grants from the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show’s shared pot of £10,000 for 2026. Along with Bluebird K7 – The Festival (The Ruskin Museum) they are:
· Fells and Flow Festival, Ullswater (Lake District Foundation)
· Festival of the Lake, Windermere (Lakeland Arts)
· Egremont Crab Fair
· Carlisle Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival
· The 50th anniversary Trade Show will be staged at Junction 36, Feb 24/25, 2027.