South Cumbria Welcomes New Nostalgia Festival: The Old School Weekender Set for Summer 2025 Debut

South Cumbria is poised to host a significant new cultural event in the summer of 2025 with the debut of The Old School Weekender festival. Scheduled to take place from Friday, July 11, to Sunday, July 13, this new addition to the region’s vibrant live entertainment calendar promises a journey back in time for music enthusiasts.

The festival will be situated at the well-regarded Westmorland County Show Ground in Crooklands, a venue known for its capacity to host large-scale events and offering ample space for the extensive programming and attendee facilities required for a music festival of this scope. Organizers are setting ambitious goals for the inaugural event, aiming to create an experience that is truly “unforgettable” for all who attend.

A Journey Through Musical Eras

The core concept driving The Old School Weekender is a deep dive into musical nostalgia. The festival is curated to feature music spanning the 1980s, 1990s, and extending into subsequent decades, promising a diverse lineup designed to resonate with a wide audience eager to relive iconic sounds and discover classics across multiple genres. This focus on established, popular music aims to tap into a collective appreciation for the tracks that defined generations, fostering a celebratory and communal atmosphere.

By concentrating on these specific eras, the festival seeks to differentiate itself while appealing to a demographic known for its strong connection to the music of their youth and young adulthood. The blend of hits and perhaps some deeper cuts from the 80s and 90s, combined with selections from “beyond,” suggests a programming approach that will cater to both dedicated fans of particular genres and those simply looking for a weekend filled with recognizable, uplifting tunes. The emphasis on creating a nostalgic experience is central to the festival’s identity.

The Team and Vision Behind the Debut

The organization of a large-scale music festival requires significant expertise and planning. Part of the dedicated team bringing The Old School Weekender to fruition includes George Galvin. While the full list of organizers and their roles is not yet public, Mr. Galvin’s involvement signals that experienced individuals are behind the scenes, working to ensure the event’s success and deliver on its promise of an “unforgettable” weekend in south Cumbria.

The vision extends beyond merely booking acts; it encompasses creating an entire atmosphere that reflects the chosen musical eras, potentially including thematic elements in the staging, decor, and overall festival site layout. The team’s commitment to this vision is evident in their proactive planning efforts as they navigate the complexities of launching a major new event. Their objective is clearly to establish The Old School Weekender as a significant, recurring fixture in the UK festival landscape.

The Venue: Westmorland County Show Ground

Choosing the right location is paramount for a festival’s success, and the Westmorland County Show Ground at Crooklands provides a robust foundation. Located conveniently within south Cumbria, the site offers considerable acreage suitable for multiple stages, food and beverage vendors, market stalls, and crucial camping facilities.

The showground’s established infrastructure, typically used for agricultural shows and other large gatherings, is expected to provide a solid base for accommodating thousands of festival-goers. Its accessibility and position within the picturesque Cumbrian landscape also contribute to the potential appeal, offering a scenic backdrop for the weekend’s festivities. The selection of this specific venue underscores the organizers’ intention to host a substantial event capable of attracting attendees from across the North West and beyond.

Tickets and Anticipated Line-up

Prospective attendees are already looking forward to securing their spots. Organizers have confirmed that camping tickets will be a key offering, available for the entire duration of the event, covering Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. This provision is essential for a destination festival, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the experience without concerns about daily travel.

The sale of tickets is scheduled to commence “in due course.” Specific dates and pricing details are anticipated to be announced alongside the initial line-up reveals. As of now, the highly anticipated line-up of artists set to perform at the inaugural Old School Weekender is yet to be officially announced. This deliberate phasing of information aims to build excitement and anticipation among potential attendees, with future announcements expected to provide crucial details about the specific acts that will grace the stages at Crooklands.

Preparations Underway and Local Context

The journey to July 2025 involves extensive planning and logistical preparation. Organizers have already been actively engaged in the process, including a notable site visit to the Westmorland County Show Ground in December [2024]. This early assessment of the venue underscores the thoroughness of the planning phase, ensuring that all aspects, from stage placement to camping zones and accessibility, are meticulously considered well in advance of the festival dates.

The timing of The Old School Weekender also places it within a relevant local context. The organizers noted their intention to tap into the local love for live entertainment, a sentiment undoubtedly buoyed by the success of established events in the region. Coming shortly after Kendal Calling’s significant 20th anniversary milestone in 2024, the launch of a new festival in south Cumbria highlights the area’s enduring appeal as a hub for music and cultural events, offering a complementary experience to the diverse festival landscape.

As The Old School Weekender approaches its summer 2025 debut at the Westmorland County Show Ground in Crooklands, anticipation continues to build for what is promised to be an “unforgettable” celebration of music from the 80s, 90s, and beyond. With key details regarding the line-up and ticket sales expected in the coming months, prospective attendees and the south Cumbria community await further news on this exciting new event.