This year's Keswick Traditional Christmas Fayre takes place on Sunday 4th December 2011, starting at around 11.15am in the Market Square.

This year Santa will arrive pulled by real reindeer at about 12.30; the reindeer will be remaining in the market square until about 3pm.

This is an annual fundraising event for many local charities. There will decorated charity stalls and a variety of street entertainment, the Christmas tree and shops festooned with colourful lights, and equally colourful local characters providing entertainment (such as the infamous Keswick Street Theatre). This is an occasion not to be missed, with many people from all over Cumbria and further afield coming year after year for mulled wine, mince pies, entertainment and shopping! The two main car parks are free of charges for the day.

 

 

A bit earlier than usual, the fells, bracken and trees are steadily developing their Autumn hues. And with warm sunny days forecast until at least the weekend it is a good time for photographers to capture some stunning scenery.

 

Derwentwater in early Autumn

 

The Bassenthwaite Osprey viewpoint in Dodd wood has now closed, and will re-open in Spring 2012. It has been an interesting year for Osprey watchers, with the pair moving home to the other side of the lake to a location where a nestcam could not be installed. Having raised two healthy chicks we look forward to the return of ospreys to the area around the beginning of April.

This year's two Bassenthwaite Osprey chicks have fledged! Unexpectedly, both chicks too to the air on the same day. More information on the Ospreywatch Flickr page.