Dalton to Host First Event as Part of Ulverston International Music Festival
Dalton-in-Furness is set to host an event as part of the Ulverston International Music Festival for the first time.
The town will welcome the festival’s Organ Trail on Saturday 30 May 2026. The event will begin at 11.30am at St Mary’s Church before moving to Dalton Community Church for a second performance at 1pm.
The Organ Trail is part of the 22nd Ulverston International Music Festival. Which runs from Friday 29 May to Saturday 6 June 2026.
This year’s festival includes 18 events across Ulverston and the South Lakes. With music ranging from classical and choral performances to flamenco, jazz, film music, family events and chamber concerts.
A New Festival Moment for Dalton
The inclusion of Dalton marks a notable moment for the town.
While the festival is strongly linked with Ulverston, its programme also reaches venues across the wider South Lakes. Bringing an event to Dalton gives local audiences another chance to enjoy live music close to home.
The event will also highlight two local church venues and their organs.
The first part will take place at St Mary’s Church. Where audiences will hear the three-manual Ainscough organ. The second part will continue at Dalton Community Church. Where the recently rescued and re-homed Kendal-built Wilkinson & Son organ will be played.
What Is the Organ Trail?
The Organ Trail will be led by David Pipe, Director of Music at Cartmel Priory.
He will take audiences on a tour of two of the most noteworthy organs in the South Lakes. The event is designed to give people the chance to hear the instruments in action and learn more about their sound, history and character.
After the first performance at St Mary’s Church, attendees will make the short walk to Dalton Community Church for the second part of the event.
Festival organisers have also said there will be a special surprise local guest appearance.
Free Event With Retiring Collection
The Organ Trail is free to attend, and no ticket is required.
There will be a retiring collection at the end of the event. This means people can make a donation after the performance if they wish.
The full event is expected to last around two hours. This includes the move between the two churches.
This open format may help make the event more accessible to people who are curious about the festival but have not attended before.
Festival Brings Music Across the South Lakes
The Ulverston International Music Festival has become a major part of the area’s cultural calendar.
The 2026 festival opens on Friday 29 May with a recital by violinist Jennifer Pike and pianist Martin Roscoe at Ulverston Parish Church.
Other events include the Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company at The Coro, Jervaulx Singers at Cartmel Priory, a film night featuring Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror at the Roxy, a jazz night with the Joe Stilgoe Trio, and a festival finale with Royal Northern Sinfonia.
There are also Sound Bites events, lunchtime recitals and family-friendly activities.
The festival describes its 2026 programme as offering “something for everyone”. With events taking place around Ulverston and the South Lakes.
Encouraging More People to Experience Live Music
The festival has also placed an emphasis on accessibility for younger audiences.
For several larger venue events, under-30s and students can access £5 tickets, subject to booking fees. The aim is to help more children, young adults and students experience live performance.
Although the Dalton Organ Trail is a separate free event, it fits the same wider theme of opening the festival to more people.
By offering a relaxed, local and no-ticket-required event, organisers may encourage new audiences to take part.
Event Details
The Organ Trail takes place on Saturday 30 May 2026.
It starts at 11.30am at St Mary’s Church in Dalton-in-Furness. The second part begins at 1pm at Dalton Community Church.
Admission is free, with a retiring collection. No ticket is required.
The event forms part of the wider Ulverston International Music Festival, which runs from Friday 29 May to Saturday 6 June 2026.
