Free community festivals celebrating Grandparents’ Day are set to return to Kendal and Penrith next month.

Organised by GLL, the events are now in their fourth year and will bring people of all ages together for a day of activities, entertainment and advice.

The first festival will take place at Penrith Leisure Centre on Thursday October 1, from 10am to 2pm.

A second event will follow at Kendal Leisure Centre on Sunday October 4, from 11am to 2.30pm.

Visitors will be able to take part in exercise taster sessions, access health support and try out mobility equipment.

Eligible people can receive Covid, flu and RSV vaccines, while a volunteering fair and Macmillan coffee morning will also be held.

At the Penrith event, the public can experience a virtual reality simulation designed to provide an insight into living with dementia.

The initiative is part of the Age Friendly South Lakeland project, which sees organisations including Westmorland and Furness Council work together to support community wellbeing.

The first festival will take place at Penrith Leisure Centre on Thursday October 1, from 10am to 2pm.
A second event will follow at Kendal Leisure Centre on Sunday October 4, from 11am to 2.30pm.
Visitors will be able to take part in exercise taster sessions, including Walking Football and Walking Netball with Age UK, access health support and try out mobility equipment.

Danielle Vipond Shields, Better health and communities manager for Westmorland and Furness, said: “We’re really looking forward to bringing our Age Friendly Festivals back for the fourth consecutive year.

“In 2025, more than 150 people took advantage of what was on offer.

“These events are about much more than encouraging people to get active – they’re about bringing people together, discovering what’s happening in our local communities and making sure everyone has the opportunity to access the support and activities that are available to them.

“Over the years, it’s been great to see generations of families spend quality time together and celebrate everything our older communities have to offer.”

The event will also provide a platform to showcase the range of activities and sessions available for seniors at the leisure centres including:

Dedicate Swim for 50+ sessions
Chatter Matters – a social group that supports friendships, communication as well as health, exercise and wellbeing
Movement Matters – social sessions with seating and standing exercises to gently elevate heart rate and improve mobility
Instructor-led Pickleball Senior Club sessions to improve balance, co-ordination and cardiovascular health
Boccia, Walking Football and Walking Netball with Age UK
Healthwise – a physical activity referral programme designed to support individuals with long-term medical conditions or those at risk of chronic illnesses who are currently inactive
Escape Pain – a rehabilitation course to help people manage chronic joint or back pain.

Source: https://cumbriacrack.com/2026/09/21/free-grandparents-day-festivals-to-return-to-kendal-and-penrith/