Forge Festival 2023 and a look to 2024/25

The Knotted Project’s Forge Festival 22 & 23 clearly demonstrated the talent, dedication & creative ambition that exists within Cumbria whilst raising the volume on young voices in our community. Both years culminated in an extremely successful & unique young person-led festival at the acclaimed Windermere Jetty Museum.

Over 2 years, performance companies from across Cumbria created original live performance pieces alongside professional lead artists, which were performed in outdoor and unusual spaces across the museum. Five Early Career Artists received a specialist package of support to develop their creative practice, plus a £1,000 commission to create a unique live performance piece for Forge Festival 2023. Youth Advisory Board members over 2 years co-produced the festivals, ensuring each festival was young person led.

Forge Festival 22 & 23 established a strong cultural network of young creatives across Cumbria, preparing young people for future creative careers.

After two extremely successful Forge Festivals in 2022 and 2023, we are thrilled to have secured public funding from The National Lottery through Arts Council England for the next two years of Forge Festival.

‘Forge Festival, A Creative Generation’ is a unique and inspiring programme of creative activity engaging schools, communities and early career artists in Cumbria. Young people will express their authentic views on our environment and climate change, igniting urgent dialogues within their community. Over 2 years, we aim to nurture a creative generation of young people, ready to have their voices heard and create change through the power of theatre.

More updates for Forge Festival 24/25 to come very soon! Look back at the amazing work that went into Forge Festival and the wonderful performances that took place here.