Joe Lycett to perform surprise gig to protest sewage dumping in Lake District

Late Night Lycett presenter Joe Lycett will travel to the Lake District later this week to perform a unique show for an important cause. The event is part of the Save Windermere movement, aiming to stop the environmental impact caused by sewage dumping into the Lake District lake.

Joe, 34, will perform alongside Lee Mack and Steve Coogan to raise awareness for the cause and protest sewage pollution. 

Lake Windermere is the UK’s largest lake, described as ‘the heart of the Lake District’. According to the Save Windermere website, it has been heavily polluted by United Utilities, a water supply company in the area. 

Save Windermer’s website reads: “United Utilities is the company responsible for managing the sewage and wastewater infrastructure in the Lake District, including the Windermere catchment area. Their operations have been identified as the single largest contributor of phosphorus into the lake, and they are the key focus of the Save Windermere campaign's efforts to protect our lake now and forever.”

In 2022, a reported 246 days’ worth of sewage was discharged into the Windermere catchment from storm overflows. This has led to a 99% reduction in Sea Trout caught on the River Leven since 1980.

High levels of phosphorus in the water as a result of the pollution are leading to toxic algal blooms, which further increase the death of all life in the lake. The Save Windermere site is strewn with images of aquatic life killed by the pollution. They also report that the algal blooms are “a danger to us, our pets and our wildlife”.

The event featuring Joe Lycett, entitled MEET US ON THE GLEBE TO SAVE OUR LAKE, will take place this bank holiday Monday (May 29) from 12pm-3pm on The Glebe. Guests are welcome to bring placards and banners, but are encouraged to leave their cars at home. Donations to the cause can be made on the official website.