THOUSANDS of people are expected to join "a day of activism and celebration" at Grasmere on Saturday, February 1.

Retired postman Andy Astle, who is spearheading the Facebook campaign against the idea of holiday boats being moored on the lake, said the protest march would start from the centre of the village.

The Big Day Out event is designed to show opposition to the proposal by Lowther Estates Trust for up to 10 "gentleman's yachts" for holidaymakers on the lake. The trust has applied for a certificate of lawful existing use or development from the Lake District National Park Authority.

Mr Astle said the Big Day Out would also be a protest against the broader "over-commercialisation" of the Lake District.

The Facebook campaign Houseboats Off Grasmere describes itself as "a group of individuals with a love of Grasmere. We don't want to preserve it in aspic but we do want to maintain its beauty for all to enjoy".

Mr Astle said it was hoped people would bring bicycles, canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and swim gear for the march to Penny Rock on the lake shore.

He said a police road closure would be in place, and speakers at the event would be be film maker Terry Abrahams, Friends of the Lake District chief executive Douglas Chalmers and Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron.