What's on guide for 2007

Saturday, May 5 to Saturday, May 19

Ulverston Flag Fortnight - Local children design and make the flags that flutter throughout the town during this colourful annual event.

Sunday, May 6 and Monday, May 7

Carlisle and Borders Spring Show - see Bitts Park filled with thousands of beautiful blooms. 01228-625600.

Wednesday, May 9 to Sunday, May 13

Keswick Jazz Festival - Theatre by the Lake hosts international artists. 017687-74411.

Friday, May 11 to Sunday, May 13

British Kite Surfing Association Championship - Weather permitting, dozens of pros and amateurs will set sail off the coast of Barrow. Demonstrations and free lessons. 01229-470303.

Saturday, May 19

Sedbergh Gala - colourful annual event on Lupton Field. 015396-20125.

Sunday, May 20

Kirkby Lonsdale Book Fair - taking inspiration from neighbouring Sedbergh, England's first Book Town, Kirkby's Institute will be filled with books.

Sunday, May 20

Brathay Windermere Marathon - One of the country's most scenic marathons raises funds for the Brathay Hall Trust. 015394-39728.

Saturday, May 26

Cartmel Races - The first of six popular events at the impressive Cartmel Race Course (other dates include May 28, May 30, July 19, August 25 and August 27). 015395-36340.

Sunday, May 27

Shetland Pony and Panto Horse Grand National - An hilarious afternoon's racing at Ulverston's Ford Park. 01229-585542.

JUNE

Friday, June 1 to Sunday, June 3Holker Festival - In the gorgeous grounds of Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel, this annual event is heralded as one of the best shows in the North. 015395-58328.

Saturday, June 2 to Saturday, June 9

Ulverston International Music Festival - In the Coronation Hall. 01229-588994.

Thursday, June 7 to Wednesday, June 13

Appleby Horse Fair - Thousands of gypsies and travellers travel to Eden for this world famous fair, the main days being Saturday-Monday. 017683-51177.

Friday, June 8 to Sunday, June 10

WOW - Windermere of Water, on the shores of the lake, is packed full of water-themed activities plus performers and pyrotechnics. 015394-40021.

Saturday, June 9

Grange Edwardian Festival - Live music, morris men, clog dancers and dozens of whirling parasols fill Park Road in this annual celebration of the town's Edwardian heritage. 015395-35453.

Sunday, June 17

Kirkby Lonsdale Brass Band Contest - Annual event from noon in the Market Square.

Friday, June 22 to Sunday, June 24

Dent Folk Festival - Features top international and local acts as well as street theatre, puppetry, comedy and family events. 01524-781496.

Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 23

Kendal Book Fair - Antiquarian and second-hand book sale at the Brewery Arts Centre. 01539-722133.

JULY

Sunday, July 1Langdale Gala - Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, slate-riving and stick-making make this summer fete, set against the stunning backdrop of the Langdale Valley, a traditional favourite. 015394-37320.

Saturday, July 7

Kirkland Festival - Live music and family entertainment at Kendal's very own Party in the Park in the grounds of Abbot Hall.

Saturday, July 7

Ulverston Carnival - A colourful parade through the town's ancient streets. 01229-587120.

Sunday, July 8

Westmorland Horticultural Society 15th Summer Flower Show, at parish hall, Kirkland, Kendal.

Friday, July 13 to Sunday, July 15

Furness Tradition Festival - Music, story-telling and concerts fill this folk-themed Ulverston festival. 01229-587120.

Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15

Lakeland Rose Show - Probably the biggest event of its kind in the country, this floral gathering combines flowers, crafts, stalls and family entertainment. 01229-584926.

Friday, July 20 to Sunday, July 22

Festival of Ideas - a range of current affairs will be on the agenda at this brand new event for the thriving town of Sedbergh, featuring debates, lectures, theatre, music and the arts. 015396-20125.

Saturday, July 21

The Cumberland County Show - Carlisle's Rickerby Park will be filled with cattle, sheep, horse and dog classes as well as a host of entertainers, local food champions and even the odd celebrity. Visit www.cumberlandshow.co.uk for more information.

Sunday, July 22

Coniston Country Fair - Fell races and dog trials are among the highlights of this event at Coniston Hall farm Campsite. 015394-41223.

Thursday, July 26

Ambleside Sports - Wrestling, hound trails and calf-busting fell races make Rydal Park worth visiting. 015394-35351.

Friday, July 27 to Sunday, July 29

Ambleside Flower and Craft Show - More than 250 classes fill Ambleside Primary School. 015394- 32252.

Saturday, July 28

Penrith Show - All the usual displays, from the traditional to the outrageous. At Brougham Hall Farm, Bampton Grange. 01931-713325.

Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29

Windermere Air Show - Organised by the town's Rotary Club on The Glebe, the long-running event offers dramatic displays and daring feats both on and above ground. 015394-47503.

AUGUST

Wednesday, August 1Cartmel Show - Celebrates all things rural in Cartmel Park. 01539-722777.

Friday, August 3 to Sunday, August 5

Ambleside Summer Flower Show and Craft Fair - Green-fingered fun. 015394-32252.

Friday, August 3 to Sunday, August 5

Lowther Show - See HRH Prince Philip take the reins at the famous Horse Driving Trials and Country Fair in the grounds of historic Lowther Castle, near Penrith. 01931-712577.

Friday, August 3 to Sunday, August 19

Lake District Summer Music Festival - Coronation Hall. 01229-588994.

Thursday, August 9

Appleby Show - Look out for the grand parade at this agricultural show. 01931-714571.

Thursday, August 9

Lake District Annual Sheepdog Trial - Whistles and cries of "cum-by" will fill Hill Farm, at Ings, near Kendal. 015242-71584.

Tuesday, August 14

North Lonsdale Show - Everything from sheep and rabbits to embroidery and baking has a place at this busy agricultural show. Bardsea Park near Ulverston. Contact Miss S Butterfield. 015242 61047.

Lunesdale Show - Agricultural show in the grounds of Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club. 015242-71437.

Thursday, August 16

Rydal Sheepdog Trials & Hound Show - Baying hounds echo around Rydal Park during this action-packed day dedicated to man's best friend. 015396-21413.

Saturday, August 18

Rusland Show and Sports - One of the area's smaller shows but worth a visit to Whitestock Meadow in the beautiful Rusland Valley, none-the-less. 015395-31928.

Sunday, August 19

Lakeland Country Fair - Displays of ferrets, falconry and duck-herding are among the more unusual activities on offer at Torver Showfield, Torver, near Coniston. 01229-837680.

Sunday, August 19

Storth and District Annual Gardening Show - Table after table of perfect, plump produce makes judging a difficult job at this event in Storth Village Hall (near Milnthorpe). 015395-64166.

Tuesday, August 21

Hawkshead Show - Expect a good crowd at this annual agricultural show. 015394-36166.

Saturday, August 25

Millom and Broughton Show - Agricultural show at West Park, Broughton-in-Furness. 01229-774940.

Saturday, August 25

Sedbergh Charter Market - Formerly the mediaeval market, the main street is closed to traffic as a colourful procession of be-wigged visitors peruse a range of stalls. 015396-20125Saturday, August 25 to Saturday, September 8Sedbergh Festival of Books and Drama - England's first Book Town lays on a bibliophiles paradise with seminars, plays, workshops and, of course, books. 015396-20125.

Sunday, August 26

Grasmere Show - After 800 years, this most famous of Lakeland sports shows won't fail to impress. 015394-32127.

Thursday, August 30 to Saturday, September 1

Beer Festival - CAMRA run this annual event in Ulverston's Coronation Hall. 01229-588994.

Friday, August 31 to Sunday, September 2

The Kendal International Festival of Street Arts - A host of performers will brighten up the auld grey town with a visual extravaganza for the event's inaugural year. 01539-725758.

SEPTEMBER

Saturday, September 1Lowick and District Agricultural Show - Fun day out for the family at the Showfield, Lowick Bridge, near Ulverston. 01229-885638.

Saturday, September 1 and Sunday, September

Kirkby Lonsdale Victorian Fair - Thousands of pearly kings and queens descend on the quaint market town for one of the north's most popular events. 015242-71437.

Saturday, September 1 to Saturday, September 15

Ulverston Charter Festival - For two weeks every year Ulverston Town Council host this event, packed with everything from dancing to archery. 01229-585778.

Sunday, September 9

Helvellyn Triathlon - Watch as the super-fit tackle a one-mile swim in Ullswater, a 38-mile bike ride over Kirkstone Pass and a nine-mile run up England's third highest mountain in what is one of the toughest, but most scenic triathlons in the UK. www.trihard.co.ukTuesday, September 11 and Wednesday, September 12Westmorland Horticultural Society 73rd annual show - Blooms, pot plants, wine and home produce at parish and Kirkland halls, Kendal.

Thursday, September 13

Westmorland County Show - Hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of spectators travel for miles to this, one of the country's favourite agricultural shows. www.westmorland-county-show.co.uk Friday, September 14Kendal Torchlight Procession - Floats and fancy dress feature heavily in this popular annual event through the streets of Kendal. www.torchlightcarnival.co.uk Saturday, September 15Ulverston Lantern Procession - Hundreds of lanterns weave through the streets to create a river of white light. 01229-587120.

Sunday, September 16

Grizedale Mountain Bike Challenge - At least 30 miles of difficult terrain is in store for participants in this forest-based adventure. www.gmbc.co.uk Friday, September 28 to Sunday, September 30Coniston Walking Festival - Be inspired by the stunning lakes landscape as you lace up your walking boots and take part in a range of walks, short or long. 015394-41533.

OCTOBER

Saturday, October 6Lakeland Trails Running and Walking Festival - Pick from Nordic walking challenges and serious fell trails to gentle ambles and children's races. At Coniston Hall Farm Campsite, Coniston. 01539-723435.

Saturday, October 6 to Saturday, October 13

Westmorland Beer Festival - Sample a frothy mead or two at this festival of beer, cider and parries in Kendal Town Hall. 01539-720407.

Monday, October 29 to Friday, November 2

Coniston Power Boat Records Week - High speed vessels will compete for a place in the record books at this annual week-long competition. www.conistonpowerboatrecords.co.uk NOVEMBERFriday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10Gourmet Cumbrian Food and Drink Weekend - Organic Cumbrian farm breakfasts and an eight-course feast feature in this event at Coniston Youth Hostel. 015394-41323.

Friday, November 9 to Sunday, November 18

Kendal Mountain Film Festival - A host of outdoor enthusiasts, filmmakers, intrepid explorers and lecturers make this adventure-packed event at Kendal's Brewery Arts Centre, one of the biggest and best in Europe. www.mountainfilmfestival.co.uk Saturday, November 24Ambleside Christmas Lights Lantern Procession - It's all aboard as Father Christmas cruises into Ambleside to flick the switch and set off fireworks. Switch on from 4-6pm plus family entertainment from 12noon.

Saturday, November 24 and Sunday, November 25

Grasmere Festival of the Stars - Grasmere glitters this weekend as well-known storyteller Taffy Thomas joins circus acts, ceilidhs and astronomy on the agenda. www.grasmerestars.co.uk Saturday, November 24 and Sunday, November 25Ulverston Dickensian Festival - Themed Christmas market with three stages of entertainment, a funfair and songs of praise.

DECEMBER

Saturday, December 1Grange Christmas Lights Switch On - Up until 2004, Grange's Christmas tree was the tallest lit tree in England and this year's festivities are extra special as it's the diamond jubilee. Saturday, December 1Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair - The town twinkles at this magical event. 015242-71437.