It was the summer solstice on Tuesday last week, the day when there were the most hours of daylight of any day in the year.

If you went outside at just after 10pm that evening it was still perfectly light.

The longest day seems to come round remarkably quickly just after we are just getting used to better weather and brighter days.

But while daylight hours will gradually decrease from now on, this is a time to be positive and to look forward to summer and all that means for the South Lakes and surrounding area.

This is a great opportunity to explore the wonderful landscape, whether that be walking or climbing or taking part in other outdoor activities, such as cycling, riding, sailing and canoeing.

It’s also a time for some of the area’s best large-scale public events.

Crowds gathered in Ulverston for the recent Another Fine Fest, a free event for all the community to enjoy.

The streets were packed as people got together to enjoy music, comedy, food, street art and theatre in celebration of Ulverston and the birth of its most famous son, Stan Laurel.

There are lots of other great events on the horizon for people to look forward to. They include Cartmel Races tomorrow (June 24) and Sunday. Tomorrow’s races will be followed by an outdoor convert by chart-topping singer-songwriter David Gray.

Before long we shall be getting firmly into show season, with a series of country fairs, sports and agricultural shows showcasing the best of local rural life and offering an opportunity for members of the farming community to catch up with each other and for everyone to have a great day out.

Local events include: Coniston Country Fair on July 24; Ulverston and North Lonsdale Show on July 27; Ambleside Sports on July 28; Cartmel Show on August 3; Appleby Show on August 11; Ravenstonedale Show and Rusland Show on August 20; Lakeland Country Fair at Torver on August 21; Millom and Broughton Show on August 27; Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show on August 28 and Westmorland County Show on September 7 and 8.