Pick from a great selection of activities...

ART...

KENDAL Art Society's Winter Exhibition is appearing at Kendal Library until January 4.

CONCERTS...

LAKELAND Sinfonia's annual Jack Symond's Christmas Charity Concert takes place at Kendal Leisure Centre tomorrow (Saturday). The concert will be conducted by Wyn Davies and features soprano, Marilyn Hill Smith and Kendal South Choir. All proceeds will go to Kendal Mountain Rescue Team. The concert begins at 7.30pm. For tickets call 01539-722533.

BURNESIDE Choral Society and Brass Band are presenting a joint evening of Christmas music at the Bryce Institute, Burneside, next Thursday. Doors open at 7.30pm. For details call 01539-728002.

PRESTON Orpheus Choir present A Festival for Christmas 2003 at Preston Guild Hall tomorrow (Saturday). The programme also includes The Leyland Band, dancing and a nativity play. Doors open at 7.30pm. For tickets call 01772-258858.

FANS of brass band music should head for Preston Guild Hall on Sunday for the Top Brass Christmas Spectacular. The concert includes The Kings Division Normandy Band and Besses o th' Barn Band. Doors open at 7.30pm. For tickets call 01772-258858.

CLASSIC rockers Status Quo will be appearing at Preston Guild Hall on Monday as part of the Riffs 2003 Tour. Doors open at 7.30pm. For tickets call 01772-258858.

DUBLIN soul band The Commitments play the Carnegie Theatre, Workington, on Sunday. The band includes three members from the original hit film of the 1980s. Doors open at 8pm. For tickets, call 01900-602122.

THE Dylan Project, an energetic four-piece folk/rock band, is appearing at the Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, tonight (Friday). Doors open at 8pm. For tickets call 01539-725133.

DANCING...

KICK up you heels with some Old Tyme Dancing at Sedbergh People's Hall tomorrow (Saturday). The music will be provided by the Syd Banks Band and all proceeds will go to the Hall funds. Doors open at 8.15pm.

FAIRS...

GET into the Christmas spirit at the Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes, this weekend (Saturday and Sunday). There will be stalls selling festive fare, children's activities and craft demonstrations. There will also be Christmas music from various groups including Hawes Operatic Society. Doors open from 10am-5pm.

A CHRISTMAS Book Fayre is being held at Kendal Library on Saturday by Kendal Civic society and Helm Press. Doors open from 10am-2pm.

LECTURES...

AMBLESIDE YHA is holding a slide and supper evening entitled Mountain Rescue -Tales from the Team, next Thursday. The evening promises a fascinating insight into the work of the mountain rescue team and includes a live indoor rescue demonstration. Booking is essential and tickets include a three-course meal. To book call 015394-32304.

MUSIC...

KENDAL Recorded Music Society is holding its Christmas party at Stricklandgate Methodist Church tomorrow (Thursday). The evening also features Members Choice. Doors open at 7.15pm. For details call 01539-722697.

SPORT...

WITH Kendal rugby club away at Darlington and Kendal Town football club travelling to Farsley Celtic, the focus of attention turns to local football this weekend. In the Westmorland FA's Benevolent Trophy, Kendal County meet Sedbergh Wanderers and Dent entertain Appleby in third round matches. Kendal Town Reserves are home to Victoria SC in a second round match while Shap United have a first round clash with Wetheriggs United. All ties kick-off at 1pm tomorrow (Saturday)

In the Aegon West Lancashire League Premier Division, Milnthorpe Corinthians entertain top Furness side BAE Barrow SC, kick-off 2.15pm and in the British Energy North Lancashire League the top two sides Cartmel and Storeys meet in a match could be a pointer towards the eventual the Premier League title. Kick-off at Cartmel Park is at 2pm.

THEATRE...

ALEX and the Warrior, a modern fairytale about a young boy whose computer game character comes to life, presented by the NTC Touring Theatre Company, is appearing at theatres across Cumbria including Wabberthwaite Village Hall (01229-717243) on Tuesday; Alston Town Hall (01434-381057) on Wednesday; and St Bees Village Hall (01946-822541) on Thursday. Performance begins at 7.30pm for all shows.

CINDERELLA, the classic fairytale of the down-trodden servant girl who defies her ugly sisters and wins the heart of Prince Charming, is appearing at the Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, until January 3 with performances at various times including evening and matinee shows. For tickets call 01539-725133.

WALKS...

LANCASTER'S Old Calendar St Nicholas Day Walk and Ghost Hunt takes place next Wednesday. The walk will be led by two authentically dressed Georgian characters, and there will be readings and stories galore. The walk ends with carols and a quiz in the Three Mariners Inn. Meet at Lancaster Castle's John O'Gaunt Gateway at 7pm.

STROLL over fields and through woods to Black Crag taking in spectacular winter views of Tarn Hows on a Lake District National Park Authority walk on Sunday. Meet at Hawkshead Information Centre at 10am. For details call 015394-46601.