AS MAY Day bank holiday signals the start of half-term and hopefully some summer sun, why not gather the family and make the most of the area’s activities
and attractions with this handy
guide to what’s on and worth a
visit over the next few days.

FRIDAY, MAY 28

THE Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole, near Windermere, has a weekend ‘voyage of discovery’ planned for families. Various organisations responsible for caring for the national park will be on hand at various times to demonstrate their work and offer some offbeat activities to the public. Over the weekend, you can try your hand at dry-stone walling as well as going hunting for treasure and scaling the climbing wall. Today, why not learn a little more about the poet Wordsworth and view some of the local scenery which inspired him while tomorrow, take a spectacular walk up Aira Force. On Sunday, there will be the opportunity to meet the crew of an RAF helicopter. For more information, call 015394-46601.

SATURDAY, MAY 29

A CIRCUS skills workshop by The (Fairly) Famous Family will take place at Tullie House in Carlisle today from 10am-noon. 01228-534781.
SUNDAY, MAY 30

TAKE a guided evening walk around Sizergh Castle looking at bats, bat roosts and riverside habitats from 8.30pm. Meet at the Strickland Arms, near the castle gates. 015395-60070.
l FROM 9pm tonight, Taffy Thomas and friends will tell Lakeland Legends and Ghost Stories by firelight as part of a May mini-fest of fun organised by Tales In Trust, the Northern Centre for Storytelling, in Grasmere. 015394-35641.

MONDAY, MAY 31

VISITORS to Kendal will be taking a step back in time today as street entertainers and some of the 80 costumed stall-holders fill the streets for the annual Medieval Market from 9am-4pm. 01539-725758.
l TAKE a family stroll to a working farm today from 11am with an easy climb past a spectacular waterfall to a traditional Lakeland farm where rare breeds, tea and cake will be on offer. Meet at the Market Cross Information Centre in Ambleside and book by calling 015394-32582.
l DISCOVER Brockhole’s Birdlife today when the bird hide opens from 10am at the Lake District Visitor Centre. Wardens from the Lake District National Park will help to identify a wide range of garden
birds.
l ONE of the top musicals of the decade, Blood Brothers by Willy Russell, comes to the Charter Theatre in Preston until Saturday. Telling the captivating tale of twin boys who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the track, and featuring an incredible score, the daily shows begin at 7.30pm with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. 01772-258858.

TUESDAY, JUNE 1

SPOT some elusive badgers in their natural habitat tonight from 7pm with the badger discovery evening at Grizedale Forest. Warm, dark clothing is essential. 01229-860010.
l GET Wet ‘n’ Wild at Kendal Leisure Centre today from 10am-3.30pm when a full day of water-inspired activities takes place. Start off with a dip in the pool before jetting off to Windermere Outdoor Adventure for a picnic lunch and an afternoon of canoeing and kayaking instruction on the lake. To book a place, call 01539-729777.
l TUNES from across Europe will play at Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre today when Joe Fairclough calls the family ceilidh, Jigbuster. If you’re itching to get up and dance, Joe has superb presence and will soon have the floor full of people jigging, stripping the willow and having a whale of a time. From 8pm.
l DARE you dip into the murky depths of Brockhole’s pond to see what is lurking beneath? If so, call 015394-46601 to book a place on Pond Monsters at the Lake District Visitor Centre from 11am. For seven to 12-year-olds.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2

JOIN the local guide on a six-mile walk over Claife to Near Sawrey, exploring the magical years of Beatrix Potter from 10.15am today. Meet at the Bowness Bay Information Centre to hear all about the characters and sights that inspired the well-loved stories and join an optional pub lunch. Not suitable for under-fives.
l A SPECIAL children’s gardening event takes place today from 11am at the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole. Youngsters aged six-12 years can discover where plants come from and how they get their names. Parents are welcome. 015394-46601.
l ANOTHER Lake District Visitor Centre event at Brockhole today gives kids the opportunity to explore the grounds and make puppets to take home from materials found in the woodland. Sessions begin at 11am and 2pm. 015394-46601.

THURSDAY, JUNE 3

ONE for all the family is Amanda Dalton’s enchanting new play, which centres on a young boy mourning the loss of his dog and the mystery of a nearby house. Dog Boy arrives at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester today until June 19. Call the box office on 0161-8339833 for times and details.
l ANOTHER manic Wet ‘n’ Wild day begins at Kendal Leisure Centre at 10am. See Tuesday, June 1 listing.

FRIDAY, JUNE 4

KENDAL’S International Guitar Festival 2004 takes place from today until Sunday at the Brewery Arts Centre. With a full weekend of concerts, informal gigs, master classes and workshops, this event promises to be a must for all guitar and music enthusiasts no matter what style or interest. 01539-725133.
l THE north of England’s horticultural event of the year, the Holker Hall Garden Festival, begins today at Cark-in-Cartmel. With display gardens, trade stands, gardening advice, celebrity appearances, children’s and family entertainment and more. The
festival is open from 10am–6pm today and tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday from 10am–5.30pm. 015395-58328.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

A CREATIVE Mosaics workshop will allow youngsters to put their artistic skills to good use today at Carlisle’s Tullie House from 10am-4pm. 01228-534781.