BOWNESS...

DANISH director Lars Von Trier's The Idiots is on the bill at The Old Laundry on Thursday, Nov 4, 7.30pm. The first of Trier's films released under the Dogme 95 code, The Idiots takes an intriguing look at the way normal' society treats abnormal' people. A group of people gather at a house in Copenhagen to bring out their inner idiots. Introduced by Alaistair Goolden as part of the Bowness theatre and film festival. For details call 015394-88444 KENDAL...

Dazzling dresses, paintings, furniture and publications from the swinging twenties are on display at the Museum of Lakeland Life's Bright Young Things exhibition. The show runs until December 23.

LANCASTER...

SCOTTISH writer A.L. Kennedy, homegrown talent and Booker shortlist nominee Sarah Hall and Iraqi poet Saadi Youssef are among some of the names at Litfest 2004. The literary event kicks off on November 6 and runs until November 14. For details call 01524-598500.

BARROW...

SAM Wood's Goodbye Mr Chips gets an airing at Forum 28 on Friday afternoon, Nov 5. A stirring film starring Robert Donat as the old schoolmaster and Greer Garson as his wife. Told mostly in flashbacks, the film looks back over his long career, remembering pupils and colleagues, and above all the idyllic courtship and marriage that transformed his life. Starts 1pm. To book tickets call the box office on 01229-820000.

ULVERSTON...

THIRTEEN schools show off their new music skills at the Coronation Hall. South Cumbria Sings a two night show on Thursday and Friday (Nov 11 & 12) at 6.30pm is part of the South Cumbria Music Festival. For details call 01229-587140 ARKHOLME...

THE Freerange Theatre Company entertain Victorian style when they perform At Home With The Pooters at Arkholme Village Hall on Sunday, Nov 7. The riot of classic pieces theatre, music, songs and poems starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available from Arkholme Post Office or call 015242-22236.

WINDERMERE...

GET dirty and help conserve the National Park's unique landscape today, Nov 3. Meet at Lake District Visitor Centre, Brockhole at 9am for the practical conservation event. Bring steel toecap boots if you have them. For more details call the BTCV on 015394-43098.

LANCASTER...

CATCH Lancaster's alt-country rockers The Wisemen and Kendal indie outfit 5 Divinty Avenue at Yorkshire House on Friday, Nov 5. The bands support Leicester four-piece Ambrose Tompkins who have been attracting attention with their off-kilter performances and unconventional instruments. Starts 8.30pm.

SILVERDALE...

JOIN in the bird spectacular as thousands of starlings roost on the reedbeds at Leighton Moss on Saturday, Nov 6. The guided walk will be followed by a talk and slide show depicting the bird reserve's wonderful wildlife. Starts 3pm. To pre-book call 01524-701601.

AMBLESIDE...

JOIN a warming winter walk, and take in a lofty crag, three lakes, a cave and tales of old Lakeland on Saturday, Nov 6. The 8-mile leaves from Ambleside, Market Cross Information Centre.