THIS year's Potfest startsFriday with part one: Potfest in the Park.

It runs Saturday and Sunday, and features more than 100 UK and European potters, plus a Japanese contingent, under canvas in the grounds of Hutton-in-the-Forest, off the M6 junction 41, north of Penrith

Ceramicist Maggie Berkowitz and husband and wife potters Libby and Nigel Edmondson, are among the well-known Cumbrian contingent showing.

Part two: Potfest in the Pens, with 200 potters, is at Skirsgill Auction Mart, Penrith, next Friday, Saturday and Sunday, (August 3/4/5).

The mart is just off the M6 at junction 40.

There's also a part three, bridging both festivals with a programme of ceramic related events across the region such as open studios, exhibitions, kiln openings and hands on workshops.

Organiser and Cumbria's grand master of ceramics Geoff Cox has built Potfest into a truly international event and this year' s looks its best yet.

Potfest is open from 10am-5pm.

Adults £2.50/ senior citizens £2/ accompanied children free.

Further details from Penrith Tourist Information Centre on 01768-867466 or try the website: www.potfest.co.uk