GREAT EVENTS FOR 2007

This part of the world is not just rich in heritage and natural beauty � a wealth of social, sporting and arts events is in prospect for residents and visitors alike.

Here are some key dates for your 2007 calendar.

MAY

Tuesday, May 1 to Thursday, May 31

Women's Arts International Festival � Marianne Faithful, Germaine Greer and Sandie Shaw are among the stars confirmed for Brewery Arts Centre's exciting new Kendal event, featuring theatre, literature, music and art. www.breweryarts.co.uk

Friday, May 4 to Sunday, May 6

Printfest � The UK's only exhibition dedicated to printmaking, in The Coronation Hall, Ulverston.

Saturday, May 5 to Saturday, May 19

Ulverston Flag Fortnight � Local children design and make the flags that flutter throughout the town during this colourful annual event.

Sunday, May 6 and Monday, May 7

Carlisle and Borders Spring Show � see Bitts Park filled with thousands of beautiful blooms. 01228-625600.

Wednesday, May 9 to Sunday, May 13

Keswick Jazz Festival � Theatre by the Lake hosts international artists. 017687-74411.

Friday, May 11 to Sunday, May 13

British Kite Surfing Association Championship � Weather permitting, dozens of pros and amateurs set sail off the coast of Barrow. Demonstrations and lessons. 01229-470303.

Saturday, May 19

Sedbergh Gala � colourful annual event on Lupton Field. 015396-20125.

Sunday, May 20

Kirkby Lonsdale Book Fair � taking inspiration from neighbouring Sedbergh, England's first Book Town, Kirkby's Institute will be filled with books.

Sunday, May 20

Brathay Windermere Marathon � One of the country's most scenic marathons raises funds for the Brathay Hall Trust. 015394-39728.

Saturday, May 26

Cartmel Races � The first of six popular events at the impressive Cartmel Race Course (other dates include May 28, May 30, July 19, August 25 and August 27). 015395-36340.

Sunday, May 27

Shetland Pony and Panto Horse Grand National � An hilarious afternoon's racing at Ulverston's Ford Park. 01229-585542.

JUNE

Friday, June 1 to Sunday, June 3

Holker Festival � In the gorgeous grounds of Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel, this annual event is heralded as one of the best shows in the North. 015395-58328.

Saturday, June 2 to Saturday, June 9

Ulverston International Music Festival � In the Coronation Hall. 01229-588994.

Thursday, June 7 to Wednesday, June 13

Appleby Horse Fair � Thousands of gypsies and travellers travel to Eden for this world famous fair, the main days being Saturday-Monday. 017683-51177.

Friday, June 8 to Sunday, June 10

WOW � Windermere of Water, on the shores of the lake, is packed full of water-themed activities plus performers and pyrotechnics. 015394-40021.

Saturday, June 9

Grange Edwardian Festival � Live music, morris men, clog dancers and dozens of whirling parasols fill Park Road in this annual celebration of the town's Edwardian heritage. 015395-35453.

Sunday, June 17

Williamson Park, Lancaster - Parklife: showcase for young local bands.

Kirkby Lonsdale Brass Band Contest � Annual event from noon in the Market Square.

Friday, June 22 to Sunday, June 24

Dent Folk Festival � Features top international and local acts as well as street theatre, puppetry, comedy and family events. 01524-781496.

Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 23

Kendal Book Fair � Antiquarian and second-hand book sale at the Brewery Arts Centre. 01539-722133.

JULY

Sunday, July 1

Langdale Gala � Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, slate-riving and stick-making make this summer fete, set against the stunning backdrop of the Langdale Valley, a traditional favourite. 015394-37320.

Saturday, July 7

Kirkland Festival � Live music and family entertainment at Kendal's very own Party in the Park in the grounds of Abbot Hall.

Saturday, July 7

Ulverston Carnival � A colourful parade through the town's ancient streets. 01229-587120.

Sunday, July 8 � Westmorland Horticultural Society 15th Summer Flower Show, at parish hall, Kirkland, Kendal.

Friday, July 13 to Sunday, July 15

Furness Tradition Festival � Music, story-telling and concerts fill this folk-themed Ulverston festival. 01229-587120.

Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15

Lakeland Rose Show � Probably the biggest event of its kind in the country, this floral gathering combines flowers, crafts, stalls and family entertainment.  01229-584926.

Friday, July 20 to Sunday, July 22

Festival of Ideas � a range of current affairs will be on the agenda at this brand new event for the thriving town of Sedbergh, featuring debates, lectures, theatre, music and the arts. 015396-20125.

Saturday, July 21

The Cumberland County Show - Carlisle's Rickerby Park will be filled with cattle, sheep, horse and dog classes as well as a host of entertainers, local food champions and even the odd celebrity. Visit www.cumberlandshow.co.uk for more information.

Sunday, July 22

Coniston Country Fair � Fell races and dog trials are among the highlights of this event at Coniston Hall farm Campsite. 015394-41223.

Monday, July 23 to 28

Panto in the Park: Jack and the Beanstalk � Happy Mount Park, Morecambe.

Wednesday, July 25

North Lonsdale Show � Everything from sheep and rabbits to embroidery and baking has a place at this busy agricultural show. Bardsea Park near Ulverston. 01229-467315.

Thursday, July 26

Ambleside Sports � Wrestling, hound trails and calf-busting fell races make Rydal Park worth visiting. 015394-35351.

Friday, July 27 to Sunday, July 29

Ambleside Flower and Craft Show � More than 250 classes fill Ambleside Primary School. 015394- 32252.

Saturday, July 28

Penrith Show � All the usual displays, from the traditional to the outrageous. At Brougham Hall Farm, Bampton Grange. 01931-713325.

Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29

Windermere Air Show � Organised by the town's Rotary Club on The Glebe, the long-running event offers dramatic displays and daring feats both on and above ground. 015394-47503.

AUGUST

Wednesday, August 1

Cartmel Show � Celebrates all things rural in Cartmel Park. 01539-722777.

Friday, August 3 to Sunday, August 5

Ambleside Summer Flower Show and Craft Fair � Green-fingered fun. 015394-32252.

Friday, August 3 to Sunday, August 5

Lowther Show � See HRH Prince Philip take the reins at the famous Horse Driving Trials and Country Fair in the grounds of historic Lowther Castle, near Penrith. 01931-712577.

Friday, August 3 to Sunday, August 19

Lake District Summer Music Festival � Coronation Hall. 01229-588994.

Thursday, August 9

Appleby Show � Look out for the grand parade at this agricultural show. 01931-714571.

Thursday, August 9

Lake District Annual Sheepdog Trial � Whistles and cries of �cum-by� will fill Hill Farm, at Ings, near Kendal. 015242-71584.

Tuesday, August 14

Lunesdale Show � Agricultural show in the grounds of Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club. 015242-71437.

Thursday, August 16

Rydal Sheepdog Trials & Hound Show � Baying hounds echo around Rydal Park during this action-packed day dedicated to man's best friend. 015396-21413.

Saturday, August 18

Rusland Show and Sports � One of the area's smaller shows but worth a visit to Whitestock Meadow in the beautiful Rusland Valley, none-the-less. 015395-31928.

Sunday, August 19

Lakeland Country Fair � Displays of ferrets, falconry and duck-herding are among the more unusual activities on offer at Torver Showfield, Torver, near Coniston. 01229-837680.

Sunday, August 19

Storth and District Annual Gardening Show � Table after table of perfect, plump produce makes judging a difficult job at this event in Storth Village Hall (near Milnthorpe). 015395-64166.

Monday, August 20 to 26

Lancaster Soul � Week-long jamboree of soul music: Williamson Park, Lancaster and fringe venues

Tuesday, August 21

Hawkshead Show � Expect a good crowd at this annual agricultural show. 015394-36166.

Saturday, August 25

Millom and Broughton Show � Agricultural show at West Park, Broughton-in-Furness. 01229-774940.

Saturday, August 25

Sedbergh Charter Market � Formerly the mediaeval market, the main street is closed to traffic as a colourful procession of be-wigged visitors peruse a range of stalls. 015396-20125

Saturday, August 25 to Saturday, September 8

Sedbergh Festival of Books and Drama � England's first Book Town lays on a bibliophiles paradise with seminars, plays, workshops and, of course, books. 015396-20125.

Sunday, August 26

Grasmere Show � After 800 years, this most famous of Lakeland sports shows won't fail to impress. 015394-32127.

Thursday, August 30 to Saturday, September 1

Beer Festival � CAMRA run this annual event in Ulverston's Coronation Hall. 01229-588994.

Friday, August 31 to Sunday, September 2

The Kendal International Festival of Street Arts � A host of performers will brighten up the auld grey town with a visual extravaganza for the event's inaugural year. 01539-725758.

SEPTEMBER

Saturday, September 1

Lowick and District Agricultural Show � Fun day out for the family at the Showfield, Lowick Bridge, near Ulverston. 01229-885638.

Saturday, September 1 and Sunday, September 2

Kirkby Lonsdale Victorian Fair and Country Market � Thousands descend on the quaint market town for one of the north's most popular events, which this year includes a country market for the first time. 015242-71437.

Saturday, September 1 to Saturday, September 15

Ulverston Charter Festival � For two weeks every year Ulverston Town Council host this event, packed with everything from dancing to archery. 01229-585778.

Sunday, September 9

Helvellyn Triathlon � Watch as the super-fit tackle a one-mile swim in Ullswater, a 38-mile bike ride over Kirkstone Pass and a nine-mile run up England's third highest mountain in what is one of the toughest, but most scenic triathlons in the UK. www.trihard.co.uk

Solar Dance Festival � Williamson Park, Lancaster.

Tuesday, September 11 and Wednesday, September 12

Westmorland Horticultural Society 73rd annual show � Blooms, pot plants, wine and home produce at parish and Kirkland halls, Kendal.

Thursday, September 13

Westmorland County Show � Hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of spectators travel for miles to this, one of the country's favourite agricultural shows. www.westmorland-county-show.co.uk

Friday, September 14

Kendal Torchlight Procession � Floats and fancy dress feature heavily in this popular annual event through the streets of Kendal. www.torchlightcarnival.co.uk

Saturday, September 15

Ulverston Lantern Procession � Hundreds of lanterns weave through the streets to create a river of white light. 01229-587120.

Sunday, September 16

Grizedale Mountain Bike Challenge � At least 30 miles of difficult terrain is in store for participants in this forest-based adventure. www.gmbc.co.uk

Friday, September 28 to Sunday, September 30

Coniston Walking Festival � Be inspired by the stunning lakes landscape as you lace up your walking boots and take part in a range of walks, short or long. 015394-41533.

OCTOBER

Saturday, October 6

Lakeland Trails Running and Walking Festival � Pick from Nordic walking challenges and serious fell trails to gentle ambles and children's races. At Coniston Hall Farm Campsite, Coniston. 01539-723435.

Saturday, October 6 to Saturday, October 13

Westmorland Beer Festival � Sample a frothy mead or two at this festival of beer, cider and parries in Kendal Town Hall. 01539-720407.

Monday, October 29 to Friday, November 2

Coniston Power Boat Records Week � High speed vessels will compete for a place in the record books at this annual week-long competition. www.conistonpowerboatrecords.co.uk

NOVEMBER

Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10

Gourmet Cumbrian Food and Drink Weekend � Organic Cumbrian farm breakfasts and an eight-course feast feature in this event at Coniston Youth Hostel. 015394-41323.

Friday, November 9 to Sunday, November 18

Kendal Mountain Film Festival � A host of outdoor enthusiasts, filmmakers, intrepid explorers and lecturers make this adventure-packed event at Kendal's Brewery Arts Centre, one of the biggest and best in Europe. www.mountainfilmfestival.co.uk

Saturday, November 24

Ambleside Christmas Lights Lantern Procession � It's all aboard as Father Christmas cruises into Ambleside to flick the switch and set off fireworks. Switch on from 4-6pm plus family entertainment from noon.

Saturday, November 24 and Sunday, November 25

Grasmere Festival of the Stars � Grasmere glitters this weekend as well-known storyteller Taffy Thomas joins circus acts, ceilidhs and astronomy on the agenda. www.grasmerestars.co.uk

Saturday, November 24 and Sunday, November 25

Ulverston Dickensian Festival � Themed Christmas market with three stages of entertainment, a funfair and songs of praise.

DECEMBER

Saturday, December 1

Grange Christmas Lights Switch On � Up until 2004, Grange's Christmas tree was the tallest lit tree in England and this year's festivities are extra special as it's the diamond jubilee. Saturday, December 1

Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair - The town twinkles at this magical event. 015242-71437.