SIMON Yaxley is one of the region's most versatile and capable performers.

He regularly pops up on stage. In September he returns to a Gilbert and Sullivan role in The Yeoman of the Guard for Staveley Amateur Operatic Society playing the pivotal part of Jack Point, Jester. In October, he takes centre stage as Felix Humble in Charlotte Jones comedy Humble Boy for Grange Drama, and is back in pantomime in January 2016 for The Lakes Players.

Meanwhile, the popular voice of Lakeland Radio's Breakfast Show - and former professional actor - adds another string to his bow on Monday, August 10 (11am), narrating Swiss novelist CF Ramuz’s story in Stravinsky’s Soldiers’ Tale Suite as part of a Lake District Summer Music concert at Ambleside Parish Centre, alongside top clarinettist, Timothy Orpen, one of the world's most distinguished violinists, Levon Chilingirian, and highly regarded pianist, Andrew Brownell.

The performance also includes Finzi Five Bagatelles, Stravinsky's Three pieces for solo clarinet, Arthur Bliss' Pastoral, Poulenc's Clarinet Sonata and the Milhaud Suite for clarinet, violin and piano.

Lake District Summer Music celebrates its 30th anniversary with another fabulous festival of music-making, running from August 1-14, packed with 50 events at 15 venues, opening at Ulverston's Coronation Hall with a concert by the Armonico Consort and Baroque Players.

For full festival details see www.ldsm.org.uk, visit the Festival Office at Stricklandgate House, 92 Stricklandgate, Kendal, or telephone 01539-742621.