FANS of Mintfest are being asked to dig deep at an auction night to raise funds for the summer spectacular.

Organisers are promising an ‘entertaining and exhilarating’ night out on June 6 as they bang the drum for the international festival of street arts which happens every August in Kendal.

Largely free, it relies on local people and businesses to bring the best acts and has been found to bring in millions to the town's economy through visitors.

The event will be compered by anarchic comedy duo Garry Gifford and Phill Gregg of the Ulverston-based, Bread and Butter Theatre Company, who are Mintfest regulars.

The night involves an an auction of 'gifts, promises and experiences', which have been donated by festival supporters.

The lots on offer to the highest bidder include:

* An evening for two at The Lowry in Salford, with dinner and tickets to see the acclaimed National Theatre production of War Horse

* A special, champagne tour of Holker Hall and gardens

* A signed print by Olympic gold medallist, Jonathan Edwards

* A private performance by some of Mintfest’s best loved acts

* Days out in the Lake District National Park

And an exclusive, VIP experience for two at Kendal’s newest festival, the Lakes International Comic Art Festival.

There will also be live literature and music performance from Manchester-based artists Les Malheureux, and 'table magic' from Kendal’s youngest magician, Joe Thomas.

Local, award-winning, artisan food producers have offered their produce for the evening to raise further funds for the festival.

The menu, created and sourced by Kendal's Artisan baker, Simon Thomas,  of the town's Staff of Life Bakery, will include St James cheese from Cartmel; Silver and Green olives; Kitridding home-farmed meats; smoked fish from The Smokery at HMP Haverigg; dipping oils from Agnes Rose and some brand new recipe breads from the bakery itself.

Julie Tait, director of Mintfest organisers Kendal Arts International, said: “We are thrilled that Mintfest has grown into one of the area’s best loved events, which people travel from ever farther and wider to attend.

“However, we are in need of vital support from local people and businesses to raise all the funds required to put on an event of this scale.

“The auction evening will be a fantastic night out and a lot of fun. We hope that as many people as possible will come along and enjoy the evening whilst helping to make Mintfest 2013 one of the best festivals yet.”

The evening starts at 7.30pm and early bird tickets are £10 which includes the entertainment and a welcome drink on arrival.

There is a special offer for groups of six to buy a half-table for £50 or a whole table for groups of 12 for £100.

The early bird deadline is 5pm, Friday 3 May. Tickets are available on a first come first served basis; further details at www.lakesalive.org

Bids can also be made via email or telephone up until 5pm on June 4 to jenny@kendalartsinternational.com, or on 01539 720252

Mintfest takes place from Friday August 30 to Sunday 1 September.