TWO summer fun fairs are coming to Bowness this weekend to help raise funds for good causes.

The Bowness-on-Windermere Festival of Fun will see a ‘days gone by’ fair set up on the Glebe from today until Sunday (July 27) It’s complete with traditional fairground rides including a carousel, swing boats and a helter skelter.

There will be children’s activities between 1-5pm including story-telling, traditional craft activities and games.

From Thursday July 31, to Sunday August 10, the fair will be brought up-to-date with rides and attractions offering all the thrills of the modern funfair, with face-painting, a ‘Kids’ Olympics’ and a children’s talent contest for younger visitors at the weekends.

Both fairs are staged by Levens-based Taylor’s Funfairs, with a percentage of the proceeds going to support the work of Windermere and Ambleside Lions.

The events are organised in conjunction with South Lakeland District Council, which provides the land for the fairs on the Glebe.

Chris Amos, secretary of Windermere and Ambleside Lions, said: “Taylor’s summer fairs have been one of our our main benefactors for a number of years.

“We organise a number of fundraising events ourselves through the yearbut these fairs generate one of our biggest sources of income.

“Every penny of the money that comes to us is spent on our activities supporting the local community.’”

Recent Windermere and Ambleside Lions funding has gone to help provide better care for cancer sufferers at the two local hospices, a mobility scooter for an Ambleside couple to get around the village, a Christmas tea for 85 pensioners, a canoeing holiday for disabled children in Staveley, contributions to Windermere and Ambleside Christmas lights, an upgrade to Ambleside’s cricket pavilion and cash towards the work of the two local air ambulance services.

Coun Chris Hogg, SLDC portfolio holder for culture, arts and events, said: “This really is a community event that supports community initiatives and the good work of the Lions and we are glad to be able to do our bit by providing the land at the Glebe for the fairs.’’

Funfair visitors can get details of £10 wristbands for all day rides on-line at http://www.dealmonster.co.uk/deal/lancaster-and-the-lakes/windermere-fair-jul14