A SOUTH Lakeland market town is gearing up for a new approach to its traditional September weekend celebration.

Once famous for its Victorian-themed weekend, Kirkby Lonsdale is taking a small step forward in time to stage its first-ever Edwardian Weekend.

Community Manager Belinda Roos has put together an extensive programme of events to replicate Edwardian times 100 years ago, in the last summer before the outbreak of the First World War.

“These events give us a wonderful opportunity to recall how people lived and laughed during the summer of 1914,” said Mrs Roos. “But we’ll end with a poignant reminder of what followed with a drama called ‘Accrington Pals,’ reflecting on how whole communities of young men enlisted and went to war.” The production will be staged by Burneside Amateur Theatrical Society.

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The weekend - from September 5 to 7 - will feature Edwardian afternoon teas, market stalls, bell-ringers, demonstrations by lacemakers, quilters, a blacksmith and willow weavers.

There will be old fashioned games for children in the Play Park, with other sporting events taking place elsewhere. Shopkeepers are being encouraged to dress their windows and staff in Edwardian style, with prices to match.

Other attractions are set to include live music, a magician, ice cream tricycle and a traditional helter skelter.

Market Square in Kirkby Lonsdale will be closed to vehicles from around 7pm on Friday and will re-open again at around 5pm on Sunday.

For more details, visit www.kirkbylonsdale.co.uk