A WEEKEND of spectacular happenings presented by Lakes Alive Festival, take place at various venues around Kendal from tomorrow to Sunday (August 26-28).

You need to go on the website for details but a little taste of what to look forward to includes a Giant Jacob’s Join alongside the River Kent, tomorrow (7pm-10pm). Also, Bird HIVE is a Virtual Reality flight around the Lake District on Saturday (11am-6pm) at The Brewery, and Sunday (11am-5pm) at The Factory, Aynam Road. You need to go to the website to find loads more family-friendly happenings. So log on right now: www.lakesalivefestival.co.uk. Daytime activities are FREE.

THE Cartmel Cup is the penultimate race day of the season, held on Saturday at CARTMEL RACECOURSE, followed on Sunday by one of the most popular days the Bank Holiday Celebration Hurdle, when families can take picnics, enjoy the huge funfair and entertainment, and join the season’s Grand Finale. Gates open 10am. Tickets: Adult £23; Child (under 16 years) FREE.

UP FOR a gigantic challenge? Then LAKELAND MAZE FARM PARK, at Sedgwick, near Kendal, is another great place to be this Bank Holiday weekend, especially since the giant corn plants are at their most dense. Covering eight acres of land, paths inside the body of the maze allow those entering to walk at least five kilometres, while trying to negotiate a way out. Twists and turns galore - good luck folks! Tickets: Adults £7.95; Concessions £6.95 (2-15 yrs, students and carers); Seniors £5.95; Family £28.

LANCASTER Castle hosts a spectacular event this Bank Holiday Weekend (August 25-29), kids will love it because for the first time in more than 400 years, crones, witches and wizards will descend on the castle for THE SCHOOL OF WIZARDRY. Whiz-kids can make up their own magic potions in a workshop plus spells, charms and broomstick lessons will sweep the floor! All set around the films from the Harry Potter series which are being screened outdoors. Tickets £14.50-£17.50. Booking is required. Go to www.lancastercastle.com/  for details of screenings and times.

MUNCASTER Castle, at Ravenglass, brings the past to life this Bank Holiday (August 27-29) with its latest family-friendly festival MEDIEVAL MUNCASTER. The Red Wyvern Clifford Household re-enactment group will bring us scenes from the Tudor period and the Wars of the Roses. With a scenario built around Muncaster’s place in the history of these times, find out how men were armed, go to Knight School, watch a siege re-enactment and find out what daily life was like. Kids can also have a go at archery, plus they can find out what a Tudor Alchemist did in the community and how it forms part of the history of modern chemistry and medicine. Open times 10.30am-5pm. Tickets: Adult £12.15; Child £6.07.

BANK Holiday Sunday sees the 166th ANNUAL GRASMERE LAKELAND SPORTS take place at (10am) on The Showfield, Stock Lane (LA22 9SL). Since 1868 this event has been held except for the two periods of the First and Second World Wars. Now, one of the most popular traditional events in the English Lake District, participants compete in a variety of sports, including Cumberland Wresting, fell running and hound trails. The Adamson Band presenting a marching display, will officially open the event and will intermittently entertain visitors throughout the day. All events and races are to be entered on the day. Gate prices: Adults £10; Children (5-14yrs) £3; (under 5yrs) FREE. Family ticket (2 adults, 3 children) £22 (bought on-line only).