VINTAGE By the Sea is returning to Morecambe for its fourth year, celebrating all things 20th century design, fashion, vehicles and entertainment. The festival is set to take place this weekend (September 3 & 4) on the Prom, The Midland Hotel, The Platform and other venues in the town. An impressive flypast by a Lancaster Bomber, a Spitfire and a Hurricane as part of an RAF Battle of Britain Memorial is planned, along with returning favourites like the Pooch Parade, the Routemaster Bus Bar and a vintage car show. And, together with the wandering street performers, food traders, workshops and family entertainment, it’s sure to be a peachy blast from the past! Mainly FREE. Programme: www.vintagefestival.co.uk.

YOUTH charity Brathay Trust hosts a rather unique fundraising 70th anniversary 'Cake by the Lake - with a Swing' event, on Sunday (September 4) from 1pm-6pm, at Brathay Hall, near Ambleside. On the menu is live music and dancing beneath a large marquee and the line-up includes local talent in the guise of Barrow's songstress Becki Fishwick who brings a dash of vintage glamour to the stage, as well as Swing Dance Cumbria and Penrith's Hot Sauce Finger Snappers who will be performing 1930s swing jazz. Other eye-catching attractions are classic cars from Lakeland Motor Museum, a coconut shy, side stalls, giant lawn games and much more besides. All profits will go to vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. For more information go to www.facebook.com/BrathayTrust/events.

MORE than 100 legionnaires from all over Europe will once again descend upon Hadrian's Wall for a weekend of invasions, skirmishes and battles. Included is a spectacular re-enactment of a clash between Roman troops and barbarians, and a unique night time patrol by torchlight on Saturday evening. Other activities at Birdoswald Roman Fort features a Roman falconry, theatre performances, gladiator shows and kids' sword drills. The whole family can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of a Roman legion on Saturday and Sunday (September 3 & 4). www.english-heritage.org.uk/

SERIOUS sports all-rounders are challenged to take part in one of the most brutal triathlons in the world - the Hellvellyn Triathlon, held on Sunday (8am). Phase one is swimming in the crystal clear water of Ullswater, followed by a 38 mile tough cycle ride which includes the infamous 'Struggle' to the top of Kirkstone Pass, then a nine mile challenging fell run and then down Hellvellyn. The race location is Jenkins Field, Glenridding, so if you fancy cheering the competitors on from the safety of terra firma then pop along to show them your support. For more information visit trihard.co.uk/

MARKING the 150th anniversary since the birth of Beatrix Potter, her musical adventure stage show Where’s Peter Rabbit? is due to close this weekend (September 4). Exploding with life, music, special effects, dance and show-stopping songs, this world premier stars Beatrix herself as the storyteller, along with favourite characters Jemima Puddleduck, Mr Brock, Mr Tod, Jeremy Fisher, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, Squirrel Nutkin, and of course, the most famous rabbit of all Peter! There are two performances daily (not Friday), at 11am and 4.30pm, at The Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere. Don’t miss this visually spectacular show. Tickets: Adults £8; Children £6; Family £25. Box office 0844-504-1233. 

WE ARE still in the midst of show season and we don’t just like to feature the biggies, such as  the county show, we like to give our smaller-in-size friends a mention, too. Here goes, Bentham Show, a traditional agricultural show celebrating its 144th year. Featuring classes including cattle, sheep pygmy goats, horticulture, stick dressing, poultry, photography, handicrafts and pets. Taking place at Bentham Auction Mart’s showfield on Saturday (September 3) from 9am-4pm, there’s something for everyone, including trade and craft stalls. Tickets: Adults £6; Children £1; Concessions £5.