THERE’S something for everyone at one of Britain’s oldest and Cumbria’s largest livestock gathering - the WESTMORLAND COUNTY SHOW taking place today (Thursday, September 8). Boasting more than 1000 sheep entries, including many rare breeds, and around 400 cattle entries, as well as pigs, goats, horses, poultry, alpacas, hounds, heavy horses and dogs. There are the usual gaggle of marquees from The Women's Institute and Learning for Life to Crafts from Cumbria and a food hall which is entirely supported by local producers promoting their products. There’ll be special demonstrations, rural crafts and more than 350 trade stands displaying their wares. Entertainment in the guise of the Cumbria Axemen, who will be creating large-scale sculptures from tree trunks. And, together with the falconry displays, equestrian events, Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling, the popular Parade of the Hounds and Keswick Wild Animal Park's Meerkat Roadshow, what’s stopping you – find your wellies and get down to Lane Farm Showground, Crooklands, without delay. Gate: Adults £17; children £3 (under 5, free); concessions (65+/students) £15; Family (2 adults, 3 children) £43.

FROM today (Thursday) to Sunday (September 11) thousands of volunteers across the country invite us to experience our local history, architecture and culture during this informative HERITAGE WEEK. There are many heritage events occurring around Cumbria including an invitation to visit Kendal Town Hall to explore the Mayor’s Parlour tomorrow (September 9), between 11am-2pm. Did you know, for instance, that Kendal has had a ‘first citizen’ (originally known as Alderman) since 1575, during the reign of Elizabeth I, and there have been 270 separate holders of the office up to Cllr Stephen Coleman, our prevailing Mayor. Places are limited so booking is essential - email: office@kendaltowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01539-793490. All heritage events are free, you can find other local open days at www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

A FANTASTIC parade of adorned floats, marching bands and dance troupes is expected to make its way through Kendal town centre, tomorrow (September 9) in what is now a major attraction and real tradition for locals and visitors alike. The KENDAL TORCHLIGHT CARNIVAL leaves K Village at 7.30pm, with its 2016 theme of ‘Celebrating Kendal’s Spirit’ – the gateway to the Lakes! More than 27,000 visitors watched local schools, teams and organisations taking part last year, when the streets were awash with colour and music, children and animals (horses and dogs), vintage cars and a whole host of creative costumed individuals, celebrating alongside the floats and taking pleasure in the wonderful festival spirit. Note: Town centre roads in Kendal are closed until approx 10.30pm so it is recommended parking in actual car parks, there are diversion signs. For further information go to www.kendaltorchlightcarnival.co.uk/. Free event.

HOLKER CHILLI FEST is yet another wonderful and quirky event, taking place this in the Lakes this weekend (September 10 & 11), at Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel, near Grange-over-Sands. This two day festival includes specialist chilli companies from all over the country, local specialist food suppliers, as well as catering featuring cuisine from around the world plus a variety of quirky gifts (ever tried chilli chocolate or lollipops?) There's also - if you dare - a chilli eating competition with Darth Naga (aka Tony Ainsworth). So, if you're hot to trot then this festival is the 'chilliest' spot on the Lakeland calendar this summer! Open 10.30am-5pm. Tickets: Adults £6; children free.

ULVERSTON MEDIEVAL CHARTER MARKET takes place on Saturday, this popular annual event always pre-empts the Ulverston Lantern Procession which takes place next week. The town celebrates its Charter which was awarded by King Edward I, in 1280, and has do so for some considerable time, marked by a medieval market. The event is hosted by Ulverston’s very own Jester-in-Chief, Garry Gifford, and there’ll be a performance by Ulverston Town Band, a gaggle of street theatre performers called Medieval Maniacs will amuse and no doubt confound us, plus free children’s entertainment, market stalls, demonstrations of medieval crafts, and of course, the array of independent stores that always support the event. The event starts at 10am. For more information go to www.towncouncil.org.uk/

MY FINAL offering is actually a compilation of sports activities that are happening around the Lakes this weekend. It may be a wee bit too late to register to take part but the competitors are always happy to garner support!

Saturday (September 8): the Buttermere Triathlon (swim, cycle and run). Details www.highterrainevents.co.uk.

Sunday (September 9): Buttermere Open Water Swim. Details www.highterrainevents.co.uk

Sunday (September 9): Run Girl Run (5k & 10k), women only road race (11am), Lancaster. Details www.lancaster-race-series.co.uk/

Sunday (September 9): Ladies of the Lake Women Only Cycling Event, Swarthmoor Hall, Ulverston. Details sportivelakes.co.uk.