THE Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway - 'La'al Ratty' as it is affectionately known, is promising us a special visit from a leading star of TV and literature! Yes, folks, we can expect to see the one and only Peppa Pig riding England's oldest and longest, narrow gauge railway located at stations Ravenglass and Dalegarth over two days Saturday and Sunday (October 1&2). You can buy a Peppa Pig Ride All Day ticket and see Peppa as part of your day out on the railway. There's also children's artist Mark Bardsley on hand to 'draw' your attention and wizard magician Stu Di Doo!

Purchase tickets in advance on-line and save: Adults £12.70; child £6.35. Upgrade to magic show for £1.80 & 90 pence respectively. www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk/ Tel: 01229-717171.

ONE for the grown-ups – the Alexander’s Ale Festival takes place tomorrow and Saturday (September 30-October 1) at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal. This annual beer fest tempts you to try out various local beers, including those distilled at Bowness Bay Brewing, there’s also local food to taste and great live music from Nine Lives (tomorrow, 8pm-10pm) and The Seals (Saturday, 8pm-10pm). The beer fest event takes place in the hotel’s Function Suite between 5pm-11pm.

Free admittance.

MORECAMBE'S West End Fun Palace is the place to be this Saturday (October 1), bringing science and arts together, at More Music’s The Hothouse and The Exchange Creative Community on West Street. It also happens to be More Music’s community open day so you can look around and find out what happens there, too. Many curious activities have been arranged for families from pendulum art, origami, a dress-up photo booth, instrument making, rock balancing, face-painting, to name but a few. Oh, and for the discerning musician, there’s live music from the Melting Pot open mic stage and you’ll be able to write scientific songs with local songwriter Frenchie. The event is free and takes place from noon-4pm. To find out even more details then go to www.moremusic.org.uk/

ANOTHER great annual AND seasonal event is Apple Day, held on Saturday (October 1) at Ulverston’s Ford Park. Going by the sheer volume of apples that have grown on the old trees in the orchard next to my house there’s an abundance of apples this year. The event will have various stalls showcasing the many apple varieties to be had as well as fun activities; ever tried apple bobbing? Plus don’t forget there’s a terrific park and play area for kids, too. Apple Day runs from 11am-4pm. Go to www.ford-park.org.uk/ to find out more.

Admittance free.

BORDERLINES is Carlisle’ Book Festival which starts today (Thursday) until October 9, at various venues across the city. This annual celebration of the written and spoken word was established for literary excellence, attracting high quality speakers, nurturing and showcasing local writing talent as well as promoting literacy and a life-long love of reading across all age groups. There’s talks, workshops, book signings and, of course, storytelling – one for the kids is by the irrepressible storyteller Taffy Thomas on Saturday (2pm) ‘Lakeland Folktales for Children’ at Carlisle Library (£4)

Tickets: A variety of tickets are on offer from a Festival Day Pass (£10) to individual events (£5-£25).

Visit www.borderlinescarlisle.co.uk/ for programme.

The Coniston Lakeland Trails takes place on Saturday (October 1), starting and finishing at Landing Point, Coniston Hall. The 10mk trail run, 15km trail race and 15km trail challenge follow circuits along well marked and marshalled footpaths and bridleways and the surrounding peaks of the Old Man, Swirl How, Wetherlam and Dow Crags. The conditions are generally good although there is a short 200 metre section on the 15km routes which only agile mountain goats will be able to negotiate! Fun runs for kids (all abilities) take place within the finishing area (U12s) and they can enter on the day. A carnival atmosphere is promised for both spectators and competitors, with live music, race commentary and food and drink. A great family-friendly event. Note: Registration for runners is now closed. For Details visit www.lakelandtrails.org/.