AN EVENT that will definitely grab the attention of everyone who loves reading comics as well as recognises fantastic artistic talent - The Lakes International Comic Art Festival is being held from tomorrow (Friday) to Sunday (October 16) and includes international comic artists and creators, as well as live drawing, film, exhibitions, comic trails, workshops, performance and master-classes.

This festival caters for all and there are loads of activities for kids to get involved with; a free Family Zone provides drop-in activities for all ages, alongside a series of fantastic workshops for kids and teenages. It is worth checking out and downloading the programme from the website in advance so you can turn up/book the actual event you would like to visit – www.comicartfestival.com/

Just to be clear it is being held at various venues around Kendal such as Comics Clock Tower, The Brewery, Kendal Library and many more.

YOU do have to be an early bird (booking wise) for this popular cruise and walk – The Beatrix Potter’s Landscape Cruise and Walk on the Steam Yacht Gondola takes place today (Thursday). Departing Coniston pier (10.45am). You can learn how the life of Beatrix Potter influenced the area in and around Coniston. The walk, guided by a NT ranger takes a route via Monk Coniston Estate to the beauty of Tarn Hows and returning via Monk Coniston Hall for afternoon tea, before re-boarding Gondola for the short cruise back. If you can’t make this particular cruise then it’s worth booking in advance for the next available one. To book go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/steam-yacht-gondola or call 015394-32733.

Tickets: Adults £19.50.

MY NEXT choice of event is an exhibition by the Ambleside & District Art Society. The society is hosting its 40th annual exhibition from Wednesday to Sunday (October 19-30) at Ambleside Parish Centre.

The exhibition features work by artists Sally Kindness, Don Bastow, Jackie Hadwin and Ron Ward, as well as emerging Lakeland artists. The artwork on display demonstrate the diversity of talented Cumbrian artists who belong to the society.

The art society began in 1974 and has more than 100 members.

The exhibition is open daily 10am-5pm except Sunday 10.30am-3pm.

Admission FREE.

A LITTLE theatre culture now - Beyond Eternity Productions present Wartime Women – The Khaki Cabaret. Celebrated chanteuse and mistress of dramatic cabaret, Fiona-Jane Weston recreates the excitement of times that changed our world forever, in a moving and humorous performance.

Questioning: What did mummy do in the war? Fiona answers through fascinating stories, songs, verses and diary extracts: Things she’d never done before! This is an affectionate tribute which reminds us of when ordinary women became pilots, mechanics and engineers. This play illustrates that for women, things would never be the same again. Playing at the Heron Theatre, Beetham. To book your ticket call 015395-64283.

Tickets: Admission £12; members £10; under 18s £5.

STAYING with the theatre - Mr Darcy Loses The Plot, performed by award-winning duo LipService is a must-see…

Jane Austen sits writing, her quill scurrying across the vellum. She is dreaming up Darcy, a proud, lip-curling, handsome creation in very tight pants. But then a door squeaks, a visitor approaches and Jane hastily hides her work. Now left to his own devices, Darcy embroiders his own storyline while his creator embroiders her doilies! When Jane returns she finds the plot has moved on and Darcy is dancing to a rather different tune. LipService explore the world of women writers, scribbling in secret or under pseudonyms, choosing chintz and the odd attack of the vapours. It is showing on Thursday (October 20, 8pm) at The Brewery, Kendal, I realise it’s a week early but I’m giving you the heads-up to book in advance!  Box office 01539-725133.

Tickets: Adults £16; under 15s £15.

MY FINAL offering this week is a bit quirky but if you enjoy a good old British Fish Supper then the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway will take you to Fellbites Café, Dalegarth for Boot Station. Board the diesel train at Ravenglass Station, which departs at 6pm, tomorrow (Friday), for a journey that will most certainly whet your appetite! Enjoy.

Ticket cost £10.50 (including fish supper) but you do need to book by calling 01229-717171.