ILLEGAL in its writing and astonishing in its impact, a revival of South African political drama The Island premieres at Lancaster's The Dukes’ Round Theatre from tonight (Thursday, April 27) to May 6. This powerful drama of defiance and determination is set on Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years, and is based on the true story of two inmates performing Antigone, the great classical play of political protest. For years, in South Africa it was forbidden to mention that The Island existed. It was a place where you put the people you wanted to forget. It was a place where people began to forget themselves

Box office 01524-598500.

Ticket £19.50

THE acclaimed festival that is Printfest returns bigger and better for 2017, with more artists exhibiting, more artworks for sale and even more awards for printmakers. It offers a cost-effective opportunity for artists to exhibit their work, to meet visitors and sell at affordable prices. Having taken a break last year, the festival, last held in 2015 saw more than 1,500 visitors with art sales totalling £49,000. Cumbrian and local artists taking part are Marion Kuit, Beverley White, Jamie Barnes and Raymond Higgs. Printfest takes place on Saturday (10am-5pm) & Sunday (10am-4pm) April 29 & 30, at the Coronation Hall. Ulverston. The opening talk from Printmaker of the Year and the Printmaker's Printmaker Award is tonight (Thursday, 6pm).

For more information on artists and awards go to www.printfest.co.uk.

Admission on the door £4.

PROM Art, the largest open-air art and crafts fair in Cumbria returns to showcase art and crafts along the Edwardian promenade at Grange-over-Sands. Boasting more than 70 stalls of original work and overlooking the beautiful Morecambe Bay estuary, what better way for art enthusiasts to while away a morning or afternoon, than to browse and chat to the enthusiastic exhibitors. So what are you waiting for stroll along to Grange on Sunday (April 30) between 10am-4pm and maybe you'll be captured in a future painting similar to David Pooley's 'A Great Day Out' featured here.

THE Cumberland Sausage Festival returns to Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, for the third year running. With celebrity chefs, cookery demonstrations, sausage competitions, entertainment for all ages and fabulous food - to sample, to buy to eat and to take home for later. As well as purveyors of the famous Cumberland sausage, the festival includes a range of specialist and gourmet food and drink suppliers from Cumbria and Northern Britain, plus a selection of craft and giftware producers. The festival takes place over three days from Saturday (April 29) to Monday (May 1). Open 10.30am-5pm.

For more details and to book tickets go to www.muncaster.co.uk/

Entrance – Adults (Castle, Gardens & Owl Centre) £14 (£11.90 if booked on-line); child (5-15yrs) £7 (£5.95). Adults (Gardens & Owl Centre) £11 (£9.35); child £5.50 (£4.57).

KIRKBY Lonsdale Beer and Music Festival takes place over three days, tomorrow (Friday, 6pm-midnight), Saturday (April 29, noon-midnight) and Sunday (April 30, noon-11pm), organised by Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club, and held at Underley Park. There will be two marquees showcasing more than 40 real ales and ciders, plus the club house will be open with all the usual refreshments and some additional cask ales. The Powerplay Party Bus will also be in situ for children and family fun and live music featuring brilliant local bands as well as others from further afield. The line-up includes The Lancaster Bombers, Midnight Landing, The Fiction, Alex Hulme, The Folkestra, The Jam Buddies, J Bear & the Giants plus many more. Camping is an option with pitches for tents or caravans for the whole weekend.

Go to the official Facebook page for further details.

Prices: Camping pitch (tent or caravan) £30 - www.kirkbylonsdale.co.uk/whats-on/109-kirkby-lonsdale-beer-music-festival.

Admission: Free.

A RETURN to the traditional magic lantern presentations can be enjoyed at the Beatrix Potter Victorian Magic Lantern Show, held at the Old Laundry Theatre Studio, The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Bowness-in-Windermere. Here, the children’s author tells her own story from childhood to becoming a world famous illustrator, biologist, dedicated Lake District conservationist and farmer. It is a fascinating account of her life, a unique and intimate theatrical performance, accompanied by an enchanting slide show with beautiful scenes of the Lakes and fascinating original black and white film footage of Victorian London that you will not have seen before. Plus you can enjoy a quintessential English Afternoon Tea. It is primarily for adults but children aged 12+ years may also find it enjoyable. The lantern show takes place on Wednesday (May 3, 2.30pm) with four recurring events on May 27, September 13, October 4 and November 8.

Booking required, go to www.hop-skip-jump.com or 0844-504-1233 for tickets.

Tickets £15 (includes Magic Lantern Show, Afternoon Tea and entrance to the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction).