THERE'S no denying the carnival atmosphere surrounding Muncaster Castle's Festival of Fools bank holiday weekend event - Sunday to Tuesday (May 28-30). Lots of activities to intrigue and entertain, from the Astral Circus Big Top with circus workshops, too; archery; bouncy castle; children's crafts and so much more. The weekend culminates in the hilarity of the International Jesters Tournament held on Tuesday, with this year's hopefuls The Fire Man Dave, Dizzy O'Dare and The Jon Hicks battling it out to win the accolade of Fool of Muncaster 2017. This festival is a popular Cumbrian event, ideal for families, and not to be missed. Go to www.muncaster.co.uk/ for details.

Admission varies, eg: Adult: Festival+castle+garden £12.75; child £6.37. Adult: Festival+garden £10.20; child £5.10.

STORYTELLER, Peter Grimm opens the box to find the 'thing' that takes him on an unusual journey that weaves its way through a medley of well-known Brother Grimms' tales, to finally unlock his imagination and free his stories. The am-A-zing Thing is a truly original story told with puppets, acting and live music. Performed by Lempen Puppet Theatre, it is charming and great fun for all the family, playing on Wednesday (May 31, 2pm) at the Coronation Hall, Ulverston.

Box office 01229- 587140.

Tickets £7 - £10.

GET in gear for the Classic Cars In The Park event held at the historic Cumbrian house of Hutton-in-the-Forest. The venue is located just six miles north-west of Penrith and historically attracts 100s of auto collectors, oficionados and enthusiasts. There’s a wide variety of displays with visitors being treated to classic cars, light commercials, motorcycles and classic Land Rovers plus an auto-jumble, trade stands, cars for sale and best of all, auto-testing! The event takes place on Sunday (May 28), from 10am-4pm, so why not make a day of it, take a picnic and check out the grounds of this stunning location that includes a topiary garden, wood and parkland.

www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com/classic-cars-park.

Admission: Adults £6.50; children £2.50 – includes park, gardens and tea room.

AGAINST the backdrop of the beautiful Lakes landscape, Cartmel Racecourse brings us a Whit Holiday weekend of exciting national hunt racing. Saturday (May 27) is the first race of the summer season, the track will be like a fresh carpet and the horses will be raring to go. Monday (May 29) is Totepool day, as 1000s of racegoers gather for one of the biggest picnics in the country. Also the racecourse is renowned for its huge funfair which is a real treat for kids and families alike. Wednesday (May 31) is the North West Evening Mail Picnic Day – regarded as a more relaxed affair. As always the entertainment starts at 10.30am, with the first race starting around 2.05pm, check timings. Cartmel Races isn’t just a racecourse, it’s a mix between a local festival, a sporting event and an annual pilgrimage for racing enthusiasts….And they’re off!

Go to www.cartmel-racecourse.co.uk/

Pricing varies, check and book on-line.

ADAPTED from Daphne du Maurier's supernatural thriller Don't Look Now by Nell Leyshon, the play sees grieving couple John and Laura holidaying in Venice following the death of their young daughter. Sometimes wistful, sometimes angry, Laura goes through a whole range of emotions and experiences some strange encounters while treading the maze of canals and alleyways there. Don't Look Now is performed by Burneside Amateur Theatrical Society and plays from Wednesday (May 31 to Saturday (June 3) at 7.30pm, at The Bryce.

Box office 07792-777213.

Tickets £9-£7.

A BRAND new take on evangelical Christianity is the finale of Lancaster's The Dukes spring comedy season on Saturday (8pm). Katy Brand's hit show I Was A Teenage Christian is an honest, fascinating and funny exploration of her self-imposed conversion to Christianity. At aged 13, Katy attended a local church four times a week, she was obnoxious and self-important, but at least she knew she was going to heaven ....

Box office 01524-598500.

Tickets £14.