AN ARTS festival which draws in thousands of visitors to Kendal is gearing up for this year's extravaganza.

Lakes Alive offers a weekend of spectacular happenings in Kendal and the wider Lake District National Park from September 8-10.

With the theme of 'Cultural Landscapes' it will showcase world class art in unexpected locations across the town and beyond.

Lakes Alive is Lake District National Park’s new flagship cultural festival which launched in 2016.

A team of four people will build, deliver and promote the festival.

Phillippa Haynes has been appointed as festival director. She has a track record in delivering high profile cultural events across the UK.

Netty Miles is festival producer, Holly Goodfellow, is partnerships and engagement manager and Dickie Felton, from Arnside is marketing and PR manager.

Phillippa said: “We are excited about delivering a brilliant arts festival in and around Kendal that celebrates landscape, people and place. And this year is particularly special as we hope to be celebrating World Heritage Site Status for the Lake District National Park.

“We are developing a fantastic programme for Lakes Alive which will see world class contemporary art in locations across Kendal. We will be working with artists from Cumbria and across Europe.

“We want to put together a festival which appeals to families and art lovers alike.”

Last year around 20,000 people attended Lakes Alive. Visitors experienced vibrant illuminations, digital delights, intimate performances, amazing installations and spectacular happenings.