KENDAL Calling Music Festival is back, even bigger and better than before! The festival born in 2006 from a group of music lovers who felt the fab fields of the Lake District, namely, Kendal's Abbot Hall Park could be put to better use, and who could have foreseen that this little shindig would grow so big the whole country would hear it calling. So ... Lowther Deer Park, Penrith, became the new home, great for party animals, considering it was once a wildlife theme park! And the rest is history. A great line-up rocks on all stages but the Main Stage features The Stereophonics, Franz Ferdinand, Manic Street Preachers and Tinie Tempah to name but a few. The festival takes place from Thursday to Sunday (July 27-30).

Go to www.kendalcalling.co.uk for details.

Photo: KC featuring Athlete

JOOLS Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra returns to The Sands Centre, Carlisle, tomorrow (Friday, 7.30pm), featuring Gilson Lavis as well as special guest stars. Formed in 1987, the Jools Holland Big Band gradually transformed into the current 20-piece orchestra and play to audiences in excess of 200,000 each year. This big band sound continues to dazzle audiences and there's no doubt that he will do the same tomorrow night.

Box office 01228-633766.

Tickets £36.

FORCE Crag Mine is the last mineral mine to be worked in the Lake District and it has been lovingly restored by volunteers. The venue is hosting an Open Day on Wednesday (July 26) from 9.30am-3pm with tours of the mill building. Once on the site there is a walk up hill of around two miles from the main road, also there are narrow steps and small spaces but you will not be taken underground. Force Crag was once a hive of industry mining lead, zinc and barites for more than 200 years, ceasing in 1990. Accessible only by foot, cycle or National Trust 4x4, visitors may discover one of the Lakes most quirky, yet fascinating secrets, located in the stunning Coledale Valley, near Keswick.

Booking advised - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

Admission £6.

HAWKSHEAD Beer Festival, held twice yearly, at Staveley’s Hawkshead Brewery, takes place from today (Thursday) to Saturday. You wouldn’t think so but this event is a family affair; kids, dogs, babes in arms are all welcome in the three bars plus marquee situated on Mill Yard. Many of the pioneers of the new wave of craft brewing are located here in the North of England. Northern Craft Beer Fest is a showcase for them – there are mostly cask beers but there will be keg, too, as well as food, live music and great craic!

www.hawksheadbrewery.co.uk

No entry charge.

ULVERSTON & N. Lonsdale Agricultural Show takes place on Wednesday (July 26), at Longrigg Farm, Urswick, near Ulverston. This traditional country show has all the usual cattle, sheep, horse, rabbit and poultry classes, as well as horticultural and children’s classes. Main attractions this year include owls from the local Owl Sanctuary, and a range of creatures from Little Beasties for hands-on experience for all. ‘Greenfinger Folk’ – Pete and Ged Moss will enterain you with a comical Gardener’s Question Time – with audience participation! The Food Hall will again host cookery demonstrations; new venture Cone Driving (horse and vehicle race around cones to against the clock); Barrow Vintage Motorcycle Club will display vintage motorcyles and maybe some vintage tractors, too. Alice’s Dog Show is a must-see – dogs enter on the day. Plus, there’s the usual stalls and trade stands and rural craft marquee, and not forgetting the exciting Kids Zone.

Details www.ulverstonandnorthlonsdaleshow.co.uk

Entry: Adults £8; children & concessions £6 (children U5 free); family £20.

SHAKESPEARE In The Garden – Merry Wives of Windsor – this hilarious open air comedy production features The Festival Players Theatre Company comprising of seven or eight professional male actors who play all the parts. This involves quick costume changes, with men doubling up as women. The story tells of Falstaff, a roguish and foolish knight who schemes to woo two married women to get his hands on their husbands’ money, but the shrewd Wives of Windsor are more than a match for him! The production takes place tomorrow (Friday, 7.30pm), at Leighton Hall, Carnforth. Gates open for picnics at 6pm. Take your own seating.

Booking required – 01524-734474 or www.crbo-co.uk/events

Tickets: Adults £16; children (U16s) £11