ONE of the most prestigious events on the Lake District's artistic and cultural calendar is to open next week.

The Lake Artists Society's summer exhibition looks set to attract thousands of visitors to Grasmere during its six-week residence at the New Hall, starting on Saturday, July 29.

Dating back to 1904, the event is a showcase for paintings, sculpture, prints and ceramics by the society's 45 members living in the Lakes, as well as non-members. This year's highlights are to feature new works such as:

- experimental photographic print and watercolour pictures by Kate Bentley

- charismatic portraits by Catherine MacDiarmid

- work by Brian Shields, whose self-portrait was shortlisted for the 2017 BP Portrait Award

- glass-domed, 3D pieces by Ian Walton

- woodland scenes by Stephen Darbishire, in a departure from his well-known Lakeland interiors

- a large canvas depicting bikers at Devil's Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale, by Graham Twyford

- Michael Fennell's latest portrait painted with smoke on glass

- and Sally Thom's ceramic figurines.

The show is open daily 10.30am-4.30pm until September 6. www.lakeartists.org.uk