THE fantastic Westmorland County Show celebrates its 218th year on Thursday (September 14) at the Westmorland Showfield, Crooklands. Voted as one of the UKs favourite agricultural shows and attended by more than 30,000 visitors every year, you would be hard pressed to disagree. This major livestock show with classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and alpacas, heavy and light horses, as well as show jumping, popular Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling and the WIs crafty creations marquee. The Grand Parade takes place in the Main Ring – an impressive must-see procession if you love and appreciate animals. You can also be tempted by artisan chocolates, cheeses, pies, gins and much more in the North West's largest local Food Hall. And, of course, you can shop-till-you-drop amid the 100s of trade stands selling all-things different, rural and country - I promise you, you'll be spoilt for choice!

Visit www.westmorlandshow.co.uk for programme.

E-tickets available on line for fast-track entry. Adult - Gate £18 (£15); child (5-16yrs) £3 (£2); concession (age 65+ & students) £16 (£13.50); family (pre-book only) £31.

KENDAL Torchlight Carnival is Kendal's biggest event, attracting around 33,000 visitors from far and wide. This annual institution is being held tomorrow (Friday) and the theme, chosen by pupils who study at separate schools in Kendal, is 'Fairy-tales.' The Torchlight Parade comprising of many imaginative, colourful floats, procession of bands, vintage vehicles, street performers and dance groups, starts from K Village (Lound Road) at 7.30pm, circling the town and finishing back at Lound Road at approximately 10pm. Saturday (September 16) sees the carnival organisers holding a street party in Kendal town centre, as well as a host of carnival arts performances and workshops. Also, Lakeland Radio will be assembling a live stage which will feature live music acts and performers, and later will present the Torchlight Trophy Awards.

For more information www.kendaltorchlightcarnival.co.uk.

Free event.

ULVERSTON Lantern Festival - the town's favourite fiery festival takes place on Saturday (September 16). The theme this year is 'Space' and the event promises to be as spectacular as the last. Featuring four dazzling light processions through the streets of the town, around 600 amazing lanterns of all shapes and sizes will converge on County Square. This year, the event culminates with a huge street party in the town centre (not Ford Park), and the finale - a dramatic firework display and live music ensures the festival ends with a bang! For more information go to www.ulverstonlanternfestival.org.

Free event.

THE 750th Egremont Crab Fair takes place tomorrow & Saturday (September 15 & 16), on the Sports Field and in the Market Hall. The Lord of Egremont started the tradition of giving away crab apples, and this established roots to the name of the fair. The tradition of Parade of Apples is still a feature and visitors are encouraged to catch an apple (or duck!) since they are thrown during the procession. Today, the fair mixes traditional events with much more up-to-date attractions, such as sports, Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling, equestrian events, entertainers, displays and stalls. And, of course, The World Gurning Championships take place in the evening at the Market Hall. Last year's world champion gurner Adrian Zivelonghi (pictured) will no doubt be there defending his crown or should that be - horse collar!

Details: www.egremontcrabfair.com.

C-ART Festival is the award-winning event promoting Cumbria’s contemporary arts, featuring special events, exhibitions, installations, an artists’ directory, open studios and much more.

It gives a platform to the new and emerging as well as the traditional, an open space where all artists can join in and show their work. It promotes and celebrates the county’s rich creative talent, inviting visitors to step into the gallery and the landscape to buy art, explore the landscape and to meet the artists themselves.

The festival runs from tomorrow to Sunday (September 15-17) at various venues.

For programme visit www.c-art.org.uk

Donations may be appropriate.

ENJOY a memorable day on board Statesman Rail’s ‘The Lakelander’ on Saturday (September 16) as it meanders its way along the Cumbrian coast as the beautiful, old steam engine evokes memories of olden times and scenes reminiscent of The Railway Children. Through an area steeped in maritime history with spectacular views of the Lake District Mountains and the wide panoramic expanse of Morecambe Bay on the journey to Ravenglass, where there is the opportunity to ride the legendary Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway. Passengers have the choice of standard class seats, first class and premier dining.

Visit www.statesmanrail.com or www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk

Tickets vary in price.