THE Holker Spring Fair returns for a second year at the historic estate of Holker Hall & Gardens, Cark-in-Cartmel, near Grange-over-Sands. Attracting interest from exhibitors covering all things home, food, garden and gifts, set in the bustling Courtyard and Piazza. Visitors will discover a spring showcase of delicious artisanal food, glorious flowers and plants and beautiful handmade gifts alongside lively entertainment. The fair takes place on Saturday and Sunday (May 19 & 20) from 10.30am-5pm. Also, a Spring Evening Barbeque will take place at The Ilex Bar & Brassiere from 5pm. Booking is required.

www.holker.co.uk.

Entry £3. Barbeque: Adults £12.95; children (up to 12yrs) £8.95

CARLISLE Castle is to host the iconic poppies as part of the final year of 14-18 Now Tour. Poppies: Weeping Window by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper is a cascade comprising several thousand handmade ceramic poppies and will be on display from Wednesday (May 23) to July 8. The castle has military connections dating back to the 11th century, and throughout the First World War was the headquarters for the Border Regiment, one of the oldest in the British Army. The poppy sculpture will be displayed from the top of the keep, arching over the inner ward wall and cascading down into the outer ward of the castle complex, an area which incorporates the military barracks and parade group where troops were housed and trained in preparation for front-line combat. A total of 23,000 recruits passed through the castle during the First World War.

www.1418now.org.uk.

Installation is free to view.

THE shores of England's largest lake - Windermere - will come alive with local companies offering water sports, such as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, wake boarding and sailing at the Windermere Boat Show, held tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday (May 18-20), with parking at Ferry Nab car park, Bowness-on-Windermere. Building on the success of the past two years, the lake will be awash with boats, with around 150 vessels, from small motor boats to large luxury yachts. Plus, there will be family-friendly activities including life jacket clinics and specialist retail outlets on hand to offer advice and discounts, as well as an outdoor adventure zone.

www.windermereboatshow.com

Entry is free.

BY POPULAR request, the Promenade Concert Orchestra presents its first Last Night of the Proms concert programme to end its 11th season. The PCO is joined by Carnforth and District Choral Society to sing some well-known opera choruses, such as the Grand March from Aida. Also, professional soprano soloist, Edwina Thornton will be singing some arias by Verdi, Gounod and Strauss. The concert ends with Parry's Jerusalem, Edgar's Pomp & Circumstance March - Land of Hope and Glory. Of course, audience participation is very much encouraged on Sunday (May 20, 3pm), at The Platform, Morecambe. Box office 01524-582803.

Tickets: Adults £15; concessions £13; children £7

ASICS Windermere Marathon & Go Active at Brathay takes place on Sunday (May 20). The marathon is a 26.2 mile circuit of Windermere, taking in Hawkshead, Newby Bridge and Bowness-on-Windermere along the way, starts at 10.30am. Voted the most scenic course by readers of ‘Runner’s World’, this challenging route, amid a carnival atmosphere, starts in the grounds of Brathay Hall Estate, Ambleside. There’s also opportunities for entry level - trail run, junior trail races, plus Go Active (11am) of orienteering, open water swimming, climbing wall and high ropes activities, paddle boarding and archery. All proceeds of the events will go towards improving the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.

Admission free, parking £5.

PENSIONER FRIDAYS – Half Price Cruises with Windermere Lake Cruises. Every Friday during May retired folk can enjoy a relaxing lake cruise on Windermere with some great savings. This offer is open to a retired resident plus one guest of any age, who live locally in Cumbria and north Lancashire (post codes LA and CA). Simply present proof of address and pension when booking to qualify for the savings.

Prices – Freedom of the Lake ticket (24 hours of unlimited boat travel) £5.20 (was £20.80)

Regular sailings to Ambleside, Bowness or Lakeside £2.80 (was £11.80)