COUNTRY Fest returns to the Westmorland County Showground on Saturday (10am-5pm) & Sunday (10am-4pm) following a record breaking 2017 in terms of visitors and sunshine. Featuring this year are the Jason Smyth Adrenaline Tour Motorbike & Quad Stunt Show as well as the Kite Festival and Rare Breed Young Shepherds Competition. Other favourites not to be missed are the Dog Show, Sheepdog Trials, Poultry and Rabbit Shows and the crowd pleasing Terrier Racing. The Food Zone will once again provide locally produced scrummy offerings. So ... all-in-all, a superb family day out that champions the British countryside.

www.westmorlandshow.co.uk/country-fest

E-tickets: Adults £7.50 (Gate £10); Children (5-15yrs) (Gate £3); Family (2 adults/3 children) £20 (Gate £23); Adult weekend £12 (Gate £20).

THE much anticipated Ulverston International Music Festival makes a welcome return to the Coronation Hall, Ulverston, from Wednesday (June 6) to June 16. With a wealth of talent booked to take part, from the world-famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band playing in concert (June 9) to saxophonist Jess Gillam making her debut appearance as concerto soloist alongside pianist Anthony Hewitt, Paul Archibald on trumpet and Yuri Zhislin director (June 15) as well as pianist and vocalist Joe Stilgoe entertaining us with his own special Jazz Night on Sunday (June 10, 7.30pm), ), the explosive mix of music, films and demos guarantees there's something for everyone.

See programme at www.ulverstonmusicfestival.co.uk.

Ticket prices vary.

AMID the spectacular surroundings of Grasmere village and Rydal Water, the Grasmere Gallop takes place on Saturday (June 2). Fast gaining a reputation as one of the friendliest fell races in the lakes, each year more and more first-time runners, Nordic walkers and families racing alongside seasoned fell runners. There are three runs - 17km trail run; 10km trail run or 5.7km Fun run plus the 10k Nordic walk. The event starts and finishes on Grasmere Sports Field. Register on-line at www.grasmeregallop.co.uk.

Entry fees vary.

AN OPEN-air event designed especially for younger children called Tree Tales for Younger Children, comprises of a short stroll in Grizedale Forest learning about tree myths and fairy stories. Meet today (Thursday) at the Yan Visitor Centre (11am-noon). Booking essential – 0300-067-4495.

www.forestry.gov.uk.

Price £1

GIANT Kendal – Castle Sportive. A cycling event starting and ending in the grounds of Lowther Castle in the Eden Valley, takes place on Sunday (June 3). There are two routes on offer, one of 100km and one of 50km, with 5,600ft or 2,600ft of ascent along some of the most scenic and quietest roads. If you prefer a more sociable day out and don’t want to ride around on your own there will be a number of groups led by the Giant Kendal Team which anyone is welcome to join.

Registration from 7am; start times 8am-10am; group-led rides 8.30am-9am.

For more details go to www. lowthercastle.org/portfolio/giant-kendal-castle-sportive-june-3rd-2018/

Price (12-18yrs); 100km = £20; 50km = £15.

THE Dukes Cross Bay Walk, led by official guide Cedric Robinson MBE and hundreds of fellow walkers will take part in the charity walk across the sands of Morecambe Bay on Sunday (June 3). Starting (9am) from the Promenade at Arnside to Kents Bank. The event is organised by the Lancaster theatre, The Dukes, which is a registered charity and creates and presents award-winning art.

Registration from 8am. Not suitable for under 7s.

Price: Adults £10; (under 18s) £5; dogs £2.