KENDAL'S inaugural Unity Festival will take place this weekend with hopes of 'bringing people together'.

Thunderdrumming, storytelling, singing, picnicking, arts crafts and workshops will all be on offer on Saturday (June 23).

Mayor Cllr Guy Tirvengadum will open proceedings at 10am in Abbot Hall Park.

Attendees will be invited to get their photo taken as a suffragette, find out when their birthday is in the Baha’i calendar, bring something to share for the Great Get Together picnic with More in Common from 1-4pm in the Peace Garden and join in with some singing from 1.30-2.30pm in the marquee and Peace Garden.

There will also be the chance to make a mask at the Birdcage with Manna House or pop into the library for some storytelling with local author Claire Griffle.

The Hidden Stories, Shared Lives exhibition will be on display at the Unitarian Chapel and there will be performances by Untethered in the marquee from 11am-12.30pm and the Amabile choir at the marquee and Abbot Hall park stage from 12.30-1pm.

Refreshments will be available at Kendal People's Cafe at South Lakeland Foyer.

There will be the chance to learn about organisations that support local carers working with children, older people and refugees, to talk to Zero Waste Kendal, South Lakeland Mind and Kendal Torchlight.

“It’s a fantastic, unique mix of people and things to see, learn and do,” said Aftab Khan who is co-ordinating the event on behalf of AWAZ Cumbria. “The Unity Festival is all about bringing people together and creating a greater sense of community. The aim is to help people understand the diversity in Kendal and to celebrate it. We have so many organisations involved in our first event, it’s very exciting.”

The day will be rounded off with a special screening of the film Pride at the Warehouse Cafe hosted by the South Lakes Lesbian Society.

For more details follow us on Facebook and twitter @FestivalUnity or visit www.cumbriaunity.co.uk