ONCE more, the region will soon be caught up in the sights and sounds of another Lakes Alive. The team are back together and plan to entertain, wow and delight all who attend this year’s cultural extravaganza, which runs from September 7-9.

As the countdown begins, Kerry Powell, the Lake District National Park Authority's director of communications and resources said LDNPA was excited to be bringing its third Lakes Alive festival to Lake District.

"This free public celebration continues to highlight the internationally significant cultural landscape of the National Park. Thousands of people attend the festival which brings amazing art, activities and performance to Kendal and the wider Lake District National Park and its now a firm favourite with residents and visitors as a popular part of Cumbria's wider cultural festival programme."

Last year's Lakes Alive festival offered a fantastic programme that appealed to curious families and art lovers alike. Thousands of people saw spectacular installations, promenaded among contemporary art and couldn’t help but join in with lively performances by contemporary dancers and musicians.

Memories were created as hundreds of people followed the electrifying Sparks on the opening evening as they drummed diners from the Jacob’s Join feast up to Kendal Castle to be mesmerised by Shipping Forecast, a stunning field of light created by artist Pete Johnson.

For 2018, throughout Kendal town centre and the surrounding fells there will be a vibrant programme of contemporary work which audiences can watch, take part in or actively help to create.

Festival director Phillippa Haynes said they will be bringing together the best: highlighting the local skills and talent of the area while showcasing world class arts in a world class setting.

"We want to create a festival which celebrates people, place and the creativity which the landscape inspires, a festival which explores the new, whilst reflecting the traditions that enable the creation of amazing art. A festival which everyone is invited to take part in and enjoy."

The programme will be announced early next month. However, apparently one certain ingredient will be a Jacob’s Join, the unique Cumbria dining experience along the River Kent which was so enthusiastically adopted by Kendalians, back on the LA menu for September 7 with a mass musical parade to this year’s magical installation at Kendal Castle.

Meanwhile, there's plenty of opportunities for volunteers to don the orange T-shirt to help, meet new people and be part of this year's team. For further information telephone Holly on 01539-792610 or email lakesalive@lakedistrict.gov.uk.