Hi folks, It’s going to be even busier in the Ol' Grey Town this week as many followers of the annual Kendal Mountain Festival converge on a variety of Kendal's venues. I’ve chosen a couple of theatrical events that I hope will delight and amuse, and the obligatory Christmas Lights Switch-On will help to brighten our way to an exciting festive season, in anticipation of the events and activities to come.

THOUSANDS of keen outdoor enthusiasts from home and overseas are again expected to converge on Kendal during the extended weekend - Thursday to Sunday (November 17-20) when the Kendal Mountain Festival takes place. It is regarded as one of the most diverse events of its type in the world, and includes a packed lecture programme of guest speakers, filmmakers, athletes, Literature Fest and, crucially, is a platform for fans of outdoor pursuits, from all walks of life, to meet and socialise. Download the festival's programme at mountainfest.co.uk/

IT IS perhaps little known that award-winning comic and activist Mark Thomas performed his first gigs in The Red Shed in Wakefield, a wooden structure (47 x 18ft), now overshadowed by a department store, which doubled up as a Labour Club. Three decades later he returns to celebrate its 50th birthday, entwining the story of his political coming of age with the tale of the people who inspired him. This is a story of survival in a shed, home, strikes, fights, dinner ladies and rubbish beer. Mark is on stage at Penrith's Old Fire Station on Tuesday (November 22, 8pm). Box office 01768-899444.

ULVERSTON Outsiders perform I Hate Hamlet, on stage at the Coronation Hall, from Tuesday to Saturday (November 22-26, 7.30pm). A discontented TV actor Andrew Rally, has recently received the role of Hamlet to be performed in Central Park. And, though he seems to have it all; a rich, beautiful girlfriend, the perfect New York apartment and the chance to play Hamlet, there are, however, a few glitches in paradise. When Andrew's agent visits him and reminisces about her brief romance with actor John Barrymore who once played Hamlet, a seance is performed to summon John's ghost. I Hate Hamlet explodes with laughs galore.

Box office 01229-587140. Tickets £8.50 Tuesday; £10 Wednesday to Saturday.

THE hugely popular Ambleside Christmas Lights Switch-On, held on Saturday (November 19) involves a Father Christmas cruise to and from Waterhead, Santa, plus sledge and a glorious parade of paper lanterns through the town at dusk. There’s a family fun zone, local entertainers and musicians, plus festive stalls litter the streets and a spectacular fireworks display at Rothay Park completes the proceedings. Go to www. amblesidechristmaslights.co.uk for details.

KESWICK’S Christmas Lights Switch-On presents a whole day of activity for young and old, tomorrow (Friday, 6pm).Starting in the Market Place there’s a Christmas food and gift fair, a Santa’s workshop where children can write their wish list, live music by Committed to Rock, St Herbert’s School Choir will perform two sets, a Children’s Lantern Parade, and the town lights will be switched on by Theatre by the Lake’s cast of ‘The Emperor and the Nightingale.’ Visit www.keswick.org/whats-on/events for timings.

THE Cockermouth Christmas Lights Switch-On runs from 2pm-6pm and features Santa in his grotto, a Children’s Fun Fair and many charity Christmas stalls provided by local charities and organisations selling Christmas gifts, crafts, mince pies, mulled wine and more. There’s face-painting for kids (and adults, if it takes their fancy!) in the town council tent, and the live entertainment starts at 2pm on Sunday (November 20). Great fun.