THE Dukes promenade season returns celebrating its 30th anniversary with a new adaptation of Treasure Island. Since 1987, the Dukes walkabout shows have transformed Williamson Park into Middle Earth, Neverland, Oz, Ancient Greece and now Treasure Island - with a twist. Join Jem Hawkins (yes, a girl) initially on board the Hispaniola, then on her journey along winding paths and entrancing woodlands as she searches for the long-lost treasure. Thing is she plans to escape her troubles, travel the world and make a new life for herself but she's chosen the wrong crew - an opinionated parrot, a bunch of pirate buffoons and the terrifying Long John Silver, all of which, follow her every move. The show continues throughout the summer at Williamson Park, closing on August 12 (7.15pm). Don't forget to take a picnic and rug.

Box office 01524-598500.

Tickets: Adults £26; children £16; concessions £24.

MULTI-award-winning British vocal group Sons of Pitches are touring the UK with their brand new SOPTV show. The Sons will celebrate the world of TV in a vocal adventure, including performances of favourite TV themes, sketches about panel shows, talent shows, quiz show and more. The Sons' reputation as the UKs top a capella group was cemented when they became the first winners of BBC2s The Naked Choir, where their souring solos, impeccable harmonies and stunning beatboxing, mixed with a large doze of comedy, proved to be a huge hit. You can see them on Saturday (7.30pm) at The Platform. Box office 01524-582803.

Tickets £20.

STRICTLY Come Dancing professional, Giovanni Pernice, will join Luba Mushtuk, a dancer and choreographer on Strictly for his Dance Is Life tour, which takes in 30 towns and cities across the UK. Giovanni and Luba are joined by three professional couples, who will showcase the Quickstep, Samba, Rhumba, Charleston, Argentine Tango, and of course, Giovanni's signature dance, the Jive. It also features a wonderful storyline in the second half of the show which exudes love, passion and lust. The costumes are created by Vicky Gill, who also designs the costumes for the Strictly show. Dance Is Life takes place on Wednesday (July 19, 7.30pm), at The Forum, Barrow.

Box office 01229-820000.

Tickets: Full £25; concessions £23; VIP £40.

ULVERSTON’S Velo Retro Weekend kicks off on Saturday (July 15) with the longest one day classic bike ride in the world – The Mighty Corinthian – riding vintage steel bikes of 1987 or older (or a replica), the riders, dressed in period clothing follow a 301 kilometre route via Coniston, Ambleside, Thirlmere, Keswick, Caldbeck, Hartside, Appleby, Ullswater and Kirkstone. It is truly an epic tour through the full range of the Lake District and Cumbria’s stunning landscapes.

Day two, Sunday (July 16) of the Velo, is the A L’ancienne Classic, an 84 kilometre route which includes Coniston Water, Windermere, Esthwaite Water and Wray Castle … and if you have the energy, a final section up the track to Sir John Barrow Monument (or Hoad Monument) overlooking Ulverston. Oh, and there’s an alternative ride of just 47 kilometres, Le Loafeur, on Sunday, which loops you around Coniston Water. Whatever you choose, enjoy!

Visit www.sportivelakes.co.uk for more details.

PLANTING With Tufa - join experts Frank Hoyle and David Morris from the North Lancashire Alpine Garden Society for a general discussion on alpines, including how to propagate, grow and select them. This will be followed by a demonstration on planting alpines in a tufa trough, be warned, you may be asked to have a go so please wear suitable footwear and bring gloves.
The venue is the Growing Nursery at Beetham Nurseries, on Saturday (July 15, 2pm). Tickets are limited to just 20 people so booking is essential.

Reservations: 015395-63630, or pop in and buy tickets from the nursery’s information desk.

Tickets: £6.95 per person.

LANCASTER Footlights’ family production is The Demon Headmaster, adapted for the stage by Adrian Flynn, from the popular children’s book by Gillian Cross. Strange things are happening at Lloyd and Harvey Hunter’s school when their new foster sister, Dinah arrives, she realises pupils are talking like robots and seem to do curious things even Dinah finds herself acting oddly. She is sure the headmaster has some kind of power over them and she is determined to find out what … but can she escape the Demon Headmaster? This weird and wonderful play is on stage tonight and tomorrow (July 13 & 14, 7.30pm) then Saturday (July 15, 2.30pm), at The Grand, Lancaster.

Box office 01524-64695.

Tickets: Full £9; concessions £8; family £30.