THOUSANDS of visitors are expected to descend on the Crooklands showfield for the Westmorland County Show taking place today, Thursday (September 6), gates open 8am-5.30pm. The show, crowned Cumbria’s Tourism Event of the Year 2018 in June, at a prestigious event held at Cartmel Racecourse, is hoping to equal record numbers this year as people turn out in droves to enjoy one of the country's oldest agricultural shows. Featuring livestock and equine competitions, Sheep show, WI marquee and Westmorland food hall and theatre, as well as show jumping, carriage driving and heavy horse classes plus the popular parade of hounds, which all take place in the Main Arena is unmissable. Further details and early bird tickets are on sale at www.westmorlandshow.co.uk.

Admission (Gate): Adults £18; Children £3; Concessions £16; family pre-book only £45.

THE Old Laundry Theatre welcomes touring playhouse Merely Theatre on Tuesday (September 18) to its Bowness-on-Windermere venue. Merely Theatre who create energetic, crystal clear Shakespeare productions will perform two plays – Macbeth, a story about war, love, witchcraft, murder and madness whereas Much Ado About Nothing is awash with mischief, old flames, cunning plans and bonkers watchmen. The plays start at 2.30pm (Macbeth) and 7.30pm (Much Ado about Nothing).

Box office 015394-40872.

Tickets - Adults £15; students £7; dine out (evening performances only) £29.50.

THE Lancaster Marathon may be regarded as small but to its competitors it’s perfectly formed! Encompassing every type of runner, from red hot sportive types to rookie novices, the marathon takes place on Sunday (September 16). The course is superfast with just one hill to contend with, and cheered on by enthusiastic spectators and friendly marshalls, the runners are likely to finish in superfast time, too! The race will finish in the stunning setting of Lancaster Castle’s courtyard.

Details www.lancaster-race-series.co.uk/

Entry £38/£40

TOTALLY Tina is officially the number one Tina Turner tribute, it bring the spectacle and energy of the singer's live concerts to her fans, courtesy of talented Justine Riddoch and a superb cast of vocalists, musicians and dancers. The show scheduled to take place tomorrow (September 14) at 7.30pm, at The Platform, Morecambe, includes Tina's classic hits like Nutbush City Limits, Simply The Best and What's Love Got To Do With It? as well as a brand new set of songs which will guarantee you'll leave the theatre buzzing!

Box office 01524-582803.

Tickets - Full £21; concessions £19.

CHEESE lovers are able to satisfy their dairy cravings from Saturday (September 15) to September 23, when the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival returns. More than 50 events are lined-up at various venues, which is double the number held at the 2017 inaugural event. In fact, one of the new events puts a cheesy slant on the War of the Roses by pitting tastings of fromage from Yorkshire against Lancashire-produced cheeses. Wensleydale Creamery at Hawes, home of Wallace & Grommit's favourite cheese, will set the celebrations rolling with its two-day mini Cheese Fest on Saturday and Sunday, comprising 35 stalls of all-things fromage, as well as cookery demos, tastings and live music. Details: yorkshiredales.org.uk/cheese-festival

Photo: Steven Garnett.

FANCY having a go, rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck in? If so, then the Heritage Skills Fair, is just up your street. Comprising 12 exhibitors demonstrating traditional crafts ranging from stone masonry to stained glass work, lead working to willow basket weaving and blacksmithing, earth walling, sash window repair among other skills. Visitors will have the opportunity to have a go at the various activities. There will also be technical experts offering ‘building surgeries’ where visitors can discuss any issues they have with their properties, such as damp. Cumbria Action for Sustainability will be present, providing information and advice regarding improving energy efficiency and flood resilience in old buildings.

The event takes place on Saturday (September 15) from 10am-3pm, at the Market Place, Whitehaven (CA28 7JB). Just turn up.

Free.