ANTIQUES, collectables, fine and vintage jewellery, decorative arts, vintage linens, china and local artisan products will all be available at this small Antique & Artisan Fair in the centre of Grasmere. While visiting this pretty village, you could visit, St Oswald's Church, Dove Cottage and museum, the lake, shops and plenty of great walks all nearby. The fair starts tomorrow (Friday, 10am-5pm) until Sunday at the village hall. Please use the village car parks, as there is no parking at the venue.

DAN Snow the 'history guy' believes that history is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to anyone on this planet and on his best-selling tour An Evening with the History Guy the historian and broadcaster will be telling audiences why! Dan makes every show unique by delving into historical facts about each town and area he visits on his tour. There's a chance to engage with Dan during a 20 minutes Q&A. And, his tales will be enhanced with compelling digital imagery. The show will appeal to all ages and can be enjoyed on Wednesday (March 13, 7.30pm), at Barrow's The Forum.

BO 01229-820000.

Tickets: Full £25; concessions £23

FOLLOWING last year's sell-out smash hit Crimes Under the Sun, multi-award-winning theatre company New Old Friends returns to the Old Laundry Theatre with another hilariously inventive comedy thriller. Belgium detective Artemis Arinae is enjoying a cruise along the Nile when tragedy strikes again. The passengers are staff are suspects and the murder count is growing. Will Arinae's little grey cells identify the murderer in time?

A cast of just four perform multiple outrageous characters, inventive set pieces and whisk the plot along in a romp. You can see this silly and funny play from Wednesday to Saturday (March 13-16). Times vary, playing at the Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness.

Visit www.oldlaundrytheatre.co.uk for details and to book.

Tickets: Full £15; U25’s £12.50.

LANCASTER Beer Festival, or Beerfest as it is often known, has become a staple of the city's festival calendar, attracting 1,000 of visitors each year to sample the extensive selection of locally brewed craft ales. In recent years, craft cider, lager, gin and international beers have also been added to the selection on offer. The event is held to raise money for local charities, is run entirely by volunteers, and generously supported by a number of local businesses. Live music is also a big part of each night of the festival, with this year's confirmed artists being The Lancaster Bombers, The Howling Clowns and Sold To The Sky. Tickets at the door from tonight (Thursday) to Saturday, 6pm-midnight, at Lancaster Town Hall.

Photo: Nick Dagger Photography

FOLLOWING a sell-out Fringe run last August to absolute critical acclaim, swiftly followed by a two week sell-out run at London’s Arcola Theatre, Mark Thomas brings his now famous style of theatre, comedy, investigative journalism and reportage to Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre, on Wednesday (March 13, 8pm).

Box office 01539-725133 Tickets: Full £16.50; £12.50.

THE Big Sleep is held every winter to raise money for Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal. This year, the event is being held on Saturday (March 9) outside the Low Wood Bay Hotel, on the shore of Windermere. A pot of cash distributed to help older people suffering from rising fuel costs and poor health. In the first four years the Big Sleep had attracted more than 500 people and raised £100,000 for the appeal.

Food, refreshments, entertainment and overnight parking area all included; just bring yourself, your tent and sleeping bag and your winter woollies to keep you warm.

For more information go to www.cumbriafoundation.org/bigsleep/