THE CELEBRATION of South Lakeland’s most famous fruit is set to take place next month - five years after the last event. 

Damson Day Country Fair, which aims to enhance damson orchards from the Lyth Valley, is taking place on Saturday, April 13 from 10am to 4pm at the Westmorland County Showground.

It will see a wide variety of local crafts, produce, entertainment and refreshments hosted by the Grange-based Westmorland Damson Association (WDA).

Mark Basey-Fisher chair of the association explained that this is their first time not hosting the event at Low Farm. 

Mr Basey-Fisher said: "The whole reason for the Damson Day is to celebrate the damson blossom which is just about to come out now so it was either if we celebrate the blossom or the fruit. We thought that Westmorland County Showground was a good venue - it has got good parking.

"The only thing we were concerned about was if it was going to have the intimacy that we had at Low Farm.

"It is the first fair of the season and it is a celebration for the Lyth Valey even though it is not going to be there this year."

WDA agrees to buy around five tonnes of damsons each year from the farmers which are kept in cold storage to provide a ready stock for individuals or local businesses to make jam, gin and a range of other damson produce.

The event usually sees thousands of visitors every year for the fruitful festivities.

The chairman will be hosting a Damson Blossom Walk at Lyth Valley on April 6 and 20. For more information contact Mr Basey-Fisher at info@lythdamsons.org.uk.

Tickets have a price of £8 per adult, £4 per child and £20 for the family ticket.

For more information visit Westmorland Damson Association here.