KENDAL: If you have been inspired by the new BBC1 show, Strictly Come Dancing, you may like to know ballroom and latin dance classes start at the Brewery Arts Centre on Tuesday. For details call the Box Office on 015396-20536.

ULVERSTON: All the fun of the circus will be thrilling young and old alike at the Coronation Hall today (Wednesday) as the Sandow Clowns present their fabulous Laughter Show. With stilt-walking, juggling, balancing and much much more, the colourful affair is sure to have you in giggles. From 2pm, tickets are available on the door or by calling 01229-587140.

MANCHESTER: You may not recognise the name of Britain's funniest Iranian stand-up comedian and actor, Omid Djalili, but you will no doubt recognise his face from films like The Calcium Kid, Gladiator and The Mummy. On Friday from 7.30pm, he brings his show Behind Enemy Lines' (written in the aftermath of September 11) to the Opera House. Containing his unique style of furious-paced and highly original comedy and belly dancing, the award-winning comedian's show is one not to miss. Box Office 0870-4019000.

WINDERMERE: Monday has been designated Pensioner's Day' by the directors of Windermere Lake Cruises so if you live in Cumbria or within the boundaries of Lancaster City Council and you are over the age of 65 - why not take advantage of the huge fare reductions and spend a day touring the beautiful area. Proof of residency will be needed (you could use a utility bill or driving licence). 015395- 31188.

KENDAL: Relax and enjoy an evening with musicians Bridget Guest, Stewart Hardy and Roy Wilcock at the Quaker Tapestry Exhibition Centre, Stramongate, on Saturday. The evening's entertainment will begin at 7pm with a mouth-watering three-course meal in the tearoom, followed by the concert at 8.30pm. 01539-722975.

CARK-IN-CARTMEL: The North's most prestigious horticultural event of the year, The Holker Hall Garden Festival, takes place this weekend. With a rare national collection of Styracaceae in the Formal Gardens, hundreds of trade stands and displays designed by the likes of Kim Wilde, it's no wonder that last year's event earned headlines like Better than Chelsea' and a true delight to visit'. Friday and Saturday from 10am-6pm and Sunday from 10am-5.30pm. Tickets 015395-58838 or visit www.holker-garden-festival.co.uk HUTTON ROOF: Round off half-term with an open day at Cumbria Wildlife Trust's Hutton Roof Crags nature reserve on Friday. To celebrate the start of Wildlife Week, guides will be on hand to teach you all you need to know about the limestone landscape with two family guided walks. From 10am join the walk to Holme Park Fell and at 1.30pm explore Hutton Roof Crags. Details from Rachel Osborn on 01539-816300.

PENRITH: The Helly Hanson National Mountaineering Exhibition is hosting the critically acclaimed Everest: The Top of the World, at Rheged. The only exhibition commemorating the first ascent of the mountain, it features the world famous Mallory and Irvine collection and shows equipment and clothing used by the pair on their final climb. On Saturday from 6pm, Captain John Nole's film of the 1924 expedition, The Epic of Everest, will be shown before a talk by Audrey Salkeld on Galahad and the Holy Grail; Mallory and Everest from 8pm. 01768-860005.

BARROW: Hold tight shipmates, Defoe's classic book, Robinson Crusoe, takes to the stage at Forum 28 on Saturday (11am and 2pm). Telling the tale of Crusoe, the heroic captain of the Good Ship Lizzie, his mission to seek out wondrous treasures and discover new lands is stalled when he is shipwrecked and faces the wicked pirate, Captain Hogwash. Tickets and details on 01229-894790.

KENDAL: Celebrated pianist, Martino Tirimo, returns to town on Saturday with the Rosamunde Trio. The musical masters will perform works by Schubert and Dvorak. Kendal Town Hall. 7.30pm. 01539-725758.