WITH forecasters saying there is potential for a summer bank holiday sizzler, the Evening Mail rounds up how you can make the best of the long weekend.


Weather:

Saturday will get off to a grey start in some places, but most areas will enjoy a dry day with warm sunshine. A few showers may arrive later on, and could turn heavy and thundery. Maximum Temperature 19 °C.

Sunday will also be a sunny one, although some scattered heavy showers are likely. Monday will also begin fine, with the wet and windy weather returning just in time for Tuesday’s return to work.

What’s on - Family Fun: 

Baby Animal Handling Workshops, Dock Museum, Barrow. Saturday May 28.

Wetheriggs Animal Sanctuary are heading to The Dock Museum for a full day of baby animal handling sessions with rabbits, guinea pigs, chicks, rodents, snakes, lizards and more. Booking is advisable.

Alice in Wonderland Experience, Rydal Hall, Ambleside. Saturday May 28 and Sunday 29.

This interactive show will take you into the beautiful gardens and ground of Rydal Hall, where you will be surprised around every corner. Children and adults alike will enjoy being transported into the imaginary wonderland world of Alice. 

Beatrix Potter Walks with National Trust, Ravenglass Railway. Saturday May 28.

Take a walk with a National Trust ranger to Penny Hillworking farm, the only farm Beatrix Potter owned in Eskdale. Find out about Beatrix Potter and the National Trust while walking alongside the beautiful River Esk. From Dalegarth station, the three-hour walk starts at noon and the distance is a family-friendly 3.4 miles (return) along rough countryside paths – it can get muddy after wet weather.

Muncaster Festival, Muncaster Castle. Sunday May 29.

A carnival atmosphere is set to take over the castle as performers from all around gather to compete in the International Jesters Tournament and battle it out to be crowned the fool of Muncaster 2016. There will be Astral Stu and his Big Top circus workshop, archery, aerial shows, a climbing wall and something for everyone to do.

Super Squirrel Sunday, Lakeland Wildlife Oasis nr. Milnthorpe. Sunday May 29.

One of the aims of The Lakeland Wildlife Oasis is to make wildlife conservation accessible to everyone, regardless of what outdoor space is available. As part of this initiative, on special events like Squirrel Sunday, children are encouraged to get active by recycling old plastic bottles into a bug hotel or bird feeder to take home, among other projects. There will be lots of ideas on how to attract wildlife.

Children will also be invited to have a photo taken with a giant squirrel.

The event runs from 10am until 5pm.

Cartmel Races. Saturday May 28, Sunday May 29 and Monday May 30.

Saturday May 28: Simply Red at Cartmel Races.  

Simply Red will play after the final race of the day. 

Anyone without a ticket should arrive early. Tickets cost £32.50 for adults, £15 for accompanied children aged 12-17 years and children under 12 years will be admitted free of charge with an adult.

First Race: 2.05pm. Concert: 6.15pm (about half an hour after the final race). The concert should conclude shortly after 8pm.

Sunday May 29: Jools Holland at Cartmel Racecourse .

The boogie-woogie pianist will be accompanied by drummer and percussionist Gilson Lavis while Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall will provide guest vocals.

Tickets for the event will be available at the entrance at £35 per adult and £15 for teenagers (12 years to 17 years). Under-12s go free with an accompanying adult.

The gates will open at approximately 3pm, with the concert due to start at approximately 6pm.

Bank Holiday Monday May 30: Join thousands of picnickers for a fantastic afternoon of family fun - with the fairground, trade-stands and seven fascinating races.

The highlight of the race programmme is the Grand Veterans Chase - a race which often attracts a field full of popular chasers, some of which have been in action in the Grand National at Aintree.

Tickets will be available at the entrance. The paddock costs £23 for adults or £19 for seniors, while the course costs £14 or £12. Under-18s go free.

Entertainment from: 10.00am

First Race: 1.50pm. Last Race: 5.15pm

What’s on - Eating and Drinking:

Taste Cumbria, Ulverston. Saturday May 28 and Sunday 29.

Back for its third year, Ulverston plays host to the Taste Cumbria festival, selling the best food and drink the county has to offer. There will be plenty to enjoy, from cookery demonstrations to family entertainment, bouncy castles and live music for all the family.

“Urswick’s First Ever Beer Festival”, The General Burgoyne. Saturday May 28, Sunday May 29 and Monday May 30.

The Burgoyne will be transformed with the placing of a marquee and outside bar in the car park. There will be live music throughout the weekend from Stainless, Marc Atkinson, The Joe Fleming Band, Serene, Bethany Higginson, Mike Larkin and Jon Dawes plus many more.

The event will start at 12pm each day.

The Black Dog Inn Beer Festival, Dalton. Friday May 27, Saturday May 28, Sunday May 29.

An excellent selection of more than 40 of the finest local and from-afar real ales will be on offer all weekend. Entertainment will be provided by Collie Stewart and The Roomers on Friday, Two Far Out on Saturday and Shed Sessions on Sunday.

Just want somewhere to enjoy the sun?

Popular beer gardens in South Cumbria:

[COPY] Popular beer gardens in South Cumbria
ULVERSTON: The Mill
With its working waterwheel in the middle of the bar, not to mention a charming roof garden, this is a striking setting for pub grub, homemade pizzas, cask ales and craft beers. Monday-to-Thursday meal deals offer great value.
BARROW: Crofters
With a large garden, play area and a newly-refurbished interior with extensive menu, the Crofters is a great choice for families.


ULVERSTON: The Old Farmhouse
Boasting one of the most popular Sunday roasts around, The Old Farmhouse also attracts customers in the warmer weather because of its huge, sheltered beer garden.


FOXFIELD: Prince of Wales
A popular spot with walkers, at the Prince of Wales you can enjoy home-brews and guest ales soaked up with huge home-made pasties in their popular beer garden.
ULVERSTON: Old Friends
A popular town centre pub with a cosy and sheltered beer garden.


Or how about some ideas for a summer’s day treat?

Top five summertime treats in South Cumbria
With temperatures continue to sizzle across South Cumbria, we've decided to take a look at the some of the area's ultimate summertime treats.


Old Hall Farm
Old Hall Farm is a historic working farm in Bouth that provides the perfect entertainment for all the family.
Complete with a new ice cream parlour that opened last year, Old Hall Farm has just the thing for a tasty summer treat.
The Mill in Ulverston
Boasting its own roof-top terrace, The Mill in Ulverston is the perfect place for a sneaky evening drink. With traditional pub grub and tasty craft ales, this Cumbrian pub could prove to be a Mecca for thirsty workers.
Roy's Ices
Roy's Ices, situated on the coast road at Bardsea, is renowned for its delicious offerings.
Praised by Cumbrian food guru, Dave Myers, Roy's Ices has established quite a reputation across the area.
The Old King's Head
This traditional Lakeland pub is enjoying a novel trade as it unveils an authentic Argentinian asado. With a large beer garden offering live music, punters can sink their teeth into a tasty barbecue washed down with a pint of traditional Cumbrian ale.


Handmade Ice Cream Company
If you prefer staying in at home then Cumbrian supermarkets might just have the thing for you. The Handmade Ice Cream Company offers a range exciting flavours ranging from salted caramel to gin and tonic sorbet. Kick back and relax in the garden with a scoop or three of this delicious ice cream.

Be sure to stay safe:

AHEAD of the Bank Holiday, Cancer Research UK is launching a new campaign encouraging young people in Cumbria to protect their skin in the sun.

The initiative, called ‘Own Your Tone’, challenges the belief that having a suntan is healthy and beautiful. Instead it encourages people to embrace their natural skin colour and guard it from the ageing effects of the sun’s UV rays. Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Cumbria, said: “Skin cancer can affect anyone at any age so we are urging people to take steps to protect themselves when out in the sun.”

Top tips from Cancer Research UK to enjoy the sun safely:

Rule of three: It’s important to use a combination of shade, clothing and sunscreen of at least factor 15 to protect your skin. 

Spend time in the shade : When the sun’s strong, (most likely between 11am and 3pm), it’s important to take some breaks in the shade, such as eating your lunch inside or sitting under a parasol.

Cover up with clothing: A wide-brimmed hat or long-sleeved top will not only keep your skin protected, but keep you feeling cool. 

Bring a bottle: Keep a handy-sized bottle of sunscreen in your handbag or rucksack. Reapply regularly and use a generous amount.

Don’t get caught out: The sun can be just as strong in the UK as abroad. Beware of getting burnt while you’re out and about, rather than deliberately 'sunbathing'.

Protect your kids: Young children in particular will need help to protect their skin. Make sure your children are wearing t-shirts and wide-brimmed hats when out in strong sun and cover any exposed areas with sunscreen. 

Damage control : If you notice your skin becoming pink or red, you should come out of the sun and cover up to help stop any more damage. Putting on more sunscreen won’t help.