This newsletter is normally emailed weekly, to inform you of local events, clubs, businesses, community organisations, services, support, and volunteering opportunities.

The annual flag fortnight runs from 27th April to 11th May this year. The town looks amazing, and the sun even came out. Well done to Peter Winston and the volunteer flag makers, flag puter-uppers (and taker-downers). Also thanks to Doug Gillam for the free coffee for the puter-uppers, and Poppies for opening early and providing excellent bacon buns.

Website: Classic Event

Join lots of proud classic vehicle owners as they bring their private vehicles to display at the museum.

Bring your own classic vehicle. The event is open to the owners of classic cars, trucks, vans and motorbikes, as well as more recent hot hatches, superminis and high-performance sports cars. There is no need to book, and there is plenty of free parking for owners to display their pride and joy. Participating drivers and their passengers will also receive vouchers for discount admission to the museum itself.

No classic vehicle necessary. You don't have to own a classic vehicle to attend, just simply come along and join in the fun. View the private cars on display, take a visit to the museum or grab some refreshments at the riverside Cafe Ambio. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Previous events saw almost 100 motor cars and motorcycles come together to provide a diverse display of favourite marques outside the museum. We're expecting a good mix of iconic styles from the 20th century, ranging from motoring classics to more recent sports and high-performance cars.

The most impressive classic car on show will be awarded the prestigious Chairman's Trophy. The winner will be announced on the day.

Website: Printfest

Printfest will be at The Coro on 4th & 5th May. Printfest is celebrating 21 years of printmaking festivals as Co-Founder Ronkey Bullard says, “I’m always so delighted to see the strength of the event has never ever waned from its unexpected and risky start, to embedding itself in the Artists’ calendar. Wonderful, what an achievement!”

The headline artists are Bronwen Sleigh, Printmaker of the Year, and Sally Adkins, Printmakers’ Printmaker. There are ten artists from the North West, ten from the North East, ten from the South, seven from Scotland, six from the Midlands and one from Wales.

17 venues and six cafes are taking part in Ulverston Fringe, celebrating the arts & culture over the Printfest weekend. You can download a map to find out more.

There are printmakers, glass-blowers, potters, painters, framing & artists’ materials, threads & home wear, tea & coffee, and printmaking courses­. Look out for the venue numbers displayed at Fringe locations.

Website: Ford Park Events

Not just one FREE event, but two FREE events at the same time. Come along to enjoy the day, and support our local car enthusiasts and artists.

Art in the Park takes place in the walled garden and Coach House. This is the first of two Art in the Park events at Ford Park this year, showcasing some amazing local artists, including Peter and Marie Graves, Val Stangoe, Rebecca Bennett, Sarah Brown, and Nisha Halo.

The car show takes place in the main part of Ford Park, where you'll see all manner of vintage cars and bikes. There are almost 70 exhibits registered. You are welcome to talk to the owners, who are always keen to share stories of their pride and joy.

There will be a bouncy castle and face painter to help keep little ones happy, and several food and drink vendors so you can make the most of these two fabulous events.

This year's Keswick to Barrow (K2B) and Coniston to Barrow (C2B) Walks take place on Saturday 11th May. There are 1,200 participants registered for the K2B, and 1,800 participants registered for the C2B.

Please take care if you are driving or cycling anywhere along the route on Saturday 11th May, as most of the route remains open to traffic. There are a number of formal road closures, including Elterwater village, Coniston Shepherds Bridge Lane, East of Coniston lake, and the section of Broughton Road from the Black Dog junction down to the edge of Dalton. Please also try to keep clear of the route from Lowick across Kirkby Moor down to Marton. Watch out for yellow "Walkers On Road" signs, which give advance warning of the route and the major road crosssings.

Ulverston Resilience Group will be providing support at the C2B start again. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to steward already. A few more volunteers would be welcome at Coniston Sports Club from about 6:30am to 1pm. If you are a URG volunteer and would like to come along, please register on RotaCentral. If you are volunteering and have a tent or camper van, you can stay overnight with free use of toilets and showers. The coffee and bacon buns are on us!

10p swims are back this May half term.

Sessions can be booked on the Better UK app or on arrival at reception. Prices apply to under 16s on a first-come-first-served basis.

Website: Retro Rendezvous

Book now for any or all of the three cycling talks at the Laurel & Hardy Museum between 5pm and 8pm on Saturday 1st June. Come and see Steve Joughin - Pocket Rocket, Chris Sidwells - Cycling Legends, and Simon Warren - 100 Climbs, for tales of adventure, bravery, and derring-do. Tickets are on sale in the Retro Rendezvous website shop, priced at £5 per talk, or £12 for the whole evening.

This year's music programme has been announced. Come along to the festival on Saturday or Sunday, and enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Live music is on the festival stage in The Sun beer garden on both days. There are some old favourites, and a few that you might not have seen before. Free entry, no tickets required.

12:00pm  St Andrew’s Pipe Band skirling the pipes
1:20pm  Mountain Ash country music from The Lakes
2:20pm  Alcove indie/folk trio from Ulverston
4:00pm  The Cascaras pop, rock & soul from the 60s to the 90s
5:40pm  AKA Skafell authentic Cumbrian SKA

Sunday 2nd June - MORE FREE LIVE MUSIC at The Sun

12:00pm  Olivia Dacre wonderful local singer
1:20pm  Ali Kyle jazz
2:20pm  Black Sheep rock-pop covers band
4:00pm  Spiratones mighty surf rockers from sunny Ulverston
5:20pm  PV-77 classic punk rip-snorter

"Retro Rendezvous Festival delivers a finely tuned blend of live music, vintage vehicle displays, artisan food & drink, specialist stalls, and stunning retro cycling experiences. It has a well-deserved reputation as 'The Friendly Festival'."