SOUTH Lakeland is bracing itself once again for its annual showstopping firework spectaculars.

The night skies will be lit up with a host of organised displays on Wednesday (November 5), commemorating the capture of Guy Fawkes.

Kendal's celebrations will focus on the display at the castle, starting at 7.30pm, with a 30 minute pyrotechnic performance planned, which aims to match the "brilliance" of last year.

"We hope to equal last year and hopefully even improve on it," said South Westmorland Rotary Club past president Duncan Macfarlane. "It's done purely for the town and we raise thousands of pounds which directly funds the next year.

"The more they give the better it can be."

Sedbergh is hosting its bonfire and fireworks on Saturday (November 1) at 6.30pm on the People's Hall Field.

The Sedbergh Gala Group-led evening will also feature a pumpkin lantern competition, tombola and refreshments.

For those in the Grange-over-Sands area, Cartmel is also holding its celebrations on Saturday (November 1) by Cartmel Racecourse.

The fire will be lit at 6pm and the fireworks will start at 7.30pm.

Over in Hawkshead the village bonfire and firework display will be held on Saturday November 8 from 5pm on the recreation ground. There will be a barbecue, entertainment and live music from till 6pm when the bonfire will be lit. Fireworks follow at 6.15pm, starting with a children's display.

Windermere Rugby Union Football Club is to hold a "Bonfire Night" at Dawes Meadow, Longlands Road on November 5 from 6.30pm. All are welcome to attend but there is an admission charge.

Bolton-le-Sands Community Centre Playing Fields will be the stage for their annual display also on Saturday November 8.

The bonfire will be lit at 6.45pm and the fireworks will start at 7pm.

And at Cartmel Fell the bonfire and fireworks will start at 6pm on Saturday (November 8) where there will also be a hot pot supper, storytelling and a children's lantern competition.

But it is bad news for Eden as Appleby's annual community bonfire and firework display on Fair Hill has been cancelled.

A spokesperson for Appleby Tourist Information Centre said the cancellation of the Friends of Appleby Primary School organised event was due to "declining membership" and the cost of insurance.