We are now in May which typically signals the start of the summer season. Some might say this is premature and far too overambitious. Perhaps it is, but fingers crossed it starts now.

Summertime’s in the UK have become pretty special. Families, couples and friends flock to beaches and parks all over the country. All we really want is the opportunity to feel like we are slap bang in the middle of the Mediterranean.

We have also rekindled somewhat of an obsession with Festivals. Live music really has become the staple of summer entertainment. Festivals like Glastonbury, T in the Park, Isle of Wight and Reading to name but some will entertain hundreds of thousands people in the UK. There are also thousands who will travel to Europe and even further to get their fix of their favourite band.

However, the summertime is also an opportunity for fanatics of arts other than music and exhibitions will be on show everywhere. If you so happen to be a fan or collector of tableware pottery or ceramics we have just the event to recommend for you – Potfest in the Park.

There will be over 100 exhibitors invited from all over Europe and beyond, all with very distinctive individual styles, all passionate about working with clay.

The venue, Hutton-in-the-Forest, is a cultural destination in itself with its walled garden, topiary terraces and woodland walks. The homeware ceramics and pottery festival takes place in and around marquees in front of the castle, with the potters competition pieces on the lawn, next to ancient architecture and modern ceramics.

Hutton-in-the-Forest lies 5 miles northwest of Penrith, Cumbria on the edge of the stunningly beautiful Lake District National Park, which is well worth a visit itself.

Each year a special tent is dedicated to a different Continental pottery town. Last year 6 potters from Hohr-Grenzhausen in Germany were invited. This year's special guests are from the association des Potiers Createurs de Puisaye from St Amand-en-Puisaye in central France.

The Hohr-Grenzhausen area was famous for its salt glazed stoneware whereas t he Puisaye region sits on a vast bed of stoneware clay and is in a heavily wooded area - hence the predominence of wood-fired stoneware. For pottery enthusiasts this is the perfect festival in an area of incredible natural beauty.

The Lake Distric National Park is arguably the finest piece of natural beauty in the UK, the perfect venue to display some of the finest pottery and ceramics the UK and Europe has to offer.

Potfest in the Park 2010 - July 30th /31st /August 1st
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday ...10am - 5pm daily

Adults £5. Accompanied children free. Free parking.

Please be aware that many of the exhibitors are unable to process credit card transactions, and the nearest cash machines are six miles away in Penrith.