HAWKSHEAD Youth Hostel is hosting a festival of fun this weekend (September 11/12) as part of Heritage Open Days 2004.

The event will include guided tours of the youth hostel, circus skills workshops, face painting and a bouncy castle.

Visitors will also be able to explore the brand new nature trail and orienteering course within the grounds.

The hostel known as Esthwaite House has a rich literary history and has much to celebrate says YHA Hawkshead senior assistant Jim Bone and so organisers are hoping to create a real party atmosphere with something to entertain the whole family.

Co-ordinated by the Civic Trust and funded by English Heritage the open days will run from 10am 4pm on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th.