A mix of Gypsy Jazz, wintry tales, cooking, and comedy is set to entertain audiences.

Kirkgate Arts Out West, the rural touring arm of Cockermouth's Kirkgate Arts and Heritage, has unveiled its programme of events for the second half of the year.

The organisation, which serves a large area represented by the boundaries of the recently formed Cumberland Council, stages around 50 performances each year.

Gertrude Lawrence: A lovely way to spend the eveningGertrude Lawrence: A lovely way to spend the evening (Image: Supplied)

These range from nationally recognised theatre companies to international musicians, performing in venues from Millom to Burgh-by-Sands.

The line-up for the second half of 2024 includes Gertrude Lawrence: A lovely way to spend the evening.

This show with music tells the story of one of Britain's brightest theatrical stars, Gertrude Lawrence.

The show will run at Santon Bridge Village Hall on September 25, Loweswater Village Hall on September 26, The Hill Village Hall in Millom on September 27, and Bassenthwaite Parish Room on September 28.

George Egg will bring a mixture of comedy and cookingGeorge Egg will bring a mixture of comedy and cooking (Image: Supplied)

Set Menu: The Best of George Egg provides a mixture of cooking and comedy.

George Egg has toured three shows and cooked more than a thousand dishes in front of a live audience - all without a kitchen.

He'll be found at Whitehaven Library on November 7, The Hill Village Hall on November 8, Muncaster Parish Hall in Ravenglass on November 9, and Kirkstile Community Centre in Dean on November 10.

On the Road – Christine Tassan at les Imposteures celebrates 20 years of spreading Gypsy Jazz and swing songs, stopping at Globe Hall in Ireby on November 16 and The Settlement in Maryport on November 17.

Christine Tassan et les ImposteuresChristine Tassan et les Imposteures (Image: Sylviane Robini CARRÉE)

Light In The Darkness - a winter-themed performance by Tatie Pot, a collective of Cumbrian singers, musicians, and storytellers - will appear at Silloth Library on December 13, St Bees Village Hall on December 14, and Muncaster Village Hall on December 15.

Kirkgate general manager, Emma Heys, said: "We’re delighted to be able to bring some more top-class performances to some of our tiniest venues and the 2024 programme is proving as popular as ever.

"The scope of our operation has now changed, following Local Government Reorganisation, and we now encompass the whole of the Cumberland Council area.

"That means we can now include venues in places such as Castle Carrock, Wreay, Heads Nook and Burgh by Sands.

"We work with volunteers in village halls and other venues throughout the area and we’re affiliated to the National Rural Touring Forum, which helps to ensure we have access to the very best national and international talent who are touring England to entertain people in tucked away places."

Kirkgate Arts Out West is supported by Arts Council England as a national portfolio organisation in partnership with neighbouring rural touring organisation, the Penrith-based Highlights Rural Touring Scheme.

Full details of all Kirkgate Arts Out West events, including show start times and ticket prices, can be found online at kirkgatearts.org.uk/events.