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Those embarking on holidays in the Lake District later this month will have the opportunity to take part in an afternoon of madness and eccentricity as The Cabaret of Dr Caligari hits the national park.

The street art show, being produced by Artizani, will run between 14:00 and 17:00 BST on the week starting Monday August 24th and offers its audience three hours of cabaret entertainment.

Describing the performance, an advert for the free event on Lakes Alive states: "Oddities, eccentrics and acrobats are conjured out of thin air to entertain, but once out of the box they refuse to disappear."

Dr Caligari will be at Broadgate Meadow, Grasmere on the Monday, with the tour heading off to Ford Park in Ulverston, Rothay Park in Ambleside, Bitts Park in Carlisle and Brockhole Lake District Visitor Centre near Windermere respectively on the other days of the week.

Another free event available to those staying in holiday homes in the Lake District this month is the tenth birthday celebrations of Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, which will take place on August 19th at 10:30 BST.

Those planning holidays in the Lake District this month have been invited to join in the celebrations of its renowned theatre.

Next Wednesday (August 19th) marks the tenth anniversary of the first performance at Theatre by the Lake.

And the venue, situated in Keswick, is holding a public launch to announce details of its plans for the spring 2010 production.

The free event begins at 10:30 BST and will also include the unveiling of the theatre”s tenth anniversary book, while those on holidays in the Lake District will find that birthday cake is provided.

Artistic director Ian Forrest explained that it will provide an opportunity to thank the audiences, volunteers and friends of the theatre for support over the last decade.

"I do hope as many people as possible will come along to the launch to celebrate our birthday and to find out about what we have in store as we move into the next ten years," he said.

The venue was officially opened by Dame Judi Dench and Michael Williams in December 1999, although its first production began on August 19th of that year.

People are increasingly choosing alternative events in order to experience different sides of British culture, it has been observed.

Research by thetrainline.com revealed that nearly half of Britons are considering attending such an occasion this summer, with a third believing them to offer good value.

Those planning trips to holiday cottages in the Lake District may be able to take in one such event, as a face pulling contest takes place in Cumbria.

Commenting on the trend, thetrainline.com spokesman Iain Hildreth remarked: "With Britons preparing to spend more time on home turf, finding something innovative and different to do with friends and family is essential for making the most of the British summer."

The portal suggested that although traditional events such as music festivals will remain popular, holidaymakers are keen to explore alternatives.

Last week, VisitEngland suggested that the chance to sample local food is one reason why many Brits are choosing to take holidays in the UK.