Free outdoor concerts are returning to the area as the Ulverston International Music Festival director will cycle around local villages and towns followed by Van BeethoVan, a van with a piano on the back of it.

Antony Hewitt will set off from Ireleth, and perform in Millom, Broughton, Lowick, Cartmel and Grange on May 18.

The aim is to build excitement for the music festival while bolstering its reputation.

Mr Hewitt demonstrated in 2012 when he cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats with a baby grand piano mounted atop a van.

The journey was a way of getting young people interested in music and exercise, while raising money for charity.

At each stop, Mr Hewitt performed either in the van or in local concert halls and churches.

He reprised his spectacular journey in 2022, cycling across large villages and towns in southern Lake District to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Along with a break dancer, he performed in villages and outdoors at sports and social clubs to bring live music to rural communities and promote the festival.

To mark the 20th anniversary of the Ulverston International Music Festival this year, Mr Hewitt and his trusty Van BeethoVan will take to towns and villages in each of the three nearby peninsulas; the Duddon, the Leven and the Kent.

In each location, he will give a series of free, short performances.

The Van BeethoVan includes locations such as Millom at 11am, Broughton at 12.30pm, Lowick at 2.30pm, Cartmel at 4.30pm and Grange at 5.30pm.