Last updated 05:40, Friday, 26 September 2008

STRANGE things are afoot on the Cumbrian fells this weekend.

Thirlmere reservoir will echo to the sounds of a lost underground city, while a 12 foot feather floats gently on Coniston Water. A nearby farm will be wrapped entirely in plastic, while Big Wood, near Tarn Hows will be lit by 7,000 eerie lights.

But all this activity is nothing to worry about - it’s a sign of our annual art invasion.

From today until October 12, Cumbria will provide the backdrop for Europe’s biggest outdoor art festival.

Now in it’s fifth year, FRED will bring the landscape to life with 30 projects in 40 locations, by 45 artists from all over the world.

Steve Messam, the festival director, said: “FRED is a countryside response to the London-centric art world. It aims to raise the profile of the rural landscape as a venue for contemporary art.”

All FRED projects will be accessible by public transport, so the event can reach as wide an audience as possible.

He added: “The projects complement the region’s amazing landscape perfectly. It is our mission to draw the public away from the towns and cities and explore the stunning surroundings.”

Throughout Cumbrian history, the region has inspired thinkers from Wordsworth to Ruskin to Schwitters. There’s more to our art than your standard scenic watercolour - and FRED aims to use the landscape in original ways.

It all started in October 2004, when artists from six countries set up home in the county for 10 days. Projects in 52 locations - from the west coast to the Pennines, Morecambe Bay to Solway Firth - brought contemporary art to the masses.

Artists from Carlisle’s 11th Hour Studios clothed trees in Kendal and peppered the region with crime scene-style chalk outlines. Meanwhile artists from west Cumbria created images of the landscape using local natural pigments.

Since then, the festival has expanded every year. Last year’s highlights included thousands of sand castles, a Ministry of Creative Parking and sculptures of the world’s most famous buildings made from sheep poo.

The festival guide books are works of art in themselves - in 2007, acclaimed Scottish artist Gordon Robin Brown designed a colourful brochure full of original drawings.

This year, London artist Sally Barker has produced a set of postcards to be given away with the guides.

And as for the name FRED? Steve explains: “It could just as easily have been Beryl or Brenda. It still would have looked the same.”

This year’s programme of guided walks, talks, film screenings and participation events aims to provide something for everyone. Guide books are available at tourist information centres and other locations across Cumbria.

For more information, visit www.fredsblog.co.uk, where you can sign up for e-alerts, text alerts and the Facebook site.

MEG JORSH