A very warm welcome to Lancashire!

Grundy Art Gallery is delighted to unveil an exciting calendar of events to commemorate its 110th anniversary. 

2021 has started apace with a number of new artists joining Longitude Gallery.

Valentine’s Day is approaching and we want to help you #EscapeTheEveryday and celebrate in the best way you can.

A programme of exciting countryside events has been launched in the Forest of Bowland and it's a great way to get connected to nature – both during the day and after dark.

Nature has been essential in helping us to cope with the lockdowns and restrictions caused by the Coronavirus.

Amidst the fast-changing situation regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, we want to keep all Lancashire visitors, past, present and future, as up to date as possible.

We're no experts, but if you're struggling today - this might help. 

The UK Government confirms Blackpool, Lancashire will remain in Tier 3.  However, Blackpool Grand Theatre and UK Productions Ltd are not going to let Covid ruin their customers’ Christmas! 

A North Lancashire hotel is to hold a re-run of Christmas Day in the spring of 2021 to allow families and friends who have missed out this year due to the pandemic to get together and celebrate.

As the sun sets on a challenging 2020 the staff and keepers at Blackpool Zoo are reflecting on the positives and looking forward to a brighter 2021. 

The famous purple suit worn by comedian Peter Kay in the video for the 2005 Comic Relief single ‘(Is this the way to) Amarillo’ has been acquired by Showtown, the new museum of fun and entertainment coming to Blackpool.

Martin Mere is the perfect escape during the long winter months. A sprinkling of frost and a heavy-hanging sun casting an ethereal glow across an expanse of wetlands is a must for anyone looking for a lift. They are packed with winter wetland wildlife and opportunities to get back to nature and create cherished memories. 

The hope families will soon be reunited and able to make new memories through live music has inspired a heart-warming new advertising campaign for Lytham Festival.

The original residents of one of Lancashire’s loveliest historic houses might have eaten boar’s head and pottage, but today Samlesbury Hall is putting a modern twist on the biggest meal of the year.

The Hall which dates back to 1325 will be providing a stress-free Christmas dinner.  All you have to do is order, collect, heat and eat!

The Halls’ chef has been busy – without an elf in sight – cooking up a five-course table groaning feast.

Five of Morecambe’s iconic buildings this year with the technical expertise of Brent Lees, the man behind some of Light Up Lancaster schemes, the Ashton Memorial and The Dukes theatre lighting. The five buildings, all on the promenade are The Winter Gardens, Hitchens, B&M, The Platform and The Midland Hotel and will be visible throughout December.

Visitors will be greeted by festive elves and guided through Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s very own North Pole, before meeting the star of the show – Father Christmas. A truly interactive experience, the elves will ensure all children have a present to put under the tree this winter season.

The hit Broadway and West End show ‘ELF – THE MUSICAL’, based on the Hollywood blockbuster movie, will bring some much-needed Christmas cheer to Blackpool this Christmas with a sleigh full of laughs and spectacle.

Gisburne Park Pop-up' socially distanced' Christmas Festival opens on the 4th December
The creators of Gisburne Park Pop Up, who this summer successfully hosted the UK's first socially distanced festival, are determined to bring some Christmas cheer to 2020 and on 4th December will open the gates to an action-packed Pop-up Christmas festival.

All the best things about the red rose county 

Artists chosen by local young people to celebrate equality, fight racism and make positive change will be displaying their work across Lancaster from November 27.

November 2020 – With national lockdown “two” underway, Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses has brought Christmas to the Butler’s Larder.

The Gatsby Dinner Show promises glitz, glamour and fun for all the family, taking place from Friday 4th – Saturday 19th December in the Paradise Room. Featuring a cast of incredibly talented performers, guests of all ages are invited to marvel in the magical performance and enjoy a delicious three-course meal.

Visitors will be greeted by Mrs Claus and guided through Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s very own North Pole, before meeting the star of the show – Father Christmas. A truly interactive experience, the elves will ensure all children have a present to put under the tree this winter season.

Lapar Malaysian Cuisine is opening at Preston Markets on Saturday 28^th November 2020.

Winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2020 - To perform llive this December

The Royal Variety Charity is thrilled to announce that the Royal Variety Performance 2020 will take place at the Blackpool Opera House, within the Winter Gardens complex, on Sunday 29^th November.

There is something magical about visiting a historic hall in the winter months, from the sparkling frost covered gardens and warming banqueting halls, to the heavily decorated foyers and giant Christmas trees. Discover a warm welcome and a touch of sparkle on your next visit and be rest assured Lancashire will be celebrating in style this winter.  

WORLD PREMIERE OF
THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL
EMBARKS ON UK TOUR 
Opera House Blackpool
Tuesday 29 March – Saturday 02 April 2022

Just because we're in lockdown it does not mean you can't do your Christmas shopping as well as support some fab local businesses!

Comedy Central UK has announced that following the success of last year’s winter event,  FriendsFestive will be returning to The Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, Shoreditch next year

Join some of our favourite pantomime stars for our spectacular festive show to relaunch the reopening of The Muni, from Saturday, December 26th – Sunday, January 3rd 2021. 

As part of this year's Festival Bowland events programme, three artists will be sharing their love of the landscape and explaining how it inspires their creativity.

Let’s get #LancashireDay trending with your ‘thank yous’, virtual hugs and some Grand Lancashire Day prizes!

It is with regret that the 2020 Blackpool Illuminations will be switched off at midnight on Wednesday 4 November

Set in Liverpool in 1997, the show follows Dave Titswell, a gay, middle-aged English teacher. He has a crush, but life, love and work are never straight forward for Dave. Will a school trip to The Lakes change things for the better, or make things decidedly worse?

The COVID secure show is a magical reimaging of the classic children’s book, the pantomime tells the story of a streetwise boy whose life is never the same after finding a mysterious lamp at the market.

The stellar line-up is announced as Lancashire’s biggest live music festival prepares to return for what is set to be five unforgettable nights.

Lytham Festival will take place in the Main Proms Arena on Lytham Green from Wednesday 30 June to Sunday 04 July.

With exactly one year to go, world renowned poet and proud Northerner Tony Walsh today captures the passion, excitement and community pride that epitomises the unique and inclusive spirit of the Rugby League World Cup 2021.

From birds to wild boar and sharks to sheep, Lancashire has a huge variety of animal attractions. So whether you want cute and cuddly or slimy and scary, take a look at our top 10.

A ghost tour at the third most haunted building in the country, on Friday 13^th – what could possibly go wrong for two people that are scared of their own shadows!

This Halloween, Astley Hall will be home to a free spooky ghost hunt for families to enjoy until the end of November.

The team at Blackpool Zoo has come up with an ingenious idea that infuses the historic site’s past and present to produce a spine tingling, socially distanced spookfest this Halloween. 

Two live music events streamed to where you are!

Record-breaking year as more than 2,000 green spaces across the country get international quality mark

Starting on Saturday 24th October and running until 2nd November, those who book appointments to visit the Farm will also be able to join in the Halloween Hunt with Spook Stations set out across the Farm. With a gift for all completed sheets, it’s a great add on for ‘little monsters’ for just £2 per puzzle sheet.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is providing the ultimate thrill this Halloween, with a frighteningly good drive-in cinema alongside a programme of fang-tastic events and activities.

There are some fantastic prizes on offer in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty photo competition running throughout October. 

The Christmas production Pantomonium! will run with strict COVID safeguards for a limited time and for a limited period – a sell-out is guaranteed!

This Half Term families are invited to go on an adventure with Ugg ‘N’ Ogg and The World’s First Dogg at The Dukes Playhouse in Lancaster. 

Blackpool is lining up a brilliant assortment of family entertainment for the October half-term holidays.

With 34 sites nationwide, there is a Go Ape closer than you think and a whole lot of adventure waiting to happen! Prepare to test your skills on tree-to-tree crossings, super-springy nets and get ready to experience that adrenaline pumping feeling as you fly down forest zip lines.

Blackpool’s annual Lightpool Festival has been postponed due to ongoing COVID restrictions

Save the date - British Textile Biennial 2021 announced for 1 - 31 October 2021

Black History Month Artist Profile at The Harris

On 16 April 2020, the designer Althea McNish died aged 95 years. At the Harris they are lucky to have a fabric designed by Althea in their collection – Painted Desert (1959). This blog post is a chance to talk about Althea’s life and her work, and to share some links if you’d like to find out more. 

Blackpool Zoo is looking forward to celebrating its bubbles with visitors this autumn.

With the months getting colder, it’s time for your drinks to get hotter. Longer nights call for indulgent moments, and who better to deliver the goods than Choc Amor.

Lancashire’s long and rich history is part of the county’s lasting appeal, however as with every good historic tale, it usually comes with something a little more sinister.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has launched the 2021 Platinum Pass, offering unlimited access to the park throughout the year for just £110.

This Thursday marks Pendle Leisure Trust’s 20th Anniversary – and what a couple of decades it has been!

The Dukes and Lancaster Arts are delighted to announce that they will be working together to bring more exciting live theatre safely back to the Lancaster district in an Autumn Collaboration season.

The British Wildlife Photography Awards will be exhibiting their eleventh year with Astley Hall in a unique exhibition.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has welcomed comedian, Steve Royle, for what is set to be his first run of live performances since appearing on Britain’s Got Talent.

Highest Point Festival (Friday 14th May – Saturday 15th May 2021) - Lancaster’s largest open-air music festival – is set to return

Visitors to the popular Fairhaven Lake can now experience a golfing journey around the Fylde thanks to a brand new attraction as a result of continued investment into the popular parkland.

Enjoy 100 acres of fantastic trialing land based in the Forest of Bowland in the beautiful Ribble Valley, Inch Perfect Trials guarantees to be a brilliant day out filled with excitement!

An island in the middle of a remote Lancashire reservoir has become such a safe haven for a protected species of gull that it’s now the UK’s largest colony.

Grundy Art Gallery is excited to announce the launch of its Autumn 2020 Exhibition ‘THE LIGHTS’.

Blackpool has staged a spectacular tribute to mark the 80^th anniversary of Battle of Britain Day.

Fearsome Craftsmen will open this Saturday running until 13 December inside the Pavilion Theatre. 

There aren’t many festivals that literally offer you something for everyone, but Gisburne Park Pop up certainly does.

Be in the chance to win a in a VIP ticket to the UK’s first purpose built social-distancing festival - Gisburne Park Pop Up! 

Read all about the safety measures at Gisburne Park Pop Up to ensure a safe and enjoyable event.

LeftCoast have teamed up with Affinity Lancashire to showcase Fleetwood’s hidden gem  - Fleetwood Marsh Nature Reserve

Some of Britain’s extraordinary Corona Heroes have officially switched on the Blackpool Illuminations.

With Lancashire pupils now heading back to school, there is an opportunity for parents to re-establish a lunchtime routine and tackle any bad eating habits. For a healthier, tasty, hassle-free packed lunch, Carolyn offers ideas and top tips.

Head to Lancashire for 48 hours of fun! Here's a guide of what to do.

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) are inviting you to join them for the annual Open Day, but this year it’s online.

It’s Blackpool’s biggest party of the year – and for once, everyone is invited!

Whalley Warm & Dry Wins 2020 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award

With no possibility of a Burnley Canal Festival on the forthcoming Bank Holiday weekend, the BCF partners want to give Festival followers an update on plans for the future

This Bank Holiday weekend, Astley Hall is looking forward to welcoming the public to a weekend of arts and culture for all the family.

The Mall Blackburn is bucking the national trend by celebrating two new store openings.

There’s been a flurry of feathers at Blackpool Zoo as it celebrated a fantastic ‘first’ in its bird department.

Read the story how Hoghton Tower have redefined their offering

An appeal to raise funds to protect the North West’s only stronghold for red squirrels has reached its first target.

Sandcastle Waterpark has completely overhauled it’s admission process to ensure that social distancing can now take place throughout the Waterpark and on the slides and attractions

It’s the home of some of the World’s best Roller Coasters and a new one is now in Blackpool...

Blackpool’s world-famous circus is set re-open for the first time since the COVID-19 lockdown.

The Government has published guidance for England on what people should do if they are on holiday in an area with local coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions

Blackpool Grand has made the difficult decision to postpone the 2020/21 pantomime Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs.

This week (10 - 16 August) is #ShopLocal week and we're all being encouraged to hit the high street and support our local businesses... 

Walking is a great way to stay active, lose weight and to get to know the wild and wonderful world around us.

The Dukes, Lancaster and the Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield  are creatively bringing the excitement of theatre into families’ living rooms during the summer holidays.

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre are back with a splash this August with a whole host of safe and fun activities including the return of the giant LEGO® Brick Animals.

The Harris will open its museum and galleries on Monday (August 3^rd) as the second part of a phased reopening.

Blackpool’s 2020 Illuminations will feature a special tribute to the heroes of COVID-19 with a dazzling display of hearts and rainbows along the famous Golden Mile.

The stars of Blackpool’s first ever virtual Illuminations Switch-On event have been revealed.

“It’s great to be back!” That’s the consensus from Pendle Leisure Trust customers who returned to the borough’s leisure centres this weekend.

It brings us great joy to be able to celebrate upcoming events in Lancashire again and the excitement in the air is uplifting.

Crafty Vintage welcomed back over 40 local independent traders over the weekend, offering everything from arts and crafts to candles and clothing.