A very warm welcome to Lancashire!

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is ending its 2023 summer season on a high after scooping eight awards at the UK Theme Park Awards yesterday, bolstering its status as one of UK’s top amusement parks.

Blackpool’s spectacular Christmas village is returning this winter – and it promises to be a cracker!

Following a successful visit earlier in the year, the popular International Market will be returning to Preston Flag Market for three days of delicious food, drinks and crafts from across the world. 

Ribble Valley based Crafty Vintage, the award-winning events company, is celebrating a remarkable 13 years in business.

Each year around November 5^th, the skies come alive with fireworks, crowds gather around bonfires and we fill up on Parkin, parched peas and sausages

There's plenty of exciting events happening in Lancashire this weekend. Take a look at this handy list below or to discover even more check out our what's on pages. 

Spectacular live French performance set to enchant with FREE, NEVER BEFORE SEEN in the UK show in Accrington! 

Halloween is fast approaching and there’s no better way to get into the spooky spirit than pumpkin picking.

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) were joined by hundreds of visitors, members, and supporters for the family themed fun day at Shores Hey Farm in Burnley.

From the depths of darkness emerges an unforgettable week of films and events focused around all things horror. This unmissable event promises to captivate audiences with a diverse selection of horror films, live events, talks, crafts, and more. 

Award-winning writer John Godber OBE is back at Blackpool Grand Theatre with exciting new work Do I Love You? this September and his iconic comedy Bouncers in February 2024

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) are hosting a tabletop sale at Shores Hey Farm in Burnley on Sunday 24^th September.

Don't miss out on the exciting events taking place across the county this weekend. We've put together this handy list of events but for further ideas on what to do, head over to our What's on pages now. 

Encounter Festival is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Torchlight Procession, a magnificent spectacle that will illuminate the streets of Preston with music, dance, and vibrant energy.

The sun bathed Darwen Market Square in warmth and radiance last Saturday, setting the stage for the much-anticipated Darwen Artisan Market.

Excitement in Burscough as the highly anticipated sounds of over a thousand pink-footed geese fill the air during their arrival to the Lancashire wetland centre.

Looking to get away on an adult’s only adventure? Lancashire has the perfect places for you. Not only does the county feature a great range of accommodation to suit every budget, there are some fantastic things to do, delicious places to eat and plenty of exciting events that you will be able to enjoy together during your escape.

Blackpool Zoo is giving the public the chance to name its critically endangered Bornean orangutan baby while raising money for international charity the Orangutan Foundation.

Selladoor Worldwide and Theatre Royal Plymouth are delighted to announce that popular TV Presenter, theatre performer and Strictly Finalist Karim Zeroual will lead the cast of the brand-new tour of smash-hit family favourite Madagascar The Musical as the hilarious King Julien when it arrives in Blackpool at the Winter Gardens 21 – 24^th February 2024!

Henry Normal, Brian Bilston, Lemn Sissay, Jackie Kay, Roger McCough and Alice (aged 7) are just some of the poets featured in the Morecambe Poetry Festival (Volume 1) book.

Brian House Children’s Hospice – the charity behind Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool – has announced the date for the town’s first ever large-scale public art trail.

Darwen, Lancashire – Get ready for an encore of artistic brilliance and community spirit as the Darwen Artisan Market, proudly curated by Crafty Vintage, makes its triumphant return this Saturday for its second monthly edition.

There’s lots of exciting events happening this weekend across the county. Check out this handy list below or to discover more head over to our what’s on pages now.

For those who love to add a little culture to their holidays and days out, Lancashire’s museums and art galleries provide the perfect place. While away and afternoon exploring some of the rich heritage of the county, or enjoying artwork from all over the world.

The summer holidays might be over, but the really wild residents at Blackpool Zoo are making the most of the September sunshine.

LIZZIE comes to the Dukes Lancaster from Thursday 5^th to Sunday 8^th October 

Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor brought a sprinkling of stardust to Blackpool’s Golden Mile when she switched on the famous Blackpool Illuminations.

The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre in Preston is offering movie tickets for only £3 on Saturday 2^nd September to help celebrate National Cinema Day.

As the school holidays come to an end, there's still plenty of exciting events happening across Lancashire this weekend. 

Following on from last year's first Christmas show in the rake after 10 years, this year's production will once again take place in the Dukes’ largest venue, delighting audiences with the perfect day out to feel the Christmas spirit with the musical adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’.

Blackpool is getting ready for the last hurrah of the summer with a spectacular celebration on the Golden Mile.

After 30+ performances, 44 stunning costumes, 6 talented actors, and an incredibly hard working team the Dukes team battled the rain to take audiences on a trip Around the World in 80 Days in Williamson Park this summer.

After the resounding success of their debut restaurant within Preston Market Hall, which opened in April 2022, Tipsy Chef Street Food have launched a second venue in Preston city centre. 

There’s no party like a Blackpool party, and this week there are a few to get involved in. The end of the summer holidays don’t have to mean boring back to school shops and looking ahead to the colder months, instead you can join in with some great events and make the most of the last week before the school routine comes back.

Blackpool is preparing for one of the most magical nights in its calendar when, for one night only, the six miles of Promenade will be closed to give cyclists a sneak preview of this year’s Illuminations.

Blackpool Entertainment Company in Partnership with Elaine Silverwood Presents the Acclaimed Literary Festival for 2023

A decade since the first Vintage by the Sea festival took Morecambe by storm, this year’s free event on September 2 and 3 promises attractions and activities both familiar and new.

Blackpool Grand Theatre is excited to relaunch the ‘Grand Young Company with a vision to provide excellence in the training and artistic development of young people with an interest in working towards future creative careers in theatre-making, performance and beyond.

Enjoy a free, family friendly event at the Burnley Canal Festival on Sunday 27 August. 

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) are inviting you to join them for a family themed fun day at Shores Hey Farm in Burnley.

The 10^th anniversary Vintage by the Sea festival will reach new heights this September – with a Spitfire flypast.

A spectacle of over 600 silk wax-dyed pennants, each representing community stories inspired by the coastline will be temporarily installed in four locations around Morecambe Bay this August bank holiday weekend.

The Mall Blackburn is set to end the summer holidays on a high with a free, two-week mythical and magical extravaganza!

The imaginative events team at Thornton Hall Farm are always looking to introduce new, unique activities to the award-winning local attraction.

The 13^th Lancaster Music Festival promises to be a lucky one for people of all ages and abilities who enjoy playing and listening to music.

For many August Bank Holiday marks an additional day off work, and the chance to create more extra special memories with family and friends before the summer ends. When you want to make the most of your three day weekend, you want to fill it with the best events around.

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, head to one of these exciting events happening across the county. For more ideas and inspiration head over to our events guide here.

Two dazzling new tableaux will light up Blackpool seafront this autumn.

You don’t have to be a Take That fan to love Greatest Days - It has everything a musical should have, a great soundtrack which accentuates the highs and lows of a heartwarming story with just the right balance of poignant moments, sentiment, laughter and feel-good highs.

One of the UK’s best-loved music stars is to switch on the 2023 Blackpool Illuminations.

The 10^th anniversary Vintage by the Sea festival will reach new heights this September – with a Spitfire flypast.

Free guided Theatre Tours are available at Blackpool Grand Theatre this Heritage Open Day

Two dazzling new tableaux will light up Blackpool seafront this autumn.

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of heritage and culture. Across the country, thousands of heritage venues take part, opening their doors and providing a variety of heritage events free of charge.

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, why not check out this handy list of some of the exciting events happening across the county this weekend. 

Celebrate the joy of live performance as Blackpool Grand Theatre announces a thrilling new season that’s bursting with top shows including the explosive new dance musical La Bamba!

The Dukes are committed to bringing the best of the best in theatre and cinema and this season is no different.

The Preston Makers Market is on its way to Fishergate Shopping Centre. 

Four flamingos have set a new record for keepers at Blackpool Zoo after becoming the largest group of chicks to ever be successfully reared by their parents at the attraction.

The 2023 Nelson Food and Drink Festival will return in style on Saturday 9^th September from 10am-4pm, with a number of fantastic free attractions including live cooking demonstrations, entertainment for all the family and an extra special competition for local school children.

The #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge returns on Saturday 26^th August from 10am-4pm with a spectacular line-up of events having been announced for the day.

Discover the Unmissable Darwen Artisan Market Curated by Crafty Vintage - A Celebration of Makers, Creators, and Start-Ups!

 

Delicious local produce is in the spotlight in a week of events highlighting the best of Bowland with foraging walks, feasting, cycle trails and food tours.

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) are thrilled to announce the launch of HAPPA Direct, their new and improved online and instore shop. Based in Briercliffe, Burnley, Lancashire.

Looking for the ultimate escape for you and your partner? Treating your best friends to a weekend away to relax and unwind? Or even getting away on a solo staycation? If you want the ultimate luxury, finest foods and greatest getaway memories, look no further than Lancashire.  

There's lots of exciting events taking place across the county this weekend. From festivals to farm shows, there's something to put a smile on everybodys face this weekend. 

Guests can look forward to the anticipated return of Sunset Screenings, the Dukes’ premier outdoor cinema experience. Set amongst the backdrop of Williamson Park's The Dell. Surrounded by rockery and lush greenery, it’s the perfect setting, providing great natural acoustics.

Michael Frayn’s celebrated comedy Noises Off makes a hilarious stop at Blackpool Grand Theatre this October starring Liza Goddard, Matthew Kelly & Simon Shepherd.

The people of Morecambe Bay are being invited to witness the installation of over 600 beautiful silk wax-dyed pennants – each representing community stories inspired by the coastline.

Two exhibitions in two locations with one common thread take place in Lancaster this August.

It’s going to be a Summer of Fun at Affinity Lancashire these school holidays as they have some fantastic family friendly events taking place over the next few weeks. Even better, they are free!

The doors have opened on The Mall Blackburn’s new Waterstones store and the Gruffalo has confirmed he will be attending the official launch event on Saturday 5th August.

The Burnley Vintage & Performance Car Show is back in town later this year and the event organisers are on the lookout for exhibitors to take part.

Blackpool’s highly-acclaimed festival of light and art is returning over October half-term with an extraordinary programme of free entertainment.

From drainpipe wetlands to bogs in backyards, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) is calling on residents across Lancashire to make room for nature by creating a network of watery habitats to help wildlife in the region.

Producers, Michael Harrison and David Ian are delighted to announce that multi-platinum Australian recording artist Emily Williams will star as Rachel Marron in the award-winning international smash hit musical THE BODYGUARD, from Tuesday 12 September 2023 at the Liverpool Empire. www.thebodyguardmusical.com.

The world-famous Blackpool Tower hosted a very special visitor – of the “Royal” variety - this morning – His Majesty The King!

A tiny pair of endangered red panda cubs have been born at Blackpool Zoo just ahead of their mum’s 4th birthday today (Wednesday 26th July).

The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery in Rossendale, Lancashire is delighted to announce two new exhibitions that will run from July 27th to September 24th 2023, with an opening event taking place on Thursday 27^th July at 7pm which is free and open to all.

 

The popular Colne Food and Drink Festival is coming back at the end of the month.

There's lots going on in Lancashire this weekend, take a look at this handy list below to see some of the fantastic things to do across the county this weekend. 

The school holidays are upon us, and if you’re looking for great events to keep the kids, or yourself, entertained throughout the next six weeks… look no further! 

The summer holidays have offically began and there's plenty of events taking place across the county this weekend. Whether you are looking for a adults night out or a family frienldy event, there's something for everybody to enjoy. Discover more about what's on in Lancashire this summer in our brand new events guide which you can view here.

Children can explore their creative side at two new craft workshops taking place at Barton Grange Garden Centre this summer.

Fleetwood Market will be holding a free Summer Seaside Family Fun Day on Saturday 19 August and it’s set to be a scorcher of an event.

Sooty is back in Blackpool to celebrate 75 years from where it all began…

A record number of parks and green spaces across the UK have reached the high standards required to receive a coveted Green Flag Award in 2023.

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) has a calendar full of activities for all ages this summer at Shores Hey Farm in Briercliffe, Burnley.

From "proddy" rugging to print making and from painting to photography, the latest Festival Bowland programme has some fantastic events planned for August.

Organisers of the 2023 Great British R&B Festival, Colne Town Council in partnership with artistic directors Colne Blues Society, have announced the addition of teenage sensation and international star Toby Lee to the line-up for this year's festival.

The Dukes award-winning outdoor walkabout theatre returns to Lancaster’s Williamson Park this summer, with an epic whirlwind adventure, Around The World In 80 Days. 

Strictly Come Dancing champ Pasha Kovalev joins The Wanted’s Siva Kanesraran in the sizzling new musical La Bamba! at Blackpool Grand Theatre this November.

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, there's plenty to do in Lancashire.

Following the extremely successful 2023 Accrington Food & Culture Festival, organisers #AmazingAccrington have announced that the 2024 Accrington Food Festival will take place on Saturday 1^st June from 10am. 

Launching on Saturday 22 July, The Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens invite you to meet The Tent.

The Winter Gardens Blackpool, in association with the Comedy Station and Showtown museum of fun and entertainment), has revealed its full line up from 7 to the 9^th July 2023 as part of a weekend of entertainment featuring 23 different shows, including 11 FREE events and reduced ticketed events, as part of the Blackpool Comedy Festival which returns for the first time since 2019.

The Encounter Festival is delighted to unveil the exciting plans for its highly anticipated 2023 edition, promising an unforgettable celebration of Preston heritage and an immersive showcase of artistic excellence.

The Dukes have been creating memorable outdoor experiences for over 35 years, and this year is set to be bigger and better than ever.

This weekend Visit Lancashire will be attending the national Festival of Making in Blackburn, where will be showcasing a range of delicious food and drink providers in our Taste Lancashire tent.