A very warm welcome to Lancashire!

HAPPA are calling on members of the public to get involved in an exciting new Challenge Event to help raise funds.

'We are here' - showcasing photography from UK black female photographers.  Online from 26th April 2021 and in the Harris buidling from 17th May to 17th July 2021.

On Saturday 1st May, Blackpool Pleasure Beach will launch their open until 10pm for May Day Bank Holiday weekend fun.

James to headline extra night at Highest Point Festival, with supported by Lightning Seeds and Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is celebrating its 125th anniversary year with the opening of a new coffee shop that has links to the very beginnings of the world-famous amusement park.  

The line-up is announced as it’s revealed more than 30 artists will perform across the six-day festival taking place in the grounds of historic Lytham Hall from Wednesday August 25 to Bank Holiday Monday August 30.

Nature-lovers across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region are being invited to participate in a global citizen science project, the City Nature Challenge, by submitting wildlife observations from each region.

More Music is thrilled to be welcoming live music back to their venue in the West End of Morecambe from May onwards with a new programme of gigs, featuring diverse artists and musicians.

Sonia Friedman Productions is delighted to announce that the first ever UK tour of hit musical Dreamgirls, which was due to start in 2020, will head to the Opera House Blackpool for 2-weeks from Tuesday 25 October 2022 – Saturday 05 November 2022. 

The boss of an outdoor activity centre says it is firmly back in business with the latest easing of Government lockdown restrictions.

The Dukes are delighted to announce the much-anticipated return of live performance at their venue with an exciting new spring and summer season to welcome audiences back to their building.  

It is with a heavy heart that we announce we have taken the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Lytham 1940s Wartime Weekend.

Exclusive first look pictures have been revealed for the Lawrence Batley Theatre and The Dukes’ digital production The Importance of Being Earnest.

Go Ape is delighted to be opening their forest doors on the 12th April at their English sites.

Come rain or shine, al fresco dining is here to stay. Check out some Lancashire businesses who are bringing the inside out, this spring.

Holden Clough Nurseries is hosting two weekends of artisan Spring Markets.
 

Join Outreach Opera on 3 September 2021 on the grounds of Astley Hall for one of the most famous and unforgettable operas of all time.

Highest Point Festival has today announced the full line up for the event which will take place in Lancashire this Septembe

Residents and visitors are reminded there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in Easter activities at home, or in one of Preston’s many parks and open spaces.

Calls from the Turning Tides Parternship and LOVEmyBEACH for people visiting the coast over Easter to help protect beaches, oceans and wildlife by taking their litter home or disposing of it responsibly.

Get ready for WonderHall – a brand new six-day live music festival coming to Lancashire’s stunning coast this summer.

There’s no better way to enjoy the summer sun than sharing a delicious picnic with friends and family. With miles of soft golden sand and luscious green countryside to explore, Lancashire is home to some of the best picnic spots in the country.

Ellis McKeown and Liam Stemson, founders of No.1 Fairham Gin, have been working hard for the past 12 months and are now finally ready to release their Signature Edition gin.

SIX the international smash hit musical will head to the Opera House Blackpool from Wednesday 07 July – Saturday 10 July 2021 as part of a major UK Tour.

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) are welcoming ideas for a name for their newest pony, now in the care of the Charity.

It’s beer garden season. Here’s our Lancashire list of the best outdoor spots to enjoy your ice cold pint, cocktail or wine! In just less than a month we will be reunited with beers on tap and correctly measured cocktails, so cheers to that.

March 21st is the date that the award-winning Chef and Restaurateur Breda Murphy will launch her restaurant-quality frozen ready meal delivery service.

Inspire Blackburn and Darwen with your poetry as Of Earth And Sky hits the streets in metre-high letters, on park lawns and town centre billboards.

Moss Wood Caravan Park can't wait to welcome you back. To ensure a safe and comfortable visit, they've shared their COVID-19 safety measures with us.

Watch Sandcastle Waterpark's informative video which highlights all the safety measures to ensure a smooth return. Sandcastle Waterpark has completely overhauled it’s admission process to ensure tha..

Brickhouse Farm Cottages are beautifully situated within 6 acres of stunning Lancashire countryside. These cottages are purpose-built holiday accommodation for families, friends and carers which i..

Gisburne Park will open the UK festival season this May with an eclectic weekend of entertainment, from family shows to live music and their famous Party in the Park.

Live performance will take place in the Harris Museum and Art Gallery on 21 March

With bated breath, fingers crossed and plans now in motion, Pendle Leisure Trust is getting ready to reopen its leisure centres in just over three weeks’ time!

He’s finally back! This October, Derren Brown, the popular multi-award winning master of mind control and illusion.

Chorley’s popular annual festival of words is to go ahead virtually next month

‘What’s Your Story, Chorley?’ returns on Saturday 24 April with a whole host of online videos featuring stories, poems and tips for aspiring writers.

The Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield and The Dukes, Lancaster have today announced that they will co-produce a digital adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest.  

The internationally renowned artist returns to the UK stage with more dates of his critically acclaimed BACK tour

Immerse yourself in Lancashire's literacy history and walk in the footsteps of some of the most famous authors in the world. 

Escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and enjoy some of the finer things this county can offer.

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.

Blog updated 29th April 2021

Get Dancing – the new dance craze by Showtown, Blackpool’s first museum of fun and entertainment, and Blackpool arts organisation LeftCoast, still want to hear from you!

An effortlessly smooth, bottled pilsner lager that’s worth staying in for. 

Who doesn't love a Lancashire loop? Reservoirs are great walking spots for people who get lost easily

Blackpool’s annual Illuminations display is to be extended by two months for a second consecutive year.

Are you loving series 2 of The Bay? We certainly are. We want to highlight some of the beauty of The Bay that’s being shown on our screens - which you can visit in the future.

WWT and MHF have created a  guide to help people improve their mental health and wellbeing  by getting out and connecting with winter wetland nature.

Astley Hall’s online followers will be treated to a series of tales and fun activities to celebrate National Storytelling Week.

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.

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