A very warm welcome to Lancashire!

Blackpool has unveiled a dazzling array of new, fun-packed features that will grace the 2024 Illuminations display.

Check in to The Grand Theatre if you dare for Joe O’Byrne’s spine-tingling tale of The Haunting of Blaine Manor, back in Blackpool by popular demand from Wednesday 31 July to Saturday 3 August!

The Fort Vale Colne Grand Prix celebrated its 20^th anniversary in style on Tuesday 23^rd July as thousands lined the streets to check out the action.

Whether you take a journey through time, get close-up to nature with your smartphone, or venture out for a guided nocturnal walk, the Festival Bowland events programme is a great way to discover the Forest of Bowland and surrounding countryside.

If you’ve not attended a park show before, it’s a unique experience, where the audience travel around the beautiful Williamson Park in Lancaster, moving to different locations to watch each scene unfold.

August is just around the corner and there's an action-packed calendar of events taking place at the Winter Gardens Blackpool. 

The weekend will be here again before we know it and there's so many exciting events taking place across our county including the return of the popular Chorley Flower Show.

Food lovers of Lancashire and beyond, get ready for an epic day of delicious dishes and drinks as the Colne Food & Drink festival returns to the town centre for its 3^rd year running on Saturday July 27^th. 

Blackpool Grand Theatre is proud to announce its 130th anniversary on Tuesday 23 July, an incredible 43 years after being formally re-opened by His Royal Highness King Charles III (the then Prince of Wales) in 1981.

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Burscough, Lancashire, has introduced a new low-cost entry, as part of its aim to make the centre more accessible and allow people of all ages and incomes to enjoy a great day out, connect with nature and discover the superpowers of wetlands.

School’s out for summer – and Blackpool is rolling out a spectacular programme of free events and affordable entertainment over the holiday period.

International champion and Strictly Come Dancing star NIKITA KUZMIN is thrilled to be presenting his first ever UK solo tour MIDNIGHT DANCER.

The team at Barton Grange Garden Centre in Brock near Preston is celebrating after being named Destination Garden Centre of the Year in the North region at the Garden Centre Association (GCA) Awards.

The Dukes award-winning outdoor walkabout theatre show returns to Lancaster’s Williamson Park tonight as the Dukes present their annual award winning production Alice in Wonderland

Last summer, citizen scientists in Lancashire spotted 11,531 butterflies and day-flying moths during the Big Butterfly Count. Today, wildlife conservation charity, Butterfly Conservation, is issuing a rallying cry to people in the region to help beat that this year.

Bill Kenwright's mutli award-winning production of Willy Russell's international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers, is back in Blackpool this Autumn.

Accrington Stanley will open its doors for free stadium tours this August, with two dates announced for fans to take a closer look around the Wham Stadium.

Carnforth’s Leighton Hall's usually peaceful parkland will be resounding to the roar of high-horsepower machines, with the return of the popular Leighton Hall Motorcycle Hill Climb later this month.

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 2024, including 67 within Lancashire.

The world’s ‘second best’ Celine Dion coming to Burnley. A Celine Dion tribute act heading to Burnley has proved so convincing she was asked to ‘ghost vocalise’ for the worldwide star known as the ‘Queen of Power Ballads’.

Three Lions on our Prom! Blackpool’s famous Golden Mile is to become a sea of red and white over the weekend to mark England’s bid for European football glory.

Two pregnant elephants at Blackpool Zoo have undergone successful ultrasound scans to check the progress of their calves.

The Muni Theatre, Colne, will be reopening this August with a full Autumn schedule filled with music, west-end stars, children’s favourites, 5-star reviewed comedy and more

With the school holidays underway parents looking to treat their children with a meal out during the summer can head to Marco Pierre White’s restaurant at The Holiday Inn in Blackpool, where they can feed the kids for free.

The very first Technicolour rock ‘n’ roll musical will be screened in Lancaster this July as part of a free event celebrating the Fifties and Sixties.

Chorley Flower Show returns to Astley Park on Friday 26 to Sunday 28 July, bigger and better than ever with brand new attractions and activities fresh for 2024.

The Dukes are excited to announce the launch of their new Autumn/Winter Season. A new season packed with big drama titles, the best comedy, cinema, dance and more!

The Bard meets the best of outdoor theatre in an exciting performance of Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’, by Folksy Theatre company.

Radio 2 in the Park is coming to Moor Park, Preston, this September and today the DJ line-up for the three dates is announced, with a host of big names from the Radio 2 presenting family hitting the decks across the weekend, as well as introducing the artists on the main stage.

Looking for all the HOTTEST SHOWS coming to Blackpool in 2025?  

The Darwen Festival of Fun, now in its fourth year, returns to Darwen on Saturday, July 27th. This free event, funded by Darwen Town Council and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, promises a day filled with family fun, laughter, and culture..

Leighton Hall is delighted to announce the return of The Festival Players for a special evening of Shakespeare in the Garden on Thursday 25^th July, with a performance of Shakespeare's final play, The Tempest.

Dancers of all ages and abilities will be stepping out to celebrate Fleetwood Moves Festival this August.

Cross Hill Quarry nature reserve has seen an area of its precious wildflower meadow dug up to create jumps for mountain bikes.

Forestry England’s Gisburn Forest is gearing up to ignite Olympic-sized excitement in the nation’s forests this summer with a fantastic addition to their beloved Gruffalo 25th birthday trails.

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Burscough has a brand new event this summer and is challenging families to venture around the wetland centre on its first ever Code Breakers Trail.

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.

TK Maxx presents Lytham Festival will be throwing open the gates early on Saturday so football fans can watch England v Switzerland on the largest outdoor screen in Lancashire.

Escape2Make (E2M), the Lancaster and Morecambe-based youth-led charity, is excited to announce the return of its second Green Festival on Saturday, August 24th, 2024. Following the success of last year's event, this festival promises a day of fun and creativity for 11-18s in Morecambe.

David Ian for Crossroads Live is delighted to announce that The Vivienne will play the role of The Childcatcher in the new production of the most fantasmagorical musical of all time, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG opening at WINTER GARDENS BLACKPOOL on 10^TH DECEMBER where it plays until 29^TH DECEMBER as part of a UK tour. www.chittyontour.com

What's on this July at the Winter Gardens Blackpool

Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool came to an epic conclusion at Blackpool Tower last night, as the large sculptures and some surprise lots raised £143,550 for Brian House Children’s Hospice.

Blackpool Grand Theatre July Show listings...

The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded the title of Best Day Spa in the UK for the third consecutive year by the prestigious Good Spa Guide.

Step back in time to the era of Bridgerton and Jane Austen at Lancaster's latest exhibition, which promises to immerse visitors in the regal elegance of the Regency period.

Enjoy a free, family friendly event at the Burnley Canal Festival on Sunday 25 August. Join us at the beautifully refurbished Finsley Gate Wharf and along the towpath nearby.

Fun seeking families who visit Blackpool can enjoy a cut-price meal in the town’s newest restaurant thanks to a deal between Merlin Entertainments (Blackpool) Ltd and Marco Pierre White’s New York Italian.

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) are excited to welcome a new addition to the Farm this summer who doesn’t cost anything to feed.

The BBC’s biggest comedy talent search is back and they’re heading to Lancaster Town Hall, for the Northern Regional Final on 5^th October. 

Nestled in Lancashire’s picturesque Ribble Valley, Whalley is renowned for its historic abbey and stunning views. However, it’s the vibrant monthly Artisan Market that truly brings this village to life, drawing visitors from near and far.

Leighton hall has been chosen as a finalist in the Enterprise Vision Awards, the UK’s largest business awards dedicated solely to women for the first time, and the Frances Garnham Award form Historic Houses.

A family fun day bringing Pendle’s diverse communities together is taking place on Saturday 29th June in Nelson, Lancashire.

The producers of the award-winning production of SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL are delighted to announce that stage and screen star Wendi Peters will play ‘Mother Superior’ in the UK and Ireland tour, visiting Blackpool from Monday 15-20 July 2024.

Northcote, a boutique hotel with a Michelin star restaurant and award-winning Cookery School, located in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire, has launched its first ever cookery school class aimed at families.

With the Euros just around the corner, it's the perfect time to dive into Lancashire’s amazing football heritage. Here in Lancashire, football isn’t just a game—it’s a beloved tradition that brings people together, creating a sense of community and joy.

A giant tortoise; musicians from Canada and thought-provoking theatre pieces will be ready for audiences to enjoy in Poulton-le-Fylde this weekend with the arrival of Spot On Festival.

The iconic BBC Radio 4 programme "Any Questions?" hosted by Alex Forsyth, will be broadcast live from the historic Marine Hall in Fleetwood on Friday 28 June 2024.

It’s Pride Month, and as a county, Lancashire is ready to celebrate.

Pride Month takes place each June due to the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots which took place in New York, 55 years ago. The events and parades that take place to celebrate Pride are open to all LGBTQ+ community members and their allies as a celebration of love, acceptance and solidarity.

Radio 2, the UK’s most listened to radio station with 13.23 million weekly listeners (RAJAR Q1 2024), presents Radio 2 in the Park – a THREE day poptastic juggernaut, featuring performances from some of the world’s most-loved pop stars alongside DJ sets from some of the station’s adored presenters.

Planning a trip to the theatre this June? Take a look at what's on at Blackpool Grand Theatre below...

Say Thank You For The Music at Blackpool Grand Theatre with a whole host of magnificent live music shows on offer all the way through 2024.

Lancashire, County of Song has launched an online map to showcase the rich and numerous singing opportunities across the county

Get ready for an EPIC weekend of events in Chorley – all in celebration of Astley Hall’s 100-year anniversary!

Go wild this June and sign up for some fun to help nature

Tickets to see all of the Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool sculptures in one place are on sale now

The humble onion takes centre stage alongside quail, native lobster and Lake District lamb, plus a creative take on millionaire shortbread, in the latest five course tasting menu by award-winning Michelin Star chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen.

An exciting and interactive family performance using projection, dance and storytelling for children 3+ and their grownups is coming to Pilling Village Hall on Saturday 1st June

A fabulous array of family attractions and entertainment has been lined up in Blackpool as schools break up for the late May half-term holidays.

Whalley Artisan Market is set to make its vibrant return this Sunday, transforming the picturesque village of Whalley into a bustling hub of culture and creativity. 

Blackpool Zoo prepare for the arrival of two not so little ones with memory foam sand and exfoliation trees. Plans are underway to get Base Camp ready for the first of two Asian Elephant births later this year.

Celebrate 20 years of everyone’s favourite little piggy at Blackpool Grand Theatre this June with the enchanting new live production Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out

Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) is thrilled to announce a lineup of exciting fund-raising events and activities designed to delight animal enthusiasts of all ages this May Half Term.

VisitBlackpool has joined forces with one of the UK’s leading media companies to deliver this year’s Illuminations Switch-On event, it was announced today.

A rare opportunity for children to meet Bing and Flop from the beloved pre-school series Bing, in real life, is on offer at WWT Martin Mere this half term.

On Sunday, June 16th at 7.30 pm at the Lowther Pavilion, Lytham, Let Me Sing and I'm Happy Ltd. presents Madalena Alberto and Will Barrett in concert, with Nathan Martin at the piano.

The Winter Gardens’ iconic Empress Ballroom has reached a significant milestone as the final two chandeliers have been winched back into place, ready to light up this year’s spectacular Dance Festival.

One thing Lancashire is well known for is its historic houses, with castles, manor houses and stately homes now open to the public as wedding venues, restaurants, museums, art galleries and more.

adidas SPZL have announced the DECADE - 10 Years of adidas SPZL Exhibition will be coming to Darwen, Lancashire from 17th - 26th May. 

The humble onion takes centre stage alongside quail, native lobster and Lake District lamb, plus a creative take on millionaire shortbread, in the latest five course tasting menu by award-winning Michelin Star chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen.

Dive into the delightfully outrageous musical UNFORTUNATE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF URSULA THE SEA WITCH starring Shawna Hamic (Orange is the New Black, 1776 on Broadway) as ‘Ursula’ and River Medway (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK) as ‘Ariel’ from Tuesday 21 May to Saturday 25 May at Blackpool Grand Theatre.

As the 50th Preston Caribbean Carnival approaches, organisers are gearing up for a spectacular celebration of Caribbean culture like never before.

Australian superstar Jason Donovan is heading to the Winter Gardens in Blackpool in Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show, this November as part of a new world tour!

The celebrated production of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which was loved by audiences and critics alike during its recent West End run, will embark on a major new tour of the UK & Ireland, visiting the Winter Gardens Blackpool from 29 July – 2^nd August 2025.  

There's lots of exciting events taking place this weekend, to make it easier for you to choose we have put together of some of the excting things taking place but for even more ideas and inspriation make sure to check out our events guide.

Looking to treat yourself or someone you love to afternoon tea? Lancashire has so many great options, including a number of experiences that really up the ante when it comes to making your afternoon tea extra special.  

After a hiatus of several years, Preston City Council have announced the reintroduction of Friday trading at Preston’s Outdoor Market.

A fierce, funny look at the alternative stories of the villainised women in Greek mythology comes to the Dukes, Lancaster on the 11th & 12th June.

Lancashire’s newest music festival OAK FEST is back on 27th July at Oak Hill Park in Accrington and has extended its early bird ticket sale until 1st June

Two live music events are coming to South Ribble over the next two months as Penwortham Live and Longton Live return.

Lancashire’s Brindle Distillery – home of the world-famous Cuckoo Gin – will be the main spirits provider for Highest Point festival.

The first of the two long weekends in May is upon us, and Lancashire has so much to offer to visitors and residents alike.

Bank holiday weekend is here and there are so many exciting events happening in Lancashire. We've put together this handy list of some of the things taking place over this long weekend but for even more ideas and inspiration check out our events guide here.

Blackpool & Fylde Light Opera Company say He’s My Boy as they announce they will be bringing the smash-hit musical EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE to Blackpool Grand Theatre from Wednesday 28 May to Saturday 31 May 2025!

Following the incredible success of the launch of 2019’s ‘Blackpool Comedy Festival’, Winter Gardens Blackpool, Manford’s Comedy Club and Showtown Blackpool have today announced the festival will return to the home of British comedy in July 2024 with an all-star line-up.

The Dukes award-winning outdoor walkabout theatre show returns to Lancaster’s Williamson Park this summer as the Dukes present their annual award winning production featuring a stellar cast of 6 actors.

The excitement is building for the 2024 Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival following the announcement of a spectacular line-up for this year's event, which takes place over the August Bank Holiday Weekend (23^rd - 25^th August 2024).

Wyre Council invites you to join them to celebrate two decades of the Garstang Walking Festival this upcoming May bank holiday!

A lineup of events to suit all ages and tastes has been announced for the first ever Spot On Festival.

May 2024 - Blackpool Grand Theatre Show Listings 

Reginald Rose’s gripping courtroom thriller Twelve Angry Men is wowing audiences across the UK and will be in session at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Monday 29 April to Saturday 4 May packed full of famous names!