What's on this weekend 2nd – 4th October
October is here and soon the weekends will be full of Halloween fun, but before the pumpkin picking and spooky stories take over, this weekend is easing you into the month gently. Take a look at the weekends' events full of live music and some of your little one's favourite characters and remember to check out our What's On pages for full events listings.
Chorley Live
2nd & 3rd October
Various Venues around Chorley
Have you got your Chorley Live wristbands yet? If not, get cracking! This weekend will see the popular annual event return with over 240 live performances across more than 30 venues in the town. Live music will start from 7pm each evening, be there!
Brian Bilston
2nd October
Darwen Little Theatre
Tickets are nearly sold out for the popular Brian Bilston this weekend, but if you act fast, you may just get them. One of the UK’s most popular poets, Bilston will be in Darwen to promote his latest book, How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside. This evening of comedy and laughter will take you through the hows, whys and whats of reading, writing and enjoying poetry every day, with the humour that Bilston has become known by.
Day out with Thomas at East Lancashire Railway
3rd & 4th October
East Lancashire Railway, Bury
All aboard! Got a little one that loves Thomas and Friends, or a big one hoping to introduce the next generation to a British classic? Look no further! East Lancashire Railway will this weekend welcome Thomas and Sir Toppham Hatt to the Bury Street Station. In addition to the iconic blue engine and his conductor there will be live shows with Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty and Dusty, a Thomas & Friends music corner, Garden Games and storytelling sessions, funfair rides and face painting to enjoy in the station, before or after you take a magical train ride through the Irwell Valley with Thomas himself pulling the carriages.
Book onto the magical adventure here
100 years of Stanley Park inc Drone Show
3rd October
Stanley Park, Blackpool
The award-winning Stanley Park turns 100 on Friday, with a huge celebration at a special centenary event on Saturday 3 October. A packed programme of free activities, live entertainment, family fun and special centenary moments will take place across the park throughout the day, including the switch-on of new lighting at the Italian Gardens fountain and Cocker Clock, Makers Market, fairground rides, walks and talks, free sporting activities with Active Blackpool and more! The event will end with a spectacular drone show starting at 8pm by Celestial, the finalists of Britain’s Got Talent 2025.
Singing for Wellbeing
3rd October
Longton, Preston
Looking for something a little different from your Saturday? Why not join a relaxed wellbeing sing? Did you know singing releases endorphins, or 'happy hormones' and helps you to feel good? This event is designed to allow you to reminisce, drink tea and laugh lots in between singing along to well-known songs with KTB Music, all you need is the booklet provided and off you go!
Beginner wildlife photography workshop
3rd October
Martin Mere Wetlands Centre, Burscough
Have you ever wondered what ISO, Shutter and Aperture really mean? How do photographers get such fabulous shots of birds in flight or capture the water droplets as they preen themselves? Now you can find out as Heather Beckett talks you through all of this and more. Once the basics are covered, it’s straight outside to put learning into practice and be taught as you go. You’ll go on a tour of the centre, stopping as and when to start taking great photos of the amazing birds around the site.
The Nutcracker
4th October
Grand Theatre Blackpool
The Imperial Classical Ballet returns to the UK to wow audiences with their rendition of The Nutcracker. While it may be a little early for Christmas feels, this timeless classic can be enjoyed throughout the year and is ideal for anyone who loves dance or physical theatre. Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, including the iconic Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, The Nutcracker continues to captivate audiences of all ages. It is the perfect introduction to the beauty of ballet while remaining a cherished classic for seasoned enthusiasts.
Ongoing Events
Not had chance to check out some of Lancashire's longer running events yet? You still have the chance!
Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA Life Blackpool
Until 11th October
Ever wanted to meet Tom Nook and immerse yourself in the world of Animal Crossing even more? Now is your chance! With a great New Horizon's themed trial through the SEA Life aquarium and photo opportunities with the main man himself, Tom Nook, and his trusty assistant Isabelle, this event is not to be missed by any animal crossing fans, young and old!
Goosefest
Until 18th October
Martin Mere Wetlands Centre, Burscough
A brand-new autumn wildlife celebration marking the arrival of tens of thousands of pink-footed geese migrating from Greenland and Iceland to Lancashire is underway at Martin Mere. Enjoy a huge programme of activities including guided walks, goose-counting workshops, the Big Goose Trail of 50 printed geese, photography competitions, close-up wildlife encounters and special seasonal events, with the chance to witness spectacular flocks of geese filling the skies above Martin Mere.
Horrockses Fashions: Everyday Glamour & the Art of British Ready-to-Wear
The Harris Museum
Until 31st January 2027
Marking the 80th anniversary of Horrockses Fashions, this major exhibition celebrates one of Preston's most remarkable fashion success stories. Drawing on the largest museum collection of Horrockses garments in the UK, the exhibition explores how the Lancashire-based company transformed British ready-to-wear fashion by combining couture-inspired design with high-quality printed cottons. Featuring more than 60 dresses alongside original fabric swatches, design books, photography and archive material, the exhibition showcases a brand worn by everyone from mill workers to members of the Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II. There a number of workshops taking place surrounding the exhibition throughout its run, which can be found on The Harris Museum listing.
Blackpool Illuminations
Blackpool
Until 3rd January 2027
Following an incredible evening of entertainment from pop favourites Five at this year’s Illuminations Switch‑On, the lights are now dazzling throughout the autumn winter season! Catch what is known as the greats free light display on earth as new and past favourites shine brightly along six miles of Blackpool's incredible coastline every evening.