What's on this weekend 4th - 6th September
It’s a busy weekend in Lancashire this week, not only is it the popular St Annes International Kite Festival but it's also the Illuminations switch-on! As well as plenty more exciting events. We've put together a short list of what's on below – but to stay up to date be sure to check out our events pages here
St Annes International Kite Festival
St Annes Promenade,
4th – 6th September
The skies above St Anne’s seafront will be awash with colour this weekend as fabulous display kites take to the air on the beach adjacent to the pier. Kicking off on Friday evening with an illuminated kite flying evening. There will be five flying arenas on the beach, including one outside of the dog control zone, so visitors with dogs can get close up to some of the kite action. Timings for kite flying for 2026 are as follows:
- Friday 4th – 12 noon to 10pm featuring illuminated kite flying
- Saturday 5th – 11am to 5pm (N.B. Fairground will operate into the evening)
- Sunday 6th – 11am to 4pm
Plus, in 2026 an artisan market featuring local producers in the Promenade Gardens.
Please note the event is entirely weather dependent and the planned programme may be changed without notice, for safety reasons.
Blackpool Illuminations Switch-on
Tower Festival Headland
4th September
British pop favourites Five are set to make sure Everybody Get Up for the biggest night in the resort’s calendar, as they take centre stage at this year’s Illuminations Switch‑On.
The free outdoor event on the Tower Festival Headland, in the shadow of The Blackpool Tower, takes place on Friday 4 September 2026 and marks the start of the iconic Illuminations season. Five will be joined by rock quintet The Feeling and chart‑topping singer‑songwriter Lucy Spraggan.
Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition
Showtown Blackpool
Running daily until 2nd January
If you're in Blackpool for the switch-on fun this weekend, why not take a visit to Showtown and check out Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition. This major new exhibition brings Sir Ken Dodd’s extraordinary world of comedy, laughter and happiness to Blackpool in spectacular style. Packed with iconic costumes, famous tickling sticks, rare memorabilia, original notebooks, hilarious props and interactive experiences.
The Big Goose Trail
Martin Mere Wetland Centre
5th September – 18th October
Join us for The Big Goose Trail as you search for over 50 printed geese across WWT Martin Mere and Burscough, designed by local school children as part of Goosefest 2026. Can you count them all and give us your best guess at how many there are in total?
The British Country Music Festival
Opera House & Winter Gardens
4th – 6th September
The British Country Music Festival is back for its 7th year and promises to be bigger than ever. New immersive attractions will be available for festival goers, and over 100 artists will be performing. The three-day event celebrates the best contemporary Country, Americana, Blues and Roots music from UK-based singer-songwriters alongside a select number of international artists.
Guinness and Oyster Festival
Holmes Mill
5th September
Join in at the Mill Yard, where you'll find freshly shucked oysters, perfectly poured Guinness, outdoor bars and glasses of Laurent-Perrier Champagne, all accompanied by live music throughout the day. Whether you're a Guinness lover, an oyster enthusiast or simply looking for a great way to spend a Saturday, expect a relaxed festival atmosphere with fantastic food, drinks and entertainment.
Egyptian Balcony Tour
The Harris
5th September
This unique space offers breathtaking views and a rare glimpse into early 20th-century fascination with Ancient Egypt. These murals are complemented by decorative panels inspired by ancient Egyptian sculpture and wall paintings, creating an atmospheric setting that feels like stepping into a pharaoh’s world.
The Upbeat Beatles
Grand Theatre Blackpool
6th September
Experience the magic of The Beatles with The Upbeat Beatles, one of the UK’s leading Beatles tribute shows. Performing together for almost 30 years, the band faithfully recreates the sound and style of the Fab Four using period costumes, authentic instruments and vintage equipment.