A very warm welcome to Lancashire!

If you are looking for something to do this weekend there's plenty going on in Lancashire. From food festivals to tattoo conventions there's a range of exciting events happening all across the county this weekend. 

The best part of planning your holiday is figuring out all the wonderful places you want to visit. Thankfully, a short break or day out in Lancashire doesn’t have to break the bank, as you’ll find a heap of free outdoor things to do, ideal for those sunny summer days.

Blackpool Zoo has opened the doors to its fantastic, purpose-built new big cat facility and welcomed some old, and new, feline faces.

The highly anticipated reopening of Abingdon Street Market has arrived, giving attendees the first-look opportunity as well as providing an array of performances and entertainment as it celebrates its launch.

Explosive new musical LA BAMBA! hits the number one spot as it announces SIVA KANESRARAN from top boyband The Wanted will slide into Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 November straight from ITV’s Dancing on Ice!

Thornton Hall Country Park’s very own DINO LIVE returns this May half term! Straight from the Jurassic mountains, the award-winning Lancashire attraction will welcome families across the region for a prehistoric adventure to remember.

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre celebrates as Greater Flamingo chicks successfully hatch at the centre.

 Green-fingered little ones can get hands on with lots of ‘in the garden’ related free arts and crafts at The Mall Blackburn this half term.

The countdown is well and truly on to the Burnley Words Festival which promises to be ‘a celebration of all things wordy.’

There’s No Place Like Blackpool Grand Theatre from Wednesday 31 May to Saturday 3 June for all the family to enjoy a marvellous full musical production of The Wizard of Oz from Blackpool & Fylde Light Opera Company.

Local charity Morecambe Bay Partnership is encouraging communities to ‘Get Cycling Morecambe Bay’ by offering a week of free “Bike Doctor” and bike ‘try-out’ sessions culminating in a fun cycling weekend for all from 1- 2 July on Morecambe Prom.

Lancashire is the perfect place to spend those all important school holidays. You can choose from country or coast, or enjoy a stay in the middle to experience both. All while taking in the beautiful scenery, the fantastic attractions and the mouth-watering food that will cater to every need.

It’s bank holiday weekend (again!) and the sun is set to shine all weekend, so why not visit one of the many exciting events happening across Lancashire. Check out this handy list below to discover more about some of the events happening, or for further information why not head over to our events guide.

Merlin Entertainments unveils £2.3million The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse Attraction for families to enjoy on Blackpool’s famous promenade.

The Dukes award-winning outdoor walkabout theatre season returns to Lancaster’s Williamson Park this summer. Featuring a stellar company of 6 actors, the cast has now been revealed.

Following on from the enormous success of our community marquee for the coronation
celebrations, Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens are pleased to announce that the
community marquee, The Tent, will remain in their historic gardens from 22nd July until
28th August 2023.

Anton Benson Productions’ RAPUNZEL  tours to 23 venues across the UK between March and June 2023 arriving at the Opera House Blackpool this bank holiday, Sunday 28 May 2023,

#AmazingAccrington, organisers of the 2023 Accrington Food & Culture Festival, have announced a spectacular line-up of free activities for all the family at the eagerly anticipated cultural event which takes place on Saturday 3^rd June in Accrington town centre.

Martin Mere Wetland Centre has welcomed several white stork chicks and they are captivating people’s hearts!

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) are hosting a Quiz and Bingo Night for grown-ups to enjoy and have some fun.

Due to popular demand the Horses and Ponies Protection Association’s Novelty Dog Show returns this year at Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe, Burnley, BB10 3QU, on Saturday 3^rd June.

The popular food and drink showcase event – A Taste of Chorley - returns on the weekend of 3 and 4 June in the town centre.

Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy have recently announced the winners of the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for summer 2023.

The weekend is fast approaching and if you are looking for something to do you’ve come to the right place. 

Everything is in place for Music In The Park 2023. The next Bank Holiday weekend will bring the music to Worden Park in Leyland on Sunday 28 May.

To celebrate National Children’s Gardening Week (27^th May-4^th June), Barton Grange Garden Centre is hosting two special workshops to encourage kids to explore the natural world.

Exciting new musical Unexpected Twist from writer Michael Rosen and The Children’s Theatre Partnership’s comes to Blackpool Grand Theatre this May featuring original beatbox, hip hop and grime. It’s Oliver Twist as you’ve never seen it before!

There’ll be some famous faces appearing at Lancaster’s longest established film festival on June 3.

This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week with this year’s theme being anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, and can be mild or severe.

When Ski Rossendale opened in September 1973, at 500m it boasted the longest artificial ski slope and largest facility of its kind in the UK.

Welsh superstar mezzo soprano Katherine Jenkins OBE is to headline an exclusive Last Night of The Proms concert in Lytham.

Celebrating difference, friendship and working together to do the right thing.

ITV’s Hit Antiques Show presented by David Dickinson is coming to Marine Hall in Fleetwood and is looking for local people to cash in their antiques.

It’s World Cocktail Day this Saturday and to celebrate we’ve gathered some delicious cocktail recipes provided to us from a selection of different Lancashire businesses.

A big budget extravaganza adaptation of J.M Barrie’s much-loved tale Peter Pan flies into Blackpool from Thursday 26 October – Sunday 29 October promising a spectacular spin on the timeless classic adventure.

Danny Robins’ critically acclaimed 2:22 – A Ghost Story will slip into Blackpool Grand from Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 April 2024 for one week only. This terrifying theatrical phenomenon is not to be missed on its very first UK tour! Book your seats now!

There's lots to do this weekend in Lancashire, whether you are looking for somewhere to watch the Eurovision Song Contest, starting festival season by attending Highest Point Festival or looking to try something new, there's something for everybody to enjoy in Lancashire this weekend.

Phase one of the completion of a new big cat facility at Blackpool Zoo is well underway following the return of their very own lion king - Khari the African lion.

Hold on tight for the ride of your life as ENSEMBLE Theatre fly into The Grand from Thursday 31 August to Sunday 3 September with their Truly Scrumptious production of Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It’s a sky high hit for all the family!

A delightful stage version of one of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ most popular books for children is due to arrive at the Dukes from the 30th - 31st May 2023.

This weekend is a great opportunity to learn more about the special connection Lancashire has with the Royal Family. Whether it’s a trip to Lancaster Castle to learn more about the Duke Of Lancaster or a trip to one of Lancashire’s historic sites who have had a monarch visit in the past, there’s plenty of opportunities to learn more about the royal connection to Lancashire.

Home to the Kings Castle of the North, Lancaster has had a strong royal connection for centuries. So what better way to celebrate the upcoming coronation of King Charles III than with a stroll around this beautiful historic city.

The Whalley Monthly Artisan Market is set to return to the Swan Pub Car Park on Sunday May 30th, from 10am to 4pm. 

After the success of The Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Lancashire is pleased to once again be hosting several Big Lunch events for the upcoming King’s Coronation weekend.

It’s almost time for the Chorley 10K and 2K Family Run.

Roll up, roll up!  There is something for everyone this May Half Term at award-winning visitor attraction Thornton Hall Country Park.

Everyman Theatre Cheltenham & Buxton Opera House in association with Mark Goucher and David Pugh are delighted to announce that the UK Tour of Simon Beaufoy’s THE FULL MONTY will star Danny Hatchard as Gaz, Jake Quickenden as Guy, Bill Ward as Gerald, Neil Hurst as Dave, Ben Onwukwe as Horse and Nicholas Prasad as Lomper.

A new food festival for Lancaster will take place on Friday 2nd June…Around the World Food Festival will be the Dukes theatre’s first ever food festival, as they open their doors to celebrate food and tastes from around the world. 

Spring has sprung and what better time of the year to get out and about in nature. The blossom is blooming and for around six weeks of the season Lancashire’s beautiful woodlands host a wonderful carpet of bluebells.

Bank holiday weekend is here and it’s the first of three this month! Make the most of this long weekend by checking out one of the many exciting events happening across Lancashire.

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) are hosting an evening of cocktails and fashion with local companies, Poison Ivy and Narazuke.

Ready… set… go! The annual duck race is returning to WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre on 1 May.

Olivier Award Winning show straight from London’s West End is coming to The Dukes on the 27th May 2023.

Blackpool Zoo’s penguins are ready to net fish and chill in their redeveloped £100k home.

Stonyhurst has announced its Museum and Archives will host an exhibition this summer, ‘Folio 400: A Summer of Shakespeare’, featuring its very own copy of the First Folio of William Shakespeare as part of the worldwide 400th-anniversary celebrations.

Kate Bush fans are invited to fling themselves around with wild abandon while recreating the iconic dance from the song Wuthering Heights in a Preston Park this summer.

There’s something wonderful about a trip to the beach in summer. Feeling the soft warm sand between your toes, the smell of the fresh sea air, and the taste of delicious ice cream, especially if you can bring your four-legged friend along too.

Although some of Lancashire’s beaches impose restrictions during the summer months, there are still plenty of great dog-friendly beaches waiting to be explored.

There's plenty of exciting events taking place across the county this weekend. If you're looking for something to do, why not take a visit to Lancashire.

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Lancashire is inviting kids to enter for free during the next planned teacher strikes on Thursday 27 April and Tuesday 2 May.

Six Blackpool residents are set to appear in a powerful new production of Julius Caesar this May as The Royal Shakespeare Company storms back into Blackpool.

Would you trade five years of your life for the perfect body? A brand-new play touring the UK this spring asks audiences this very question and tells the story of one woman who is prepared to do just that. 

The Lowther Pavilion Theatre in Lytham is working with Mellor & Rose, local Calligraphers and Lettering Artists, to create a free trail of quotes in their historic gardens to celebrate Shakespeare’s Birthday.

Highest Point Festival is Lancaster’s primary annual music festival. Set in the idyllic Williamson Park, the fest unites ravers, families, indie kids and everyone in between to enjoy banging tunes over the weekend in May each year. 

International Dawn Chorus Day takes place on Sunday 7 May 2023 and the RSPB is inviting you to wrap your ears around nature’s finest musical experience.

The free to attend family event is set to return on the day of King Charles III Coronation with a royal theme to match.

The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) free award-winning Lancashire Science Festival is returning in May.

Blackpool is preparing to celebrate the King’s Coronation in right royal style!

Toes are going to be tapping in Burnley at the end of April as the town gears up to host a brand new music festival.

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

Just because the bank holidays are over, doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. There’s still plenty of exciting events happening across the county including art festivals, family shows and craft fairs.

Darwen Town Council is thrilled to invite families to join the King Charles III Coronation Big Street Party on Monday, May 8th from 10 am to 4 pm on Darwen Market Square.

Children have been having a really wild time in The Mall Blackburn as part of its free programme of activities this Easter.

 

Short but perfectly formed films will be screened at Lancaster’s longest established film festival in June.

The boys are back in town! Don’t miss TV soap sensation Tom Lister (Emmerdale’s Carl King) teaming up with his best mate Steve Royle for Blackpool’s No 1 panto featuring this year’s fabulous family pantomime Aladdin at Blackpool Grand Theatre this Christmas.

For one lucky Blackpool couple their visit was even more magical as they were in fact informed that they were the 50,000^th visitors.

Every Easter, Avenham Park in Preston, comes to life with hundreds of people looking to join in the springtime fun of rolling eggs down the steep banks in the park.

A whole programme of fun, free events have been announced for Accrington Market this Easter.

Disney’s magical new stage musical Winnie the Pooh will bounce into Blackpool Grand Theatre this summer featuring incredible life-size puppetry of all your favourite friends from Hundred Acre Wood. 

Following on from a series of successful events already this year, including the launch of Shy Burhan’s photography exhibition ‘Women in Uniform’ on International Women’s Day, Haworth Art Gallery are thrilled to announce their full programme of free events and activities for Spring 2023.

With Easter just over a week away, Lowther Pavilion Theatre are giving chocolate lovers
the chance to get their hands on a staggering amount of chocolate for as little as £2.

ELYSIAN FILM GROUP have today announced GREATEST DAYS, the highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of Take That’s smash-hit stage musical The Band, will be released in cinemas across the UK and ROI on Friday 16th June.

Excitement at WWT Martin Mere as three cape barren goslings are released back into the living collection.

Highest Point has announced that it is partnering with two local Lancaster charities at this year’s festival to raise vital funds to support patients with life-shortening illnesses and families affected by childhood cancer.

Astley Hall is open once again and welcoming visitors following the annual winter cleaning closure.

The Dukes award-winning outdoor walkabout theatre season returns to Lancaster’s Williamson Park this summer.

It’s a stunning new show season at Blackpool Grand Theatre and it’s packed tighter than a period drama corset with a dazzling kaleidoscope of entertainment for all!

Nelson Town Council have announced an exciting line-up of events to celebrate the King’s Coronation on Saturday 6^th May 2023 including a spectacular procession, live music, a big screen showing the Coronation live, competitions, entertainment for all the family and much more.

Blackpool has unveiled a dazzling multi-million pounds programme of marketing, events and new attractions to celebrate the start of a new tourism season.

Musician and song-writing legend Graham Nash OBE has been announced as the headliner for The British Country Music Festival, as he returns to the town of his birth to perform at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool.

Have a cracking Easter this year at Blackpool Pleasure Beach! There is something for everyone so whether you are looking for fantastic family fun or thrilling rides we can guarantee an egg-cellent time. Blackpool Pleasure Beach opens daily from 1^st April and there is plenty for everyone to enjoy. 

There’s a cracking choice of Easter-themed craft activities and decorating workshops in store at Barton Grange Garden Centre in Preston this April.

The Mall Blackburn is hosting a week long, really wild, free programme of activities this Easter.

Pixies playing tricks and dragon riders are part of a new immersive adventure which will be hosted by Hoghton Tower over Easter.

Blackpool is preparing to welcome 350 youth football teams and over 10,000 attendees during Easter and May Day bank holiday weekends as they return for Blackpool Cup tournaments.  

April is here and many of Lancashire’s fantastic attractions are ready to welcome you back for Spring. Whether you’re choosing to get in the Easter sprit at one of the special Easter events starting this weekend or you’re simply looking for something to do, there’s a range of exciting events happening all across the county.

Introducing a brand-new event this Easter in the rabbit-sized world of adventure

Celebrate and support the wonderful world of live performance with tickets to a stunning show at Blackpool Grand Theatre this World Theatre Day.

Organisers of the 2023 Great British R&B Festival, Colne Town Council in partnership with Colne Blues Society, have announced a star-studded line-up for this year's event

The Crafty Vintage monthly Artisan Market will now pop-up on the last Sunday of every month in the Ribble Valley village of Whalley, starting this Sunday 26 March. The market will feature local makers, creators, and artisans selling unique, handmade products. 

One of the strongest RVIPW line-ups yet was announced at last Wednesday’s concert to Launch the 2023 festival by Artistic Director, Martin Roscoe.