What’s On

Valentine’s Day is approaching and we want to help you #EscapeTheEveryday and celebrate in the best way you can.

Nature has been essential in helping us to cope with the lockdowns and restrictions caused by the Coronavirus.

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.

We're no experts, but if you're struggling today - this might help. 

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Two live music events streamed to where you are!

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

Black History Month Artist Profile at The Harris

On 16 April 2020, the designer Althea McNish died aged 95 years. At the Harris they are lucky to have a fabric designed by Althea in their collection – Painted Desert (1959). This blog post is a chance to talk about Althea’s life and her work, and to share some links if you’d like to find out more. 

With the months getting colder, it’s time for your drinks to get hotter. Longer nights call for indulgent moments, and who better to deliver the goods than Choc Amor.

Lancashire’s long and rich history is part of the county’s lasting appeal, however as with every good historic tale, it usually comes with something a little more sinister.

Enjoy 100 acres of fantastic trialing land based in the Forest of Bowland in the beautiful Ribble Valley, Inch Perfect Trials guarantees to be a brilliant day out filled with excitement!

Fearsome Craftsmen will open this Saturday running until 13 December inside the Pavilion Theatre. 

There aren’t many festivals that literally offer you something for everyone, but Gisburne Park Pop up certainly does.

Head to Lancashire for 48 hours of fun! Here's a guide of what to do.

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) are inviting you to join them for the annual Open Day, but this year it’s online.

It’s Blackpool’s biggest party of the year – and for once, everyone is invited!

This Bank Holiday weekend, Astley Hall is looking forward to welcoming the public to a weekend of arts and culture for all the family.

Read the story how Hoghton Tower have redefined their offering

Sandcastle Waterpark has completely overhauled it’s admission process to ensure that social distancing can now take place throughout the Waterpark and on the slides and attractions

It’s the home of some of the World’s best Roller Coasters and a new one is now in Blackpool...

Blackpool’s world-famous circus is set re-open for the first time since the COVID-19 lockdown.

The Government has published guidance for England on what people should do if they are on holiday in an area with local coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions

This week (10 - 16 August) is #ShopLocal week and we're all being encouraged to hit the high street and support our local businesses... 

The stars of Blackpool’s first ever virtual Illuminations Switch-On event have been revealed.

It brings us great joy to be able to celebrate upcoming events in Lancashire again and the excitement in the air is uplifting.

Crafty Vintage welcomed back over 40 local independent traders over the weekend, offering everything from arts and crafts to candles and clothing.

Blackpool’s Grundy Art Gallery on Queen Street is excited to announce that it will be reopening its doors on Wednesday 29 July.

Lancaster arts organisation and venue The Dukes have announced that they are ready to reopen their cinema to the public

Learn how to make your own Face Mask with Patrick Grant, a Festival of Making advocate and a part of The Big Community Sew.

On July 4^th Thornton Hall Country Park launched the UK’s first Farm Safari Drive Thru, so you can still explore their Farm in the safety of your vehicle.

This is the year of the staycation and lucky for you there's plenty of options here in the red rose county!

We don't know about you, but as lockdown seems to be lifting, we are taking time to reflect on the past few months.

To keep everyone safe, it is imperative that you ‘Know Before You Go’. So, check out our in-depth guide below around domestic travel, along with the latest government advice, so you’re in the know before you go.

As the long-anticipated day is arriving this weekend, many bars, pubs and restaurants have implemented strict guidelines which is crucial to know before you visit.

Cook along with famous Lancashire Chef Nigel Haworth.

One of our very own, Vikki Harris, has braved the camera to help you cookalong to make 2012's Bake Off winner John Whaite's, Onion Soup. 

Bake with Booths! Follow the recipe below and bake these delicious Carrot Patch Cupcakes with one of Lancashire's favourite retailers. 

Meet Cath from The Bee Centre, this Preston based initiative produces the finest pure honey that Lancashire has to offer.

Enjoy the breathtaking views and indulge yourself in the local history. Take a virtual visit to the Eagle & Child. 

Take our Lancastrian Language Quiz to see if you’re a proper Lancashire Lass or Lad!

Discover the friendly faces behind Wild Fox Gin as they answer some of your questions!

Although it might not be the way you had planned to celebrate Father’s Day this year, you can still make it a day to remember. Get creative and pack your day with lots of Lancashire fun.

Blackpool Zoo is preparing to welcome visitors back through the doors in the near future. 

The successful “Lock Down Live” Sunday night virtual gigs are taking on a whole new style this weekend, with a live half hour of swing!

See You Soon, Safely celebrates the faces behind some of Lancashire's businesses. 

Green spaces are renowed for helping towards a better mental wellbeing, lucky for us - Lancashire is full of them!

A selection of works from the Harris and the Courtauld Gallery in London, featuring works from the 17th century to the present day, can now be seen in an online virtual tour.

Staying connected to each other and to the outside world has never been more important than right now and during these difficult times we are sure that many individuals are in need of some extra support with their mental health and wellbeing.

With the help of Simon Entwistle, we’re getting spooky for this weeks quiz...

The Northern Food and Drink Virtual Festival is a brand new event  to support and showcase Northern producers, distributors and some of the great Chefs within the region in these difficult times. 

Who else is missing the Assheton Arms?! This weeks 'pub' quiz has been 'hosted' by this Lancashire favourite, listen closely to the video for some clues to the questions...

Unfortunately, we can’t celebrate this monumental day how we would like to. But here is a little guide to give you some ideas on how best to celebrate our veterans in the comfort of your own home.

The nation’s favourite holiday resort is paying its own special tributes to mark the 75^th anniversary of VE Day.

For anyone who is self isolating, or anyone who needs a lunch time activity, take part in our 'Ultimate Lancashire Quiz...'

Spot On Lancashire, who bring professional performances to rural communities and library spaces all over the county, have launched a brand new digital project. 

A beautiful piece that warmed our heart, this is Paul’s Lancashire but what’s yours? Use #MyLancashire to feature.

The Covid-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for all businesses especially within the hospitality sector in Lancashire and beyond. While many restaurants, hotels and eating/drinking establishments have closed, The Best Western Lothersdale Hotel in Morecambe has remained open.

Stay home and stay safe this Easter. We are urging you not to visit Lancashire beauty spots this weekend but instead celebrate this holiday at home.

The nation’s favourite holiday resort is urging visitors to stay home over the Easter weekend – and instead enjoy a taste of the seaside from the comfort of their living rooms.

While we are all sitting at home, wildlife is just getting on with its spring preparations.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has announced a string of activities allowing the public to experience the thrills and spills of the UK’s favourite amusement park from home.

We’ve pulled together some facts and fiction regarding Lancashire to see if we can fool you this April Fools Day. Challenge your family to this difficult quiz and see who comes out on top...

The coronavirus outbreak has put many businesses at risk, so here are some of the ways you can continue to support them..

After huge successes with Hello Dolly, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Made in Dagenham, local amateur company Blackpool Operatic Players return to The Grand’s stage to present Shrek the Musical.

Many areas of the UK claim to have inspired JRR Tolkien’s creation of middle earth but the author certainly spent much of his time at Stonyhurst College whilst he was working on Lord of The Rings during the Second World War.

The Boulevard Hotel has teamed up with the award winning Black Powder Gin team to offer a very special event for fans of gin. 

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is offering unlimited access to the park for the whole of the 2020 season for just £90. 

The Mall Blackburn has teamed up with the organisers of World Book Day to bring stories to life in the shopping centre!

Blackburn Cathedral Flower Festival has announced a unique opportunity for UK flower fans, as Tom De Houwer confirms a demonstration and installation at the June 2020 event.