A very warm welcome to Lancashire!

Can you believe it's almost the weekend again! It's set to be a super exciting weekend in Lancashire with the return of the iconic Blackpool Illuminations and the fantastic St Annes International Kite Festival.

Blackpool’s No.1 Pantomime is back at Blackpool Grand Theatre this December with the magical tale of Beauty and The Beast and it’s set to be Bigger, Bolder and Brighter than ever before with social media and stage sensation Kitty Harris just announced as the Belle of the ball!

The Force was strong in Cleveleys this week as four special guests travelled across galaxies and took centre stage to officially unveil a new brass marker commemorating the town’s role in the hit Disney+ series Star Wars: Andor.

Blackpool is preparing for one of the most magical nights in its calendar when, for one night only, the six miles of Promenade will be closed to give cyclists a sneak preview of this year’s Illuminations.

Want to tee-off but haven’t a clue how to begin? Keen golfer but want to get the next generation involved? Then Lancashire has just the place for you. Southport Golf Academy sits within the boundaries of West Lancashire and is the official home of the Lancashire County Golf Development Centre.  

Guests can look forward to the anticipated return of Sunset Screenings, the Dukes’ premier outdoor cinema experience. 

The long weekend is here, and it you are ready to fill it with fun, Lancashire is the place to be! Where else will you find soapbox challenges, gravy wrestling and a nationwide celebration of Rhythm and Blues? Not to mention all the other great events happening around the county.  

Pleasure Beach Resort is offering guests the option to watch the evening performance of Hot Ice for free, so long as they have an eTicket to the park.

Colne is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors as the award-winning Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival returns this weekend, bringing with it a wave of live music, community celebration and vibrant entertainment.

 

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) is proud to announce that it has been named a finalist in three categories at the prestigious Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026.

WWT Martin Mere, based near Southport, is excited to announce the opening of its new interactive outdoor experience, a new wet meadow habitat with self-guided bug hunting.

Brian Daniels’ acclaimed play Sound of Silence will be performed at Blackpool Grand Theatre’s STUDIO space on Thursday 28^th August to help spark important conversations about suicide awareness and prevention as part of the Baton of Hope Blackpool event.

The finale of an exciting and ambitious new art project will take place in Gisburn Forest this month.

Borough parks receive Green Flag Award as two of the country’s best green spaces   Beacon County Park & Coronation Park receive the Green Flag Award for quality and care   Rangers and Clean and Gree..

This week marks Afternoon Tea week in the UK, and what better way to celebrate than with an Afternoon Tea in a beautiful historic setting.  

There's plenty of exciting events taking place across the county this weekend. If you are looking for something to do check out this handy list below.

Blackpool has unveiled a dazzling array of new, fun-packed features that will grace the 2025 Illuminations display, created in collaboration with four nationally acclaimed artists.

Embark on a week of wild food adventures and tasty trails with Feast Bowland’s immersive programme of events.

From 90s Britpop, The Bluetones to A list comedy with Russel Kane and Su Pollard. Snooker legends Steve Davis and Dannis Taylor to local legends, The Lancashire Hotpots, the Muni Theatre is bursting with great nights of entertainment this Autumn/Winter season

Brockholes’ annual village fete is coming back for the August bank holiday weekend. 

After months of research, testing and more than a thousand of cups of tea, two brands have made a breakthrough that will change brews abroad forever.

The bank holiday weekend will soon be here, but if you haven’t managed to secure a getaway yet don't fear. Enjoy a bite of spontaneity and enjoy a visit to Lancashire for your long weekend.  

It's set to be another busy weekend in Lancashire, with a wide range of events planned across the county including the return of the popular Clitheroe Food Festival and Blackpool Air show

Check out this handy list below to discover more about what's on at Blackpool Grand Theatre this August.

Pleasure Beach Resort has announced brand-new events this August, including more late nights and a never-before-seen pet experience.

August is here, and with it the start of a new weekend full of great things to do and see in Lancashire. From fantastical theatre to historic railways and nature inspired activities, you can find some much in the county this weekend. 

As there are so many great events to choose from, we thought we'd help by pulling together our top events to inspire you.

The Blackpool Tower and Madame Tussauds have today entered into local management, in what is being described as a historic and transformative moment for the UK’s most iconic seaside resort.

 

Oswaldtwistle Mills is proud to announce its debut as an official venue at Ossyfest 2025, the popular local music event weekend that raises great funds for charity. Saturday 9^th August will see a dedicated venue area inside Oswaldtwistle Mills for the very first time.

Searching for sharks in Morecambe Bay has helped volunteers to make waves by winning a national award.

Tickets for one of East Lancashire's most popular festival campsites are selling fast, as music fans from across the country, and beyond, prepare to descend on Colne for the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival, running from 22^nd to 24^th August.

Hop to it and book your seats now for Blackpool Grand Theatre’s Summer Youth Production of The Wind in The Willows.

1 & 2nd August:              The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as the..

Stormzy is hitting the road – in wax form – as Madame Tussauds brings the figure of this British icon to its world-famous Blackpool location for a limited time only.

Get ready to rock out All Day and All of The Night to the raw energy, passion and timeless sound of The Kinks as the cast is announced for the multi-award-winning hit musical SUNNY AFTERNOON at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 28 April to Saturday 2 May 2026.

Halloween Sleepover at Towneley Hall

Earlier this year, Pleasure Beach Resort unveiled plans for a brand-new £8.72M ride set to open in 2026 – and today the park has released the first CGI video of what it will look like.

Lytham is set to shine once again as the Lytham International Film Festival (LYIFF) returns this August, bringing four days of bold storytelling, cinematic excellence, and community spirit to the Fylde Coast.

After three dazzling years lighting up Morecambe’s winter calendar, Baylight is already looking ahead to a bigger and bolder return in 2027.

Children from Whitefield Primary School, in Penwortham, were the first to try out the new state-of-the-art playground at Brockholes Nature Reserve today.

Blackpool Grand Theatre and SHOWTOWN museum have teamed up to offer a comedy combo guaranteed to tickle everyone’s funny bone this Summer!

In news that’s sure to make every Swiftie’s wildest dreams come true, global entertainment brand Madame Tussauds today unveils its biggest figure launch to date, creating not one, but 13 brand new Taylor Swift wax figures.

Two of Blackpool’s top-rated attractions – Spitfire Visitor Centre and Showtown Museum, join forces to offer a new, discounted joint ticket celebrating the town’s rich history.

The summer holidays are in full swing, and the array of fabulous events on in Lancashire this weekend are ideal for keeping you and the kids entertained!  From flower shows to family fiestas, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Pop superstar Olly Murs is set to light up Blackpool this August as the headline performer for the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On event on the evening of Friday 29 August

An exciting and ambitious new art project will officially launch in Dunsop Bridge on Saturday 2 August.

Blackpool Grand Theatre stole the spotlight at Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show 2025 with an award-winning seaside spectacle!

Animation legend who found inspiration in Preston's cultural landmark brings his beloved characters back to where it all began - as £19 million transformation creates spectacular new visitor experience

Following the incredible success of Rossendale’s first ever Pride event in 2024, Spectrum Inclusion and The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery are thrilled to announce that Rossendale Pride is back for 2025 — and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever!

This summer, HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) is inviting families, animal lovers and adventure seekers to a season of unforgettable fun at Shores Hey Farm in Briercliffe, Burnley.

Barton Grange Garden Centre in Preston is celebrating after being named Destination Garden Centre of the Year at the Garden Centre Association (GCA) North Region Awards.

Marine Hall, Fleetwood is set to roll out the red carpet as it launches the CineWyre Film Festival—a four-day celebration of international cinema.

TV favourites Joe McFadden (Holby City, Heartbeat), Ben Onwukwe (London’s Burning) and Bill Ward (Coronation Street) will break into Blackpool Grand Theatre this September to star in the acclaimed stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption.

This Sunday is National Ice Cream Day, and with so many fabulous parlours situated throughout Lancashire, we could not help but pull together some suggestions of where to celebrate the day.  

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 2025.

Unsure on what to do this weekend, take a look at the list of exciting events below or for even more inspiration head over to our events guide here.

The Blackpool International Soul Festival celebrates its 10^th anniversary in 2026 with 3-days of wonderful soul music at the Winter Gardens Blackpool from June 19^th-21^st.

Barnum is heading to the Winter Gardens Blackpool - 9th June to 13th June 

Gisburn Forest, near Slaidburn, is bursting with affordable adventures for the whole family throughout the school holidays.

The Green Fayre returns to Beacon Country Park in Up Holland on July 19 and 20, 2025 (11am to 5pm).   

Blackpool’s favourite sea creatures won’t be the only animals under the surface this July, as Angry Birds are visiting SEA LIFE Blackpool to host an energetic activity trail for the whole family.  

Richard O’Brien’s THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW will roar back into Blackpool Grand Theatre from Monday 11 May to Saturday 16 May 2026 for a fabulous night of fun, frolics and frivolity that’s NOT to be missed.

Sandcastle Waterpark and Pleasure Beach unite for the ultimate day out.

Sharing a flat can be murder...

The 2025 edition of Burnley Canal Festival is now confirmed for its regular date at August Bank Holiday weekend.

Fancy something sweet to do this weekend? Lancashire has you covered! With everything from gingerbread festivals to fun village shows, plus dinosaurs, pirates and princesses – you won't be bored when you enjoy a great event in Lancashire.

The Gingerbread Festival returns to Ormskirk this week, bringing fun and family entertainment to the town centre on Sunday 13 July. 

Lancaster’s iconic Toll House Inn has reopened with a striking new look following a £600,000 renovation.

Parents wanting to take the kids out for a bite to eat but not worry about the cost during the school summer holidays can make the most of an offer where they can feed them for nothing.

Whether it's award-winning cuisine you’re looking for, highly graded accommodation with amazing facilities, or a completely unique guest experience, Lancashire has lots on offer to make your visit extra special and truly memorable.

From Michelin starred restaurants to luxury cabins perfect for a secluded escape away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you can count on Lancashire to provide luxury like no other.

Our four-day luxury getaway includes one of the UK's ten three Michelin Star restaurants, the Good Spa Guides top UK spa and more.

With a rich history overlaying our county, there is so much to see and do in Lancashire for those who love learning about the past and how it shapes our future and connections to our King. Embark on this three-day itinerary today to discover more.

Affinity Lancashire is the place to be this summer, as once again there's a huge range of family friendly events planned, and even better they are FREE!

The popular Colne Food and Drink Festival is coming back at the end of the month.

Get ready for the most anticipated music experience of the year: Thornton Rocks 2025 is set to return on Saturday 6 September, hosted at the stunning Thornton Hall Country Park, near Skipton.

Take a look at some of the exciting shows coming up this July at Winter Gardens Blackpool.

This weekend Visit Lancashire will be attending the National Festival of Making in Blackburn, where we will be showcasing a range of delicious food and drink providers in the Taste Lancashire tent – which will be located on King Wiliams Street.

The towns beloved Southern style restaurant and bar, re-opens following an exciting re-fresh… 

Michael Rosen, Clare Ferguson Walker, Henry Normal, Nigel Planer, John Hegley, Jan Brierton, Robin Ince and Luke Wright will be leading the ‘raucous celebration of words’ at the Morecambe Poetry Festival this September 12-14.

The master of mind control is back and this time it’s personal!

Northcote, a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant and country house hotel in the Ribble Valley, has launched an exciting new Summer Gourmet Menu, the first to be unveiled since Lisa Goodwin-Allen returned to the property as chef patron-director.

Check out some of the fantastic shows that are coming to Blackpool Grand Theatre this July - trust us, there's some good ones.

This year marks a monumental milestone in British history as we look back on 200 years of the modern railway

The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village is proud to announce that it has once again been named Best Day Spa in the UK by the prestigious Good Spa Guide — marking its fourth consecutive win of this national award.

Blackpool Air Show is set to return on 9 and 10 August with two days of spectacular aerial displays from some of the world’s finest military and civilian aircraft over the seafront.

Blackpool Grand Theatre is marking Midsummer’s Day with a killer cast reveal as the ensemble is announced for Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift!

The Baton of Hope UK tour 2025 was officially launched in Blackpool today (Thursday 19 June) on the town’s iconic Promenade in front of the world famous Tower – with the powerful and poignant announcement that the national tour will begin right here in Blackpool on Monday 1 September!

A dream will come true in Lancaster next week when a new ground-breaking trading card game is launched

The much-loved Café at Walterz in Staining has undergone a truly tasty transformation - unveiling exciting new menus and a vibrant new outlook thanks to the arrival of homegrown culinary talent, Chef Nathan Shaw.

Wyre Council, in partnership with the Wyre Rivers Trust and Lancashire County Council, is proud to announce the successful completion of Phase 1 of the Gateway to the Wyre Estuary Project.

The sensational feel-good musical MAMMA MIA! embarks on a new UK tour visiting the Winter Gardens Blackpool from 28 April –3 May 2026

A family fun day bringing Pendle’s diverse communities together is taking place on Saturday 28th June in Nelson, Lancashire.

Michael Harrison, in association with Cameron Mackintosh, is delighted to announce the full casting for a major UK and Ireland tour of MISS SAIGON.

SEA LIFE Blackpool invites visitors to experience the wonders of the ocean with smaller crowds and bigger savings, offering a huge 40% off midweek tickets for a limited time.

More Music will host the Three Degrees Festival on Saturday 5 July from 12pm-5pm, a vibrant free community festival featuring live music, art and creative workshops for all ages and abilities, all themed around climate change and the positive actions communities can take to make a difference.

Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and John Stalker Productions with co-producers ADAMA Entertainment and Guy James are delighted to announce the full cast of THE ADDAMS FAMILY The Musical Comedy UK tour heading to the Winter Gardens Blackpool from 26 – 30 August 2025!

Brockholes’ annual village fete is coming back for the August bank holiday weekend later this summer. 

Wyre Council is proud to officially unveil a new brass marker commemorating the borough’s connection to one of the most iconic film franchises in history, Star Wars.

Teams are being encouraged to sign up to take part in a ‘Race Across Lancashire’ event, an exciting fundraising challenge organised by the charity Lancashire Women. This adventure event, taking place on the 6^th & 7^th September, is inspired by the popular TV show ‘Race Across the World’ and invites teams to register for an unforgettable journey across the county.