Come and enjoy our rich culture and heritage, take to our coast and hills for fresh-air fun and some of the best outdoor activities around, or to learn why we’re referred to as the ‘food and drink county’ thanks to authentic local produce that’s second to none.
Jump on a Virgin train from London and be in the centre of Lancashire in just two hours, then it’s just a short hop to the bright lights and entertainment of Blackpool- the UK’s favourite seaside resort or to the wide open spaces of the Forest of Bowland, the geographic centre of the United Kingdom and the latest star-gazers paradise.
This county of contrasts has something for everyone, here is just a taste of what to expect this spring!
#LoveTheNorth #WhereLifeFeelsGood
To find out more about the huge choice of events, festivals, activities and experiences go to our What's On Guide
Lancaster Castle
Lancaster is a vibrant university city with a wealth of history, and began life as a Roman Fort in 80AD. Now its cobbled streets are lined with smart, Georgian stone houses, lively shops, bars, restaurants and coffee shops, many located in charming squares and off hidden alleyways. Lancaster Castle dominates the city skyline and is Her Majesty The Queen’s only castle in the North, part of her Duchy as ‘Duke of Lancaster’. Steeped in medieval history the Castle offers guided tours of its early dungeons, which were once inhabited by the infamous Pendle Witches, its collection of fine Gillow furniture and the magnificent neo-gothic Shire Hall with one of the country’s largest collections of heraldic arms and collections of fine Gillow furniture . To this day Lancaster Castle remains a working Crown Court.
First Fridays - Friday 5 February
On the first Friday of every month Lancaster Arts City offers a mini-festival of the arts. A taste of something new and an opportunity to experience unique creative events, from new dance works and theatre, art, music, literary walks and poetry readings that pop-up across thie arts –loving city.
Lancaster Litfest - 17-20 March
Spring brings a literary treat in the form of Lancaster’s annual Literature Festival. Litfest returns for its 37th year with a host of events for everyone! www.litfest.org Twitter @litfest or Facebook / litfestlancaster.
25 February – Saturday 12 March
Stones In His Pockets by Marie Jones
This brand new production, co-produced by The Dukes, will be touring the UK following its run in Lancaster.
A quiet Irish village community is turned upside down with the arrival of a Hollywood film crew looking for the ‘real’ Ireland for their latest schmaltzy blockbuster. A pair of extras, Charlie and Jake, watch with amazement, envy and delight as cultures clash, divas strop, and everyone fights over the last portion of lemon meringue pie. Two actors play a vast array of eccentric and lovable characters in this comic theatre sensation. Written with poignancy and sincerity, performed at breakneck pace, this accessible play has made audiences roar with laughter across the world.
Obsession 16 22 January – 7 February
Northcote
The annual not-to-be-missed gourmet event from Lancashire’s Michelin starred Northcote. Celebrating sixteen years of culinary excellence at Northcote in Lancashire’s stunning Ribble Valley; it’s a feast in every sense of the word, a celebration, a fiesta, a festival of incredible food... and wine. But Obsession is not just about the food, the wines, the service, it's not formulas that make great festivals, it’s the people; the chefs; the staff and the guests at the 16th year of Obsession, with chefs joining the kitchen from Mexico… South Africa… Japan…Taiwan… Poland… Italy… Jersey… France and the UK.
Chorley Grand Prix – 26 March
Opening event British Cycling Elite Road Series for 2016
Cheer on Britain’s professional cyclists as they race-off on a 100 mile course through towns, villages, scenic countryside and dramatic moorland, starting and finishing in Chorley town centre. See the country’s top riders and teams battle-it-out over a challenging five-lap route through Lancashire countryside. It will also showcase Lancashire to a European audience when the event is broadcast on Eurosport.
Crafty Vintage Fair at Brockholes Nature Reserve - Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 April
The very best in vintage, retro, collectibles and handmade wares are yours to buy on this unique floating visitor centre, at Brockholes nature reserve. With crafty corners for the kids, vintage cabaret to keep you entertained throughout the day, as well as a delicious array of street-food vendors – there’s even a vintage cocktail bar!
From November until March, Martin Mere welcomes up to 2,000 whooper swans that migrate from Iceland to spend the winter in West Lancashire - a spectacle that is unique to the North West.The Swan Spectacular is centred on the daily feeds of the swans. They are creatures of habit and will instinctively fly in as they come up to feed everyday at 3pm from the Swan Link Hide and 3.30pm from the Raines Observatory.The 3.30pm feed also includes a warden’s commentary as they feed the birds as well as the chance to ask questions.
Ribble Valley Jazz & Blues Festival - 28 April – 2 May
Clitheroe and Ribble Valley
A 5 Day Jazz Festival with over 40 bands, 350 musicians, a blues stage, A soul stage, lots of free music in pubs, a picnic in the park and a Saturday Street Party!
To find out more about the huge choice of events, festivals, activities and experiences go to our What's On Guide
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