16 Apr 2024
As we wave goodbye to the colder months, we say hello to everything that spring has to offer in Lancashire. Amongst the newborn lambs, blossoming trees and rejuvenated landscapes of this beautiful county, you can always find something to do especially in our great outdoors.
Lancashire's blend of pretty countryside villages, radiant coastal resorts and bustling cities offer a rich tapestry for visitors to explore. Springtime is the ideal time to visit, as the longer days light the way for nature's reawakening. What's more the new season brings about so many opportunities for music lovers, families, history buffs and more, to immerse themselves in the things they love at great events throughout the county.
Whatever you're looking for you can find it in the latest edition of Visit Lancashire's Events Guide, which covers the regions main events from April to June 2024. And read on to see some of the highlights:
13th April – 9th June 2024
Elmer's Big Parade Blackpool 2024
Blackpool, Lancashire
Price: Free
Head to Blackpool to encounter the fantastical, uniquely decorated, elephant sculptures at key locations across the town.
Elmer the patchwork elephant is one of the most iconic, well-known elephants from a series of children's books that have entertained youngsters for over 30 years. Translated into more than 50 languages, delighting children around the world, the Elmer inspired trail is sure to delight children and adults alike. The trail will fundraise for Brian House Children's Hospice and there will also be a trail of mini Elmers decorated by local schoolchildren.
The event starts just in time for the end of the Easter Break, so get in early to find as many of the beautifully decorated Elmers as possible!
Where to stay nearby: The Big Blue Hotel on the south shore is ideal for a stay in Blackpool, especially with kids. The hotel has a great family feel and is a Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort hotel so can be booked with a package for the theme park too.
Eating nearby: There will be something for everyone at Mr Basrai's World Cuisines, an all-you-can- eat restaurant, offering cuisines from around the world, right in the heart of Blackpool.
19th April
Slaidburn, Lancashire
Price: £11 (+ booking fee)
Grab your binoculars and join the Forest of Bowland team for a 2.5 mile walk along one of the area's most stunning valleys. Learn about the international importance of the area and its rare upland habitats. There is a whole host of incredible wildlife that makes the Forest of Bowland its home in the Spring and Summer and there will be opportunities to discover them.
The area is known for rare upland birds such as the hen harrier, ring ouzel, and merlin. It is hoped that visitors will be able to spot other moorland specialities such as stonechat, meadow pipit, curlew, and have the chance of seeing green hairstreak butterflies.
In addition to binoculars, guests will need a packed lunch for the event. A Telescope is also recommended. The route will be along a rough track with some moderate slopes and stiles.
This event is just one of the many events being held in the Forest of Bowland this year to celebrate their 60th Anniversary. Check out the Festival Bowland website for more.
Where to stay nearby: For a wonderful and cosy countryside retreat book into Dale House Barn Bed and Breakfast, where you will be treated to a mouthwatering breakfast made with locally sourced ingredients lovingly prepared by owner Danielle.
Eating nearby: There is no shortage of pubs and restaurants offering appetizing meals in the Ribble Valley, including the award-winning Coach and Horses in Bolton-By-Bowland
3rd – 6th May 2024
Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues Festival
Ribble Valley, Lancashire
Price: £55
Celebrate the first of May's bank holidays with a weekend of music in the Ribble Valley. This four-day festival showcases the very best of Jazz and Blues from around the world. With over 500 performers from many genres performing in Clitheroe and beyond, there will be plenty for everyone to enjoy and tap their feet to.
The festival will also highlight up-and-coming local singers and bands, to help them perform to a larger audience, with well-loved home grown talent including Elbow Room, The Ribble Valley Jazz Big Band and Blufunk Syndicate returning.
Where to stay nearby: The 1823 Spinning Block Hotel in Clitheroe will place you in the heart of the musical action.
Eating nearby: The Waddington Arms pub offers fantastic food and is hosting one of the fantastic acts during the festival.
4th – 12th May 2024
Garstang, Lancashire
Price: Varies
Join in with some fantastic walks and experience springtime in the countryside in rural Wyre, Forest of Bowland and Morecambe Bay. This nine-day celebration of walking features 40 walks for all ages and abilities in the company of knowledgeable walk leaders. This year the festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary with even more great events to join in with.
The area is known as a haven for walkers, providing everything from coastal routes to countryside and hill walks and the festival includes the three-day long-distance Wyre Way Challenge for those who are up to it; a 45-mile-long route exploring the history and wildlife from the mouth of the Wyre Estuary to its source in the Forest of Bowland!
The Garstang Walking Festival Guide is now live with loads of great options to choose from, including the Garstang Cheese Trail, Calder Vale Bluebell Walk, Sunset Moments at the Mount in Fleetwood and Scorton Short Walk. All walks are guided with charges up to £5. The festival concludes with a Festival Celebration Meal at Bleasdale Parish Hall at a cost of £10.
Where to stay nearby: Cleveleymere Holiday Five Star Lakeside Lodges is a collection of self-catering luxury lodges in the village of Scorton.
Eating nearby: The Priory Inn is a popular restaurant in the village of Scorton serving hearty British cuisine, perfect for refuelling after a walk.
5th May 2024
Chorley, Lancashire
Price: £25
Calling all runners! If you want to tick off another town in your running sightseeing list, head to Chorley for their fantastic family friendly 10k event. With a two-lap 10k race starting in the town centre and taking in the beautiful Astley Park and more, this sports event also brings a great village to the town centre for visitors to enjoy, with live entertainment, stalls and more.
In addition to the main race there is a family fun race in which participants take on a much shorter 2k route from the town centre to Astley Hall suitable for runners aged 4 and upwards
Where to stay nearby: Nearby Park Hall Hotel offers 92 bedrooms with great facilities including pool, gym , sauna and spa area, perfect to relax after your race.
Eating nearby: One of the benefits from the race is that local businesses offer medal winners discounts, so if you are joining in with the fun why not head to Escape Entertainment for 2 for £12 on pizzas.
11th – 12th May 2024
Ormskirk, Lancashire
Price: Free
Step into the world of heroic battles and life in English Norman Times, as the annual Ormskirk Medieval Festival takes you back to the 12th century.
Coronation Park is taken over by barons, ladies, knights and freemen offering themed activities, demonstrations and displays exploring the past Visitors can expect to try on armour, try their hand at archery and take a closer look at weapons of the time.
Experience the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of Norman times during the weekend which will have something for everyone to enjoy. There will be a range of modern-day refreshments and activities too, including children's rides and face painting.
Where to stay nearby: New on the block self-catering accommodation Windmill on the Farm offers a unique place to stay in a converted 18th century windmill, located at Windmill Animal Farm a working farm and award-winning attraction, in nearby Burscough.
25th – 26th May 2024
Caribbean Carnival – 50th Anniversary
Preston, Lancashire
Price: £2 for Carnival Day
One of the largest celebrations of Caribbean Culture has been taking place in Preston for 50 years and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. This year, the organisers are aiming for the biggest one yet. The Caribbean Carnival is open to all and is held to promote the appreciation and understanding of Caribbean culture by and for, diverse communities. Be part of the celebrations as the city dances to the rhythms of the Caribbean, enjoys traditional Caribbean cuisine and more.
There will be a whole weekend of celebrations, starting with a Friday night showcase of international DJs. Saturday will see the One Park music festival featuring the best in reggae music and a bespoke Caribbean village. The event will conclude on Sunday 26th May with the annual Carnival Day with huge street procession and event at Moor Park with steel band, live performances, sound systems, family activities and a whole host of food and drink.
Where to stay nearby: Delta Hotels by Marriott Hotel is a distinctive hotel on the outskirts of the city making the most of having city and countryside close to hand.
Eating nearby: There will be plenty of great stalls selling food and drink at the event, but for the evening why not head into the city and enjoy a meal at Bistrot Pierre; a French inspired restaurant in a beautifully restored 19th century church. Or try Preston's hidden gem Aven, which is open for the whole weekend, offering the city's only fine-dining experience.
25th – 27th May 2024
Lancaster, Lancashire
Price: Free
The historic city of Lancaster comes alive with the sights and tastes of Italy over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.
There will be a whole host of events including a 3-act concert in the Market Square on the Saturday night, followed by Italian supercars, superbikes, scooters, food, drink, artisan stalls, music and entertainment on the Sunday and a day of entertainment with a twist on the bank holiday Monday.
With so much to see and do, it's a fantastic time to head to the city where you can also choose to explore Lancaster Castle, the Judge's Lodgings Museum, City Museum and more.
Where to stay nearby: The Borough is a warm and welcoming pub on the city's historic Dalton Square, with 12 beautiful contemporary rooms to stay in.
Eating nearby: If wood fired pizza is a family favourite, stop by The Boot and Shoe for the ideal evening meal, the pub offers a full menu of meals made with locally sourced ingredients.
26th May 2024
Leyland, Lancashire
Price: Free
Get ready to party! Music in the Park is back, and it brings with it a fantastic line up of celebrity chart toppers from the 80s and 90s!
Head to Worden Park in Leyland to dance the day away this Spring Bank Holiday, with big names including Billy Ocean, Jason Donovan, Heather Small, Katrina, Nathan Moore, Toyah, Sonia and Pat Sharp amongst other great acts.
The event was named the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2023 Small Event of the Year for the 9 hours of fantastic music on offer. Only in its third year, it seems to be getting bigger and better every year and 2024 promises to be a good one. There will be food and drink vendors in the park for refreshments throughout the day.
Where to stay nearby: Alpaca Fold Accommodation is a beautiful self-catering cottage in nearby Samlesbury, on the site of a fantastic Alpaca walking experience. Or, for larger groups, try the Shepherds Huts at Samlesbury Hall, a collection of beautiful luxury ensuite glamping pods
31st May - 1st June 2024
Amazing Accrington Food & Culture Festival
Accrington, Lancashire
Price: Free
With a range of great activities and fun for all the family, the Accrington food and culture festival highlights some of the very best Lancashire produce while offering live entertainment and more across the Town Square, Market Hall and the grounds of St James' Church. TV and Netflix star Molly Robbins will be returning to the event to headline the live cooking demonstration area. Paul Fox from The Crafty Fox will also join the line up.
This year's event will include a continental market on Broadway on the Friday, celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Hyndburn Council and a commemoration for the 80th anniversary of D Day on the Saturday.
Where to stay nearby: Delta Hotels by Marriott Hotel is a distinctive hotel on the outskirts of the city making the most of having city and countryside close to hand.
14th – 16th May 2024
Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Price: Free
A brand-new event for 2024, head to Poulton-Le-Fylde for a jam packed weekend of live performances suitable for the whole family.
Expect music, theatre, dance and more for families at venues across the town centre, including a dedicated marketplace Festival Stage, Poulton Community Hall, the Medieval Parish Church and Library. The festival stage will include community groups singing, dancing and performing and will be compered by Coastal Radio's Scott Gallagher. The full programme will feature artists from all over the UK and across the globe, with some travelling from as far away as Canada and China.
There will also be street performers, a maker's market and plenty of food and drink stalls to keep you refreshed throughout the weekend.
Where to stay nearby: The area has a number of great accommodation options. To stay the full weekend head to Windy Harbour Holiday Park and hire a caravan or lodge.
Eating nearby: The Cartford Inn has recently made its way into the Estrella Dam Top 100 Gastropubs in the UK and offers mouthwatering, locally sourced food along with spectacular views of the Bowland Fells.
30th June 2024
Colne, Lancashire
Price: Free
Head to Colne to watch brave soapbox racers hurtle down a huge 4-metre-high ramp outside the Town Hall, all the way down Albert Road, to the finish line outside Tubbs of Colne.
The Colne Super Soapbox Challenge makes for a great day out for all the family with continual commentary and all the action visible on large format screens. As well as the excitement on the course itself, there'll be a funfair, live music and lots of food and drink concessions to choose from. Watch out for a celebrity guest too.
Where to stay nearby: The Alma Inn nestled in the magnificent countryside just outside o the town is an ideal location to rest and explore the area, and to grab a mouthwatering bite to eat too.
For these events and many more go to visitlancashire.com. Information supplied by promoters was correct at time of issue.
ENDS
Images provided for all events here
For media enquiries, to arrange itineraries and press trips please contact:
Anna Izza, Head of PR and Communications
Raimy Greenland Senior PR & Content Executive
Notes to Editors
- Marketing Lancashire, is wholly owned by Lancashire County Council, and leads the Lancashire LVEP. Marketing Lancashire is the agency charged with promoting the county on a national and international stage. The agency also provides marketing and communications support to the LEP. Our activities in marketing and communications, commercial membership and place marketing are focused on promoting sustainable economic development and growth; raising the profile of Lancashire as a leading leisure, learning and business destination for domestic and international visitors #WeAreLancashire.
- LVEP (Local Visitor Economy Partnership) status for Marketing Lancashire will support growth and development of the region. This new national portfolio of strategic and high-performing LVEPs will work in collaboration locally, regionally and nationally on shared priorities and targets to support and grow the visitor economy. The Lancashire LVEP is a partnership between Marketing Lancashire and VisitBlackpool with the support of all the county's 15 councils. The programme will deliver local and national structure to grow the local visitor economy. Read more about what LVEP status means for Lancashire HERE
