Our selection of 96 events for your 2024 diary. From sport, arts and heritage to food, transport and a huge range of musical styles and just about everything in-between, we’ve got everything you need to keep entertained throughout the year.
1. Obsession, Ribble Valley
January 19-February 4
Established in 2001, this is one of Europe’s top gastronomic events, attracting chefs from across the globe who each take over the kitchen for a night. northcoteobsession.com
2. Rock the Gardens, Blackpool
January 26-27
An indoor festival featuring some of Europe’s best rock and metal tribute bands. wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
3. Southport Jazz Festival
February 2-4
Among the highlights at this growing festival hosted at The Grand are The Clare Teal 4, The Joe Stilgoe Trio and The Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra. southportjazzfestival.com
4. UK Blues, Rythm and Rock Festival
February 2-4
With 40 acts on four stages across three days, Blackpool’s Winter Gardens will showcase the best in contemporary blues, rhythm and rock. wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
5. Manchester Open Competition
February 3-April 28
All artistic genres will be represented in this third open exhibition to feature work from people across the city region. homemcr.org
6. Chinese New Year
February 10
Welcome in the year of the Dragon with celebrations planned across the county. The biggest celebrations will be in Liverpool and Manchester where you’ll find parades, music and dancing.
7. Winter Regionals
February 10-14
The North West’s best dressage riders showcase their skills at Myerscough College. britishdressage.co.uk
8. Bowland Dark Skies Festival
February 10-17
Enjoy a constellation of events including stargazing, family fun, superfoods and top tips for fab night sky photography. forestofbowland.com
9. Baylight
February 15-17
Morecambe seafront will be lit up with artworks, installations and a spectacular illuminated parade. Baylightmorecambe.co.uk
10. Liverpool International Jazz Festival
February 22-25
Leading UK jazz artists will perform at Liverpool Hope University’s Capstone Theatre and a series of events will put the spotlight on local talent. capstone.hope.ac.uk
11. National Track Championships
February 23-25
The best British cyclists will compete for honours at Manchester’s National Cycling Centre. britishcycling.org.uk
March 4-9
12. Rochdale Festival of Ideas
A celebration of visual arts, music, live performance and interactive installations as the town pushes the boundaries of imagination and innovation. What a good idea. rochdale.gov.uk
Mach 14-17
13. British Gymnastic Championships
The nation’s finest artistic gymnasts will take to the floor at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. british-gymnastics.org
14. Manchester Film Festival
March 15-24
Returning for its 10th anniversary, a ten-day celebration of everything to do with cinema with industry panels, daily screenings and world premieres. maniff.com
15. World Snooker Tour Championship
April 1-7
The top 12 snooker players in the world will compete for a total of £500,000 prize money at Manchester Central. wst.tv/tournaments
16. The Grand National
April 11-13
The highlight of the jump racing season is the culmination of a weekend of racing at Aintree as the best trainers, jockeys and horses face the ultimate test over four miles, two and a half furlongs. thejockeyclub.co.uk
17. Manchester Marathon
Elite athletes, club runners and charity fundraisers will pound the city streets on a 26.2 mile course. manchestermarathon.co.uk
18. RHS Urban Show
April 18-21
A first of its kind for the RHS, The Urban Show at Depot Mayfield in Manchester city centre is a must for those interested in gardening but who live in areas with limited outdoor space. rhs.org.uk
19. Lytham Hall Flower Festival
April 19-24
Set in and around the Grade I listed Lytham Hall, this unique festival promises delightful horticultural talents and a charming atmosphere filled with the hope of spring. lythamhall.org.uk
20. The Game and Country Festival
April 27-28
The two-day Lancashire Game and Country Festival at Scorton Showground is a showcase of country sports and pursuits. The festival has grown over its ten years and now features competitive horse and dog classes, a gundog scurry, and a clay pigeon shoot as well as demonstrations of fly fishing, hound and birds of prey displays. Country crafts, clothing and homewares are popular and the food theatre and produce stalls celebrate the best locally grown, reared and home-made food and drinks. lancashiregamefestival.co.uk
21. Wray Scarecrow Festival
April 27-May 6
Since 1992 scarecrows have taken over Wray in the week before the Wray Fair on Bank Holiday Monday. Each is uniquely dressed and all proceeds go to local good causes. wrayscarecrows.wordpress.com
22. Ulverston Walk Fest
April 27-May 6
Last year’s festival programme included 30 glorious walks of varying difficulties and distances. The schedule for this year’s festival will be released in March. ulverstonwalkfest.com
23. Painting Padiham Art Festival
Date in May TBC
For one day only, the town of Padiham will come alive with over 50 artists who will compete for a cash prize, with arts and crafts workshops also available .
24. Print Fest
May 2-5
An Ulverston festival by printmakers that actively promotes a northern bias and aims to show just what this area can produce in terms of print work. printfest.uk
25. Highest Point Festival
May 10-11
Returning to the picturesque Williamson Park in Lancaster, Highest Point Festival is always a great experience for all ages, with a huge variety of acts expected to be on the bill when the programme is revealed. highestpoint.co.uk
26. Whit Friday Brass Band concerts
May 24
This entertaining and hotly contested festival brings together bands from across the region to compete against each other. saddleworthwhitfriday.co.uk
27. Preston Caribbean Carnival
May 25-26
The largest and longest running cultural celebration in Preston. It attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year as the city comes alive for the 50th festival and dances to the rhythm of the Caribbean. prestoncarnival.co.uk
28. Chipping Steam Fair
May 25-27
There are plenty of attractions to choose from at Chipping Steam Fair, from classic vehicles, heavy machinery displays and bands displaying their musical talents. chippingsteamfair.com
29. Neighbourhood Weekender
May 27-28
The line-up is still to be revealed for this year’s two-day indie music festival in Warrington’s Victoria Park. nbhdweekender.com
Darwen Live
Darwen Live is a free annual music festival that takes place on the second bank holiday weekend in May. More details TBC.
30. Lancashire Steam Heritage Festival
Date in May TBC
An event put on by the LTEC and set in the grounds of the former Astley Green Mine, the steam heritage will be on display with machinery of all sizes. lancashiretec.co.uk/LSHF
31. Lancashire Science Festival
Date in May TBC
UCLan hosts an annual event for budding scientists, engineers and mathematicians, packed with fun hands-on activities. uclan.ac.uk
32. Music in the Park
May 26
A trip down musical memory lane in Leyland’s Worden Park, with hits from across the 70s and 80s. Jason Donovan, Billy Ocean and Toyah are among this year’s headliners. musicinthepark.live
33. Great Harwood Show
May 27
A traditional agricultural show with hundreds of animal classes and showjumping competitions. greatharwoodshow.com
34. Southport Food and Drink Festival
May 31-June 2
A foodie’s paradise in Victoria Park as vendors and purveyors of terrific food from across Lancashire showcase their wares. victoriaparkevents.co.uk
35. Accrington Food Festival
June 1
With food, drink and live entertainment around the town centre, this annual festival promises a true taste of Lancashire. amazingaccrington.co.uk
36. Westmorland Country Fest
June 1-2
A fun and friendly celebration of rural life at the showground in Crooklands with demonstrations, competitions, displays and entertainment. westmorlandshow.co.uk
37. Another Fine Fest
Date in June TBC
Ulverston will once again erupt into a multicoloured feast of live music, theatre, art, comedy, magic, circus and interactive workshops. anotherfinefest.co.uk
38. Africa Oye
Date in June TBC
The UK’s largest free celebration of African music and culture is staged annually in Sefton Park. Details for this year’s event are still to be confirmed. africaoye.com
39. Preston City Mela
Date in June TBC
A celebration of South Asian culture featuring South Asian music, arts, dance, culture and heritage events. prestoncitymela.co.uk
40. Seaside Weekender
June 8-9
The line-up for this outdoor music festival in Southport’s Victoria Park is yet to be announced, but with rapper Bugzy Malone headlining last year, the bar has been set high. victoriaparkevents.co.uk
41. Manchester Histories Festival
June 8-12
The biennial festival returns for its ninth instalment, promising more talks, exhibitions and opportunities to be creative than ever while celebrating the rich history and heritage of the city. manchesterhistories.co.uk
42. On the Waterfront Festival
June 20-23
Deacon Blue and Ben Hamsley are the first headliners to be announced for this four-day festival at the Pier Head. visitliverpool.com
43. Cumbrian Wool Gathering
June 22-23
Spinners, felters, weavers and knitters will enjoy this wool festival dedicated to the best of fibre at the J36 Rural Auction Centre near Milnthorpe. cumbrianwoolgathering.co.uk
44. Fylde Vintage and Farm Show
June 29-30
The 15th annual event at Wharles near Kirkham presents vintage cars, trucks and a trip down memory lane with a collection of vehicles and appliances from times past. fyldevintageandfarmshow.co.uk
45. Manchester Festival of Nature
June 30
A celebration of the natural world you can find in urban areas, Manchester’s Nature Consortium brings you a brilliant one day festival for all, with events for any age group in Heaton Park. lwt.org.uk
46. Lytham Festival
July 3-7
The five night festival on Lytham Green is Lancashire’s biggest live music festival and has featured many of the world’s biggest artists. Previous headliners have included Rick Astley, Tom Jones, Noel Gallagher, Madness, The Human League, Rod Stewart and Chic, with last year’s headliners being Def Leppard. lythamfestival.com
47. The National Festival of Making
July 6-7
With music, art, cooking, manufacturing and movies, The National Festival of Making is a celebration of all things UK made or designed. The festival was first held in 2017 and has grown to become one of the county’s most popular events, with free events, performances and workshops are held at venues around Blackburn. festivalofmaking.co.uk
48. Ribble Valley Piano Festival
July 10-13
This year will be the curtain call for this event which has brought some of the world’s finest pianists to Blackburn for almost 40 years. rvipw.org.uk
49. Southport Air Show
July 13-14
Magnificent men and women in their flying machines will go up-tiddly-up-up and rip through the skies above Southport for an aviation celebration which never fails to impress. visitsouthport.com
50. Morecambe Music Festival
July 11-14
A festival putting local bands and venues in the spotlight as musicians from all genres show their talents in 30 venues around the town. morecambemusicfestival.uk
51. In the Park Festival
July 12-14
Local boy Jamie Webster will be one of the headline acts at this festival in Sefton Park which aims to celebrate a range of musical styles. visitliverpool.com
52. Great Eccleston Show
July 13-14
A friendly two-day showcase for every aspect of rural life and the whole range of crafts and skills associated with the country. greatecclestonshow.co.uk
53. Beat Herder music festival
July 18-21
An ethical music festival at Sawley where everything is sourced sustainably, from the foods to the staging. beatherder.co.uk
54. Fleetwood Transport Festival
Date in July TBC
A showcase of retro and vintage cars as well as classic trams. Enjoy stalls, music and amusements in a full day of entertainment for all the family. tramsunday.co.uk
55. Manchester Day
July 19
Marvel as the city’s streets come alive with entertainment, music, street performances and shows of all kinds to celebrate the spirit of Manchester.
56. The Royal Lancashire Show
July 19-21
The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society was founded in 1767 and has been staging a show for more than 250 years. The show is now held over three days in the grounds of Salesbury Hall near Ribchester. The agricultural sections have grown in recent years and crowds are also attracted by top class show jumping and entertainment in the show ring. The food hall, trade stands and lifestyle tent are all popular too. royallancashireshow.co.uk
57. Chorley Flower Show
July 26-28
Chorley Flower Show is a celebration of gardening artistry in Astley Park featuring a captivating array of floral displays, creative plant sculptures, exquisite arrangements, and enchanting themed gardens. The show offers a host of competitions and exhibitions for seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs to showcase their skills. There’s also a range of horticultural traders, plenty of food and drink and live entertainment.
58. Clitheroe Food Festival
August 10
Last year’s was the biggest event to date – with more than 20,000 foodies heading to the town – and organisers aim to build on that success this year. clitheroefoodfestival.com
59. Garstang Show
August 3
Celebrate the role of farming, food and the countryside, enjoy delicious local produce in the food hall and see beautiful floral displays un the horticulture marquee. garstangshow.org
60. Cartmel Show
August 7
Get set for a brilliant day out at a traditional agricultural show with a big heart. You’ll see an amazing array of livestock, light and heavy horses, rabbits and more. cartmelagriculturalsociety.org.uk
61. Rochdale Feel Good Festival
August 10
A day of performance and entertainment in Rochdale town centre with the main stage in front of the Town Hall. rochdale.gov.uk
62. Blackpool Air Show
August 10-11
All manner of incredible flying machines will take to the skies over the resort, from the Red Arrows to helicopter displays and much more for everyone young and old. visitblackpool.com
63. Lytham 1940s weekend
August 17-18
A weekend that always goes with a bang, with World War Two battle re-enactments, displays of military equipment and a replica Spitfire. You can also see plenty of stalls, vintage traders and much more. Visitfyldecoast.info
64. England v Sri Lanka
August 21-25
England’s men’s Test team return to Old Trafford for the first of three Test matches against Sri Lanka. cricket.lancashirecricket.co.uk
65. International Beatleweek Festival
August 21-27
This event is a must for all those who love The Beatles, with tribute bands from over 20 countries coming to Liverpool for a wonderful homage to the hometown heroes. internationalbeatleweek.com
66. Lytham International Film Festival
August 23-25
A three-day programme of short and feature films showcasing up-and-coming creative talent from around the world, and a series of Q&A sessions. lyiff.com
67. Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival
August 24-26
Colne hosts this annual weekend-long celebration of the best of new and old British rhythm and blues musicians. bluesfestival.co.uk
68. Burnley Canal Festival
August 27
Launched in 2012, this festival celebrates the history of Burnley’s canal and local culture, all taking place around the beautifully restored Finsley Gate Wharf.
69. Southport Flower Show
August 15-18
This year marks Southport Flower Show’s centenary and there are plans to make it the biggest and best yet. The show, held every summer in Victoria Park, is a feast of colourful entertainment, horticultural excellence and celebrity guests. The four-day festival attracts huge crowds and this year’s theme is health and wellbeing, with a focus on the benefits gardening can have for mental health. southportflowershow.co.uk
70. Bolton Food & Drink Festival
August 23-26
More than half a million food fans flocked to Bolton for last year’s festival and enjoyed a Bank Holiday weekend filled with tasty treats and artisan delights. With over 180 artisan producers exhibiting the finest food and drink over the course of the festival, as well as celebrity guests including Nisha Katona, Gok Wan and James Martin, there’s something to suit everyone's taste. boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com
71. World Gravy Wrestling Championships
August Bank Holiday
For day out like no other, head to the Rose ‘n’ Bowl in Stacksteads and watch people wrestle in a pool of Lancashire gravy or, better still, have a go yourself. worldgravywrestling.com
72. Blackpool Illuminations switch on and Lightpool Festival
Early September-January 1, 2025
The world-famous Blackpool Illuminations have been lighting up the prom since 1879, and the light show now is bigger, better and more spectacular than ever before. Originally designed to extend the summer season into autumn, the lights now shine until New Year’s Day. And in October the resort hosts the annual Lightpool Festival which sees live performances, projections and an art trail create a colourful explosion of light around the town. visitblackpool.com
73. Vintage by the Sea
Dates in September TBC
If you lust after the fashion, art, cars and culture of yesteryear, the Vintage by the Sea is the festival for you! It’s a weekend-long tribute to the cultural movements of the 20th century, with vintage marketplaces, music, dancing, fashions, and motors. Free performances and events take place around Morecambe and there are also family workshops, street theatre and a mobile theatre. vintagefestival.co.uk
74. Lancaster Jazz Festival
Dates in September TBC
For a few days, Lancaster is alive with the sounds of classic jazz, as well as modern, contemporary takes on the classic genre. Lancasterjazz.com
75. Ramsbottom Jigsaw Festival
Dates in September TBC
For those who know doing the corners first is the best way, Ramsbottom will be hosting its tenth festival featuring modern and vintage puzzles, all for sale. Facebook.com/Ramsbottomjigsawfestival
76. St Annes Kite Festival
Dates in September TBC
The skies above St Annes seafront will be awash with colour as display kites will take to the air in a marvellous display by day and night. discoverfylde.co.uk/kitefestival
77. Heritage Open Days
September 6-15
England’s largest festival of history and culture is an annual chance to explore historic venues that are normally closed to the public. heritageopendays.org.uk
78. World Black Pudding Throwing Championships
September 11
Get involved in the age-old Yorkshire-Lancashire rivalry by lobbing black puddings at Yorkshire puddings perched on a 20ft high plinth outside the Royal Oak pub in Ramsbottom. visitmanchester.com
79. Westmorland Show
September 11-12
A fantastic day out enjoyed by over 30,000 visitors every year. Meet a selection of foxhounds, see magnificent cattle, or simply enjoy the selection of artisan delicacies. westmorlandshow.co.uk
80. Southport Classic and Speed
September 15
A celebration of more than a century of motoring, with veteran, vintage, classic and modern cars on show in Victoria Park. southportclassicandspeed.com
81. England v Australia
September 15
Old Trafford hosts the final T20 of a quickfire three game series against Australia. cricket.lancashirecricket.co.uk
82. Lancashire Encounter
September 20-22
A celebration of Lancashire’s diverse cultural offering with high quality and high-profile arts, spectacular performances, inspiring arts and impressive music in Preston city centre. lancsencounter.co.uk
83. The British Musical Fireworks Championships
September 20-22
Fantastic firework displays in the skies over Southport’s Victoria Park, with competitors and firing teams battling it out to be crowned the 2024 champions. visitsouthport.com
84. Feast Bowland
September 21-27
A celebration of local food producers, wild foods and the distinctive local dishes found across this beautiful area, the week-long programme includes walks, rides, tours and foraging and is a great way to explore and experience the area. forestofbowland.com
85. Morecambe Poetry Festival
Dates in September TBC
The ‘Glastonbury of poetry’ returns for a third year, with poets from across the country, open mic nights and a thrilling last poet standing competition. visitlancashire.com
86. Southport Comedy Festival
September 27-October 13
Stars of world comedy will descend on the resort for 17 days of laughter. southportcomedyfestival.com
87. Lancaster Music Festival
Dates in October TBC
Bringing rhythm to more than 50 venues around the city, showcasing the best of every genre, as well as a collection of workshops and musical theatre pieces to keep everyone entertained. lancastermusicfestival.com
88. Farmaggedon
October 8-31
Have a frightfully scary time at this interactive scream park created on a Downholland farm. farmaggedon.co.uk
89. Bolton Film Festival
October 9-20
One of the most popular film festivals in the UK, it started with one screen and 50 films in 2016 and last year showed 300 movies at five town centre venues. boltonfilmfestival.com
90. Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair
October 17-20
Designers and makers across a wide range of disciplines showcase their wares at the Victoria Baths in Manchester. Greatnorthernevents.co.uk
91. Liverpool Irish Festival
October 17-27
Running for 10 days every October, this event takes a deeper look at Irish culture and the Emerald Isle’s many connections to the city of Liverpool. liverpoolirishfestival.com
92. River of Light
October 25-November 3
A free mile-long illuminated gallery on Liverpool’s famous waterfront, featuring light and sound installations by local and national and international artists. visitliverpool.com
93. Light up Lancaster
Dates in November TBC
Artists will transport you on a magical journey with their fun, inspiring and inspirational illuminated creations. There are performances, activities and installations all over the city centre, and it's all free. lightuplancaster.co.uk
94. Manchester Animation Festival
Dates in November TBC
The UK’s largest festival of animation, featuring screenings, talks, workshops, demonstrations and more. manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk
95. Lancashire Day
November 27
We all know one day isn’t nearly enough to celebrate all that’s great about the Red Rose county, but our annual day is a chance to reaffirm your love of Lancashire.
This article first appeared in Lancashire Life
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel