Millions Discover Lancashire this Summer
Discover why millions choose to visit Lancashire each summer; a place where jaw-dropping, world class events rub shoulders with unique attractions that can only be found in the feel good county.
With so many wonderful places to see and things to do in Lancashire over the long summer holidays, let VisitLancashire’s new Discover the Fun campaign be your guide. Whether your idea of ‘fun’ is active adventure, fabulous festivals, history brought to life or lazy days and luxurious spas, Lancashire has it all, simply check out the essential go-to visitor website visitlancashire.com
West End Wows
The smash hit, summer-fun musical Mamma Mia! (June 20 – September 14) is wowing audiences at the world famous Opera House in the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. If you love Mamma Mia! then book now to see it in Britain’s favourite seaside resort, in this brilliant musical’s only UK summer season.
Foodie Heaven
Experience the genuine taste of Lancashire, with a day dedicated to provenance at Clitheroe Food Festival (August 9) – in Lancashire’s recognised food town; fast becoming one of the UK’s leading food festivals enjoyed by over 17,000 food enthusiasts. Fill your bags with local goodies and pick up a tip or two from Michelin starred Chef Lisa Allen, Head Chef of Northcote and first female winner of BBC2’s Great British Menu. Lisa is one of several, local and celebrity chefs, demonstrating delicious dishes in the Demo Kitchen.
Walk in The Park or Play at The Tower
Williamson Park, Lancaster is brought to life for the annual play in the park by the Dukes Theatre. Enjoy the UK’s largest walkabout theatre experience with family favorite Hansel and Gretel (July 4 – August 16) Simply follow the trail of breadcrumbs to discover ghastly witches and edible horses, as this cherished fairytale unfolds on a journey through magical forests, lakes and dreamlike dells. From a forest in Lancaster to the depths of the Indian jungle, Hoghton Tower sets the scene for the much-loved story of Jungle Book (August 31). This enchanting and amusing musical takes you on Mowgli’s journey with all your favourite characters Balo, Bagheera and even scary Shere Khan! You’ll be ‘Ooh-bi-doo-ing’ the whole way home!
Calling all Vintage Fashionistas!
Vintage by the Sea Festival (September 6-7) is back and after attracting over 7000 visitors to the coast in 2013, this year you can expect a whole weekend of activities and a tidal wave of glamour! Led by Wayne, Gerardine and Jack Hemingway the festival returns to Morecambe’s iconic art-deco hotel, The Midland. Get ready to play dress up, take afternoon tea, discover and buy classic collector’s items and marvel at the style and glamour of bygone times.
Feel the Rhythm and Shake off the Blues
Head to Colne for the award-winning Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival (August 22-25), the largest festival of its kind in Europe and this year celebrating its 25th Anniversary. (Winner of the ‘Best Blues Festival’ in the European Blues Awards 2013) Every August this Lancashire Mill Town immerses itself in the Blues, for a four day internationally renowned festival that takes place across 10 venues in Colne, attracting hundreds of performers and visitors from all over the UK, Europe and the USA.
The Stars Shine Bright
The lights and stars will be shining bright throughout August in Blackpool. Look skyward for a fabulous display at the Blackpool Airshow (August 10-11) as the awesome Red Arrows take to the skies and a steady stream of aircrafts, old and new, demonstrate nail-biting acrobatics and wing-walking. This annual spectacle attracted around 100,000 people in 2013 who lined the seafront for incredible fly-pasts over the sea. During the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On Weekend (August 29-31) residents and visitors will be blown away by headline acts Pixie Lott, Rebecca Ferguson, Union J and many more. The Blackpool Illuminations (August 29 –Nov 9) attract millions of visitors every year and this year is no exception, with over 3.5million visitors expected to marvel at the world’s biggest free light show, along the length of this famous promenade.
This is just a small selection of the hundreds of events and activities waiting to be discovered in Lancashire this summer! To plan your visit, find accommodation and to download our Discover the Fun 2014 Summer Guide with a handy wall planner go to visitlancashire.com/discoverfun
For regular updates, competitions and ideas follow #DiscoverFun on Twitter.
<<ENDS>>
For media enquiries, a wide range of photography, or to discuss media trip opportunities please contact:
Laura Crabb, PR and Communications Executive Tel: 01772 426 456
Anna Izza, Head of PR and Communications Tel: 01772 426 459
Notes to Editors
1. Discover Fun is the VisitLancashire summer campaign aimed at raising awareness of the vast choice of events and activities available across Lancashire. Offering city, coast and countryside experiences, short breaks and days out that are family-friendly.
2. Marketing Lancashire is the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Lancashire, established (1st April 2012). Our activities in marketing and communications, commercial membership and place marketing are designed to grow the visitor economy and develop the profile of Lancashire as the first choice destination to live, study, work and invest.
In 2012 Lancashire attracted 62 million visitors who contributed around £3.4 billion to the local economy and helped support 54,804 jobs.
Marketing Lancashire, Farington House, Lancashire Enterprise Business Park, Centurion Way, Leyland PR26 6TW
www.marketinglancashire.com @MarketingLancs
www.visitlancashire.com@VisitLancashire
Marketing Lancashire Ltd, is a company under the control of Lancashire County Council within the meaning of Part V of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Marketing Lancashire Ltd. Registered Office: Christ Church Precinct, County Hall, Fishergate Hill, Preston, PR1 8XJ Registered in England and Wales under No.05039554
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