Discover Summertime Fun in Lancashire
Summer in Lancashire promises to be a fun-packed-sandcastle-building-kite-flying-ice cream-eating-extravaganza of family events, theatre, activities and festivals. Make the most of the summer months, discover new experiences or rediscover old childhood favourites that make each day out in Lancashire an unforgettable, new adventure.
Enjoy a bird’s eye view from the top of Blackpool Tower, celebrating its 120th birthday this year, grab a picnic and join Hansel & Gretel in Williamson Park, Lancaster and be part of the UK’s largest walkabout theatre audience, share simple pleasures with Gran and Grandad and enjoy long sunny days by the sea in up-dated, super-cool St Annes Beach Huts.
There are so many fun things to do and see throughout the holidays whether you are in search of adventure, history, events or relaxation Lancashire has something for all the family. It’s hard to know where to begin so let VisitLancashire’s new Discover the Fun campaign come to the rescue.
Wherever you choose to go in Lancashire this summer, make sure you check out visitlancashire.com for more ideas and hundreds of great days out. Discover the Fun in Lancashire where life feels good.
NEW THIS SUMMER
Cowabunga Dude! It’s Turtle Time at Nickelodeon Land, Blackpool Pleasure Beach this July (1- 31). Get ready to meet the coolest turtles in town and start practicing your moves as you take part in the Ninja Moves Dance Competitions with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Leo, Donnie, Raph and Mikey. Plus don’t forget to dress as your favourite character and be a hero for the day.
It’s a family affair as the summer show returns to Blackpool and taking to the stage is the smash hit feel-good musical Mamma Mia! (June 20 – September 14). Whatever your age, it’s time to find your inner Dancing Queen. This sunny tale has been wowing audiences all over the world from Broadway to Las Vegas and this year has it’s only UK Summer Season in Britain’s favourite seaside resort, at the world famous Opera House in the Winter Gardens.
If your kids love a fairytale full of excitement and drama then pack a picnic and take them on a journey with the Dukes Theatre to Williamson Park, Lancaster, for an annual, never-to-be-missed family favourite that appeals across the ages. It’s the UK’s largest walkabout theatre experience with favourite storybook char acters, ghastly witches and edible horses! Just follow the breadcrumbs into the forest and find Hansel and Gretel (July 4 – August 16)
Samlesbury Hall Country Fair (July 27) is a family-day out steeped in history. Whilst the little ones enjoy Punch and Judy and magic shows enjoy some retail therapy and discover some of the finest local produce and hand-made arts and crafts. Beautiful gardens, ideal for lazy afternoon teas and the stunning, black and white exterior of this traditional Lancashire hall provide a picture-perfect setting.
Dig out your bell bottoms and platforms and discover all that’s ‘groovy’ during the Rossendale 60’s Festival (September 12-14). Go with the flow and show the kids how to party and get down with the 60’s theme Family Day in Rawtenstall (September 13). From hippie markets full of vintage fashion, tempting food stalls to classic cars and live music – the 60’s will seem just like yesterday. Hop on and off the Magical Mystery tour buses with a day rover ticket of just £4.70 or £10 for a group of 4 (family t icket) and leave the car at home. At the heart of this new festival is The Whitaker, one of the coolest museums around, promising events and exhibitions that capture the true spirit of this funkiest of decades.
SUMMER DAYS OUT
Explore the great outdoors at Brockholes, Lancashire’s award-winning unreserved nature reserve and unique floating visitor centre. This stunning nature reserve ticks all the boxes for keeping the whole family active with bat walks (August 1) and crafty workshops (Every Wed & Thu from July 23 to August 28) to bike rides (August 3) and open air theatre (August 24) – it’s fresh-air fun for everyone.
We all love the excitement of flying a kite and what better place to learn than by watching the experts on the beach at St Annes Kite Festival 2014 (July 26-27). No, it’s not your imagination running away with you, that really is a giant 30metre long inflatable Octopus, flying cows, dogs and even hippos. It’s a delightful, awe-inspiring sight that lights up every face with smiles. Even Teddy can join in the fun, by taking part in the teddy parachute drop (no teddy will be harmed in the process). If you prefer to keep firmly on the ground then grab a bucket and spade and take part in the sandcastle building competition (July 27). Enjoy long dreamy days by the sea in the traditional and family-friendly St Annes-on-Sea.
Cloudspotting (August 1-3) is an exclusive music festival set in the magnificent surroundings of Gisburn Forest in the Forest of Bowland ANOB* this year celebrating 50 years as a designated *Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s the perfect introduction to festival life offering one of the best leftfield music line-ups in Britain as well as a programme of arty events, children’s activities and a variety of outdoor pursuits to keep your gang entertained!
INDOOR FUN
If the weather’s unpredictable and the clouds look threatening – fear not – Lancashire is well equipped with some fantastic alternative summer days out for all the family.
Head over to West Lancashire for an indoor adventure at Farmer Teds Farm Park. Let the kids go wild on the new giant indoor adventure play area or if there’s a budding racing driving amongst your crew, let them exercise their pedal power and get behind the wheel of a go-kart. If the little daredevils want more, then the park has a selection of indoor slides that are perfect for races – including one that spirals 20ft tall!
For intrepid explorers let them loose on the ‘hands on’ exhibits and interactive areas of Lancashire Museums where they’ll discover something new and fascinating about the county. This group of 11 museums includes castles with horrible histories to tell, working mills that tell the story of the Industrial Revolution, historic house where local families lived extraordinary lives and the Museum of Lancashire, where you’ll find that everything from Dinosaurs to a realistic WW1 Trench, are inextricably linked to Lancashire . The best thing is that the majority of these museums are FREE for kids. Adults need to get their hands on an Xplorer Pass to start digging up new discoveries with their little adventurers.
With smart phones, tablets and the internet, it is often the kids teaching the grandparents today. Wouldn’t it be nice to go back to an era where the grandkids could learn a thing or two from the ‘grown-ups’? East Lancashire Railway is just the place with a Day out with Thomas (August 2-4). Introduce them to the excitement of the sounds and the smells of age of steam, when travelling by train was a much more glamorous affair. No wi-fi or plugs for the phone, just traditional tales and wonderful Lancashire landscapes passing by ever-so gently blurred with the occasional wisp of smoke from the great coal-hungry engine pulling your carriage.
TRADITIONAL SUMMER DAYS
There’s nothing like the excitement of packing the bags for a day at the beach, the smell of the sea air and the sand between your toes. Gather the family and enjoy the simple pleasures in life and your very own St Annes Beach Hut for the day. Lots of space for all your clobber, room to eat and shelter (from the sun or rain). All you have to do is enjoy the beach, pull up a deck chair and at the end of all that fresh air and fun, soak up some of the most spectacular sunsets on the Fylde coast.
Take a traditional summer fruit and combine it with a slice of heritage and you have the Strawberries and Steam day taking place at Queen Street Mill Textile Museum (July 26). Take in the sights and sound of the world’s last surviving, steam powered weaving mill, then treat yourself to fresh strawberries and cream and other summer delights. Discover how the mill was run in the 1940s and 50s by participating in the special family tours and activities that will be running throughout the day.
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 handy wall planner go to vsitlancashire.com/discoverfun
For regular updates, competitions and ideas follow #DiscoverFun on Twitter
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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