News Centre

Popular Bat and Barn Owl BBQ events return to WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre this summer. Every Friday in August (7th, 14th, 21st & 28th) join our reserve team and bat expert for this unique experience. The evening starts with a barbeque at 7.30pm followed by a walk out on the Marsh to search for […]

People can choose their favourite entry in the architectural competition for Preston's iconic bus station and a new Youth Zone. Five anonymous entries were chosen recently by the judging panel, and each design proposal has been worked on in more detail based on feedback. You can see the designs at a special exhibition on the […]

Lancashire’s number 1 position in the UK for aerospace presented at Paris Air Show

Blackpool Zoo also rated tenth best zoo in Europe and 21st in the world, according to millions of traveller reviews and opinions   Blackpool Zoo has today been named the third best rated zoo in the UK in the Travellers’ Choice TM awards for Zoos, announced by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site*.   The […]

Freeport Fleetwood came out victorious at the Radio Wave Culture and Lifestyle Awards on Friday 10th July, scooping the Large Retailer of the Year award. The outlet shopping centre was up against other companies such as Debenhams and Tesco at the prestigious event held at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. The Radio Wave […]

Youngsters can certainly make waves in Chorley this summer as free swimming is back by popular demand. Last year over 3,500 young people from Chorley took advantage of the free swim offer run by Chorley Council and Active Nation which manages the council’s leisure facilities. From Monday 27 July, free swimming is again being offered […]

The Barton Grange Hotel in Preston has this month appointed chef and local Lancashire man Steve Hodson to head its kitchen team as executive chef.  Steve returns to his Lancashire roots bringing with him a wealth of experience from some of this country’s, and the worlds, most recognised hotels.  He began his career in South […]

The Barton Grange Hotel in Preston has completed the second stage of its £500 000 refurbishment programme this month, which includes a full upgrade to its four ‘Grove’ training suites, main Barton Suite conference and event space and 51 bedrooms.  Owned by Preston’s Topping family and renowned as one of the area’s leading independent venues, […]

A debut exhibition of photographs taken by talented local photographer Cameron Baird will be on display at the Judges' Lodgings Museum from Monday 20 July. The 'Reflection' exhibition includes images of landscapes, nature and wildlife from across the district in both colour and black and white. One of Cameron's monochrome photographs, 'Dramatic Silhouette', on display […]

Preston City Council has received £49,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for an exciting project, The Last Battle on English Soil – Commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Preston 1715. Three hundred years ago, in November 1715, Government and Jacobite armies fought through the streets of Preston in a battle that might have […]

BAFTA Awardwinning actor, Sarah Lancashire will be talking about her career and answering questions from the audience at The Dukes this Friday. Sarah, who is one of the Lancaster theatre’s Honorary Patrons, will be taking part in an Actor’s Studio during The Dukes Youth Forum Summer Takeover. The event, which takes place from 4.30pm, will […]

Unlike other Historic houses, Leighton Hall loves littlies! Children are not “hushed” or steered away, in fact, quite the opposite. Younger visitors to Leighton Hall have space to play, let off steam and see how we used to live. Teddies, swings, dens, competitions and a maze and slide, are all activities to give your children […]