Unmissable August Bank Holiday Events in Lancashire for 2024
Another three-day weekend is nearly upon us, and with the weather on our side, it’s the perfect time to explore everything Lancashire has to offer.
If you are looking for a fantastic event or getaway this bank holiday, look no further. Our beautiful region has so much to offer, from a range of great events to attractions that you can spend all day exploring. What’s more our wide range of hotels, self-catering accommodation, holiday parks and glamping sites mean you can find a place to rest your head, tailored to every budget.
Lancashire’s bank holiday events calendar is jam packed, the only thing you’ll have to worry about is how to fit everything in! From music festivals and outdoor theatre performances to gravy wrestling and canal festivals there is something for everyone. What’s more, many of the events you can enjoy come with a low-price tag and the opportunity to really relax and enjoy yourself.
All of these events and more are listed on visitlancashire.com, where you can find out more information about the places to stay, eat and things to do when you #visitlancashireinsummer.
23rd – 25th August
Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival
Colne, Lancashire
https://www.bluesfestival.co.uk
The Lancashire town of Colne comes alive as venues across the town host some of the world’s top Rhythm and Blues musicians and performers – for one of the only festivals of its kind in the UK. Winner of the UK Blues Award – Blues Based Festival of the Year 2021, over 35,000 people attended in 2022, this year’s headliners include The Matt Schofield Trio, Dom Martin & Band and Kyla Brox & Friends. They will be supported by bands such as The Cinelli Brothers, Ian Siegal, Demi Marriner, Ketie Bradley & Dr Tom Attah and Beth Makariou.
Colne is renowned for its independent shops and proximity to local beauty spots including Pendle Hill, the Forest of Bowland AONB, Trawden Forest associated with the Bronte sisters, as well as walking and cycling routes to suit everyone.
Prices: Full festival tickets are £110, individual day tickets start from just £40
Camping: There is an Official campsite just 0.7miles from main venue which is available for the whole weekend for just £9 per night.
Special place to eat nearby: Michelin star restaurantThe White Swan at Fence is a must-visit location for any foodie.
Spoil yourself: Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Global Winner Luxury Day Spa of the Year, is just down the road. Why not book in for a treatment while in the area?
23rd – 25th August
Great Eccleston Tractor Pulling Championships
Great Eccleston, Lancashire
https://nwtpc.co.uk/
Come and see the best of the best compete for the European championship at The Great Eccleston Show ground! The North West Tractor Pulling Club are proud to be hosting the European championships + BTPA Championships finals in a purpose built arena on the outskirts of the village. Widely described as the best tractor pulling that the UK and Europe has to offer, the event also features monster truck rides, kids entertainment and more; with a VIP hospitality suite also available.
Prices: Day tickets start from £5.62 for children and £27.64 for adults
Special place to stay and eat nearby: The award winning Cartford Inn, which is AA Inn of the Year England 2024 and one of the Estrella Damm top 100 Gastropubs, is just down the road and ready to offer a fantastic menu of locally sourced dishes and stylish and comfortable rooms ready for you to rest your head.
22nd – 26th August
St Anne’s on the Sea Music Festival
St Anne’s, Lancashire
https://www.discoverfylde.co.uk/events/st-annes-music-festival-2024/
The much-applauded St. Anne’s on the Sea Music Festival returns for its 3rd year to its home of Ashton Gardens on August Bank Holiday weekend. Over 40 bands will provide entertainment to the crowds across two stages. With the Main Stage under a Marquee in the Gardens hosting names like AlleyKatz, the Phil Collins Songbook and Fleetwood Bac. The additional Pavilion Stage will feature bands such as King Hearted Thieves and Spiral Scouts.
The days are loosely themed with Thursday night Spirit of Swing, Friday Rock night, Saturday Glam Night, Sunday Soft Rock and Monday Classic Pop Rock.
A range of food and drink vendors along with a varied selection of fairground rides will complement the music and will ensure a fun time for all.
Prices: Free
Stay nearby: The new Offshore Hotel is close to the action and provides a great place to rest your head throughout the weekend.
24th August
Amazing Accrington Soapbox Challenge
Accrington, Lancashire
https://www.amazingaccrington.co.uk/soapbox-challenge/
Have a great deal of fun at the Amazing Accrington Soapbox Challenge! This year not only can you join in with the racing, you can watch the amazing creations others have made as they whizz down the course, which includes chicanes, jumps, water blasters, giant screens and more! Brand new to the race will be a two-level height ramp at the start line, which competitors will need to take on before facing the 170-metre-long track with many surprises along the way, including jumps, chicanes, water pistols and much more. Last year’s event attracted over 15,000 people to the town and was a huge success with entertainment, local food stalls and more.
While in the town enjoy a visit to the historic Howarth Art Gallery, home to the stunning Tiffany Glass Collection, and visit the local market hall for wares from local craftspeople, local food produce and more.
Prices: Free
Stay nearby: Spoil yourself with a trip to Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa
Eat Nearby: Head along to Il Corso Bar & Restaurant at Golf Kingdom Rossendale for a fantastic meal and stunning views of the rolling hills of the Lancashire landscape.
24th – 26th August
Lowther Pavilion World Food & Drink Festival
Lytham, Lancashire
https://lowtherpavilion.co.uk/shows/lowthers-food-drink-festival-2024/
Enjoy a mouthwatering journey around the world as an incredible section of vendors take over Lowther Pavilion Gardens. There will be a huge range of stalls, free family entertainment and more for the whole family to enjoy, all set within the beautiful historic parkland of Lowther Gardens. Treat the family to some great lunch options, grab handmade produce and savour the delights of the world food and drink festival this bank holiday weekend.
While in Lytham you can visit the historic windmill overlooking the seafront, where the Irish Sea meets the River Ribble Estuary, and learn more about the town and its surroundings. You can also visit the Grade I listed Lytham Hall, winner of the Historic Houses Restoration Award 2022, with its historic Georgian hall, beautiful parklands and tea room.
Prices: Free
Stay nearby: The four star Clifton Arms Hotel overlooks Leafy Lytham’s Green and offers a fantastic option for tea or breakfast in its restaurant
26th – 28th August
Fleetwood Fiesta
Affinity Lancashire, Fleetwood, Lancashire
https://affinitylancashire.com/get-set-for-a-summer-of-free-fun-here-at-affinity-lancashire/
Affinity Lancashire is set for a summer of fun and this August Bank Holiday is the ideal time to visit! The team are celebrating with the Fleetwood Fiesta, a Bank Holiday weekend packed full of free family fun. Come and meet Stitch who’ll be at the centre for a meet & greet on Saturday 24th August along with an ice cream workshop and glitter tattoos, get active with the Salsa by the Sea on Sunday 25th August with some amazing Salsa dancers, musical acts and ice lollies, then sit back and enjoy the fabulous entertainers including a live Steel Drum Band and an Acro-Artiste at the centre on Monday 26th August
Affinity Lancashire offers a great space for activities, shopping and cafes, with leading names like Clarks, Next and Claires on the park, as well as Fleetwood Garden World, Weird Fish and Regatta. It’s a great place to spend the day, and while in the area you can take a walk on Fleetwood beach, check out the museum or play in the splash park, perfect for a sunny bank holiday weekend.
Prices: Free
Stay nearby: Nearby you can find the Briar Dene Hotel in Cleveleys which overlooks the Irish Sea and offers views over to the Lake District and beyond.
25th August
Burnley Canal Festival
Burnley, Lancashire
https://burnleycanalfestival.org/
The Leeds Liverpool Canal is known for its fantastic walking routes, but during the August Bank Holiday weekend, it is known for the amazing Burnley Canal Festival. A free day of celebrations along the canal, you will find arts and crafts, canalside walks, performances, food and drink stalls, an artisan market and more. A great way to spend a Sunday!
This year’s programme includes walkabout performances from Paris Bubbles, a Jack and the Giant performance and displays from the Flower People. Drop-in workshops will include a Brightword Colouring Station, Screen Printing Tote Bags and a special space called the Caravanalogue – a space that celebrates analogue equipment in textiles. Visitors will be able to make their own paper map butterflies, festival posters and adorn themselves with face painting and henna art. Live music will be on offer from the Burnley alliance Silver Band, Ben Farmer, Back o’th Bush and more.
All of these land-based activities will be supported by a programme of activities on the water from canoeing to visiting The Kennet, an interactive floating museum and free boat trips on a canal boat.
Prices: Free
Stay nearby: The Holiday Inn Express Burnley is close to all the action in the town centre
Special place to eat nearby: The Lounge at Crow Wood Leisure Resort is the perfect place to stop and grab a bite, especially with its delicious Sunday roast.
26th August
World Gravy Championship
Rose & Bowl Pub, Stacksteads, Lancashire
https://worldgravywrestling.com
Its back! This year marks the 15th year of the World Gravy Wrestling Championships in Rossendale. Without a doubt this is one of the World’s craziest culinary competitions. A wild and whacky wrestling competition in a pool full of Lancashire Gravy!
Watch as contestants don fancy dress and wrestle in gravy for 2 minutes, with points awarded for best dressed, comedic effect, entertainment and wrestling ability. In addition to the contests, there are many activities for the family, the event has included cheer leading groups, BB gun shooting ranges, bouncy castles, face painting, craft beer stalls, cake and tombola stands. The kids also get a chance to get a go in the gravy!
Prices: Adults£3, Children £2
Stay nearby: Rossendale Holiday Cottages and Glamping Site isa Lancashire Tourism Award winner and offers a fantastic selection of holiday homes for the whole family to enjoy, including your four-legged friends.
Where to eat nearby: The Il Corso Sports Bar is great for any sports fans, making it perfect for an evening meal once you’ve watched the gravy wrestling.
26th August
Summer Brass Band Concert
Chipping, Lancashire
https://gibbon-bridge.co.uk/event/summer-brass-band-concert/
Head to Gibbon Bridge Hotel for an afternoon of music as the Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band return for their summer concert. In addition to some fantastic music, you will receive a two-course summer lunch and a tea or coffee to enjoy, all in the picturesque Forest of Bowland countryside. This event will likely take place outside, should the weather allow, with the brass band located within the bandstand and you enjoying the scenery around the gardens. What better way to spend the bank holiday Monday?
While in the area why not explore the historic town of Clitheroe, recently dubbed as one of the UKs happiest towns, where you can find Clitheroe Castle and Museum, taking in the history of the area and the stunning views around the town from the Castle’s keep.
Prices: £35
Stay nearby: Gibbon Bridge is not just an event venue, it is a four-star hotel with a great selection of rooms available to book so you don’t have to go far if you are looking to stay in the area!
Last chance summer events!
Many events take place throughout the summer months, and in Lancashire we’re lucky to have a great selection for you to enjoy. The below events are our recommendations for events that have been taking place for a while, but the bank holiday weekend will be one of the last chances to enjoy them so get in quick.
4th July – 7th September
Eternity: Hot Ice Show 2024
Pleasure Beach Resort, Blackpool, Lancashire
https://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/shows/hot-ice/
Head to Pleasure Beach Resort for their annual Hot Ice Show! 2024’s production Eternity is a show that has been created by a passion for sport and art that has brought together to reveal the world’s best show figure skaters.
Hot Ice truly captures your imagination with its artistry. The costumes are created with skill and exacting precision so that each costume fits every performer perfectly. Every rhinestone and feather and piece of fabric is cut, sewn and skilfully crafted by the Stageworks Worldwide Productions team. Some of the team have a very special insight into the show as they have also performed in Hot Ice over the years. It is their insider knowledge that helps the skaters perform as they do in these beautifully designed creations. Don’t miss the chance to see this skating spectacular at Pleasure Beach Arena.
Prices: seats from £20
Where to stay nearby: The Pleasure Beach Resort is home to two hotels; BLVD and The Big Blue which offer fantastic park view or promenade view rooms for you to truly enjoy this unique location
19th July – 25th Aug
The Dukes Outdoor Theatre
Lancaster, Lancashire
https://dukeslancaster.org/whats-on/theatre/alice-in-wonderland
Each year The Dukes Outdoor Theatre takes to the “stage” in the iconic Williamson Park with an interactive adventure, and each year hundreds of families return to enjoy the show, with their picnics and blankets in tow.
This year marvellous madness awaits as you step into the world of Alice in Wonderland! This immersive theatre experience transports you into a wonderland like no other, the only limit is your imagination. The show’s final performances take place over the Bank holiday weekend and tickets are selling fast so don’t miss your chance to be part of this mad-cap family adventure, book your ticket now and let the madness begin.
Prices: Tickets from £22.50
Where to stay nearby: The outdoor theatre event is sponsored by Lancaster House, which makes the perfect place to stay during your visit, complete with 4* facilities.
20th July – 1st September
Codebreakers Trail
Martin Mere, Ormskirk, Lancashire
https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/
Are you ready for a family day out like no other? Then it’s time to become a Summer Code Breaker at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre.
This summer, the stunning wetlands have been transformed into a huge interactive puzzle adventure. With the beautiful site as your backdrop and 18 clues hidden amongst the flock of flamingos, cranes, swans and more, you’ll embark on an exciting quest that promises unforgettable memories for the whole family.
Alongside the brand new Summer Code Breakers trail, there will be plenty of family favourites each day. Have a go at pond dipping, attend talks and feeds, visit Mere Tun Village, or take to the waters on the Canoe Safari.
Prices: Trail cards are £1, admission required which starts from £11.80 for children and £18.50 for adults
Where to stay nearby: The Farm at Burscough has a number of rooms in its four star bed and breakfast, and also offers camping and touring pitches or glamping tents to stay in during your visit
27th July – 7th September
Summer Saturdays at Lancashire Police Museum
Lancaster, Lancashire
https://www.lancashirepolicemuseum.co.uk/whats-on/
Lancashire Police Museum is housed within a former prison wing at Lancaster Castle. With 16 fascinating displays on past cases and how they were solved, forensic development as well as interactive displays on crime and custody, the museum is unique in the country. Take a trip through time and learn about some of the most pivotal cases in the Lancashire Police Constabulary’s history.
Usually open on Thursdays and Fridays, over the summer the opening hours have been extended to include Saturdays. A powerful new exhibition has also been curated to commemorate the tragic Morecambe Bay Cockle Pickers who lost their lives two decades ago on the Bay. It showcases the work done by Lancashire Police, which led to the imprisonment of the Chinese “gangmaster” behind this crime and the terrible events of February 5th 2004.
Prices: Free
Where to stay nearby: The Borough Rooms offer comfortable accommodation in the heart of the city, with a mouthwatering pub lunch to be had in the bar and restaurant downstairs.
3rd August – 1st September
Maize Maze at Ridgeway Farm
Blackpool, Lancashire
https://ridgewayfarmblackpool.co.uk/
While Blackpool is synonymous with coastal fun, nearby Ridgeway Farm reminds us just how close the resort is to the peace and quiet of Lancashire’s countryside. The farm offers the perfect blend of countryside and coast and this year’s Maize Maze design highlights this further with a stunning replica of the Fylde Coast and the iconic Lytham Green Windmill within the design.
The design recognises the 200-year anniversary of the RNLI and the local Lytham Lifeboat Station which is known for its role in the 1886 Lytham Lifeboat Disaster in which 27 lifeboatmen lost their lives.
The Maize Maze will be open daily over the Bank Holiday weekend, closing the following week on Saturday 1st September. Don’t miss your chance to find your way through this amaz-ing attraction.
Prices: From £6.50
Where to stay nearby: What better place to spend your bank holiday weekend than Lancashire’s only 5-star holiday village? Ribby Hall Village has limited availability and is a great place to stay with the kids as there is so much to see and do.
For these events and more go to visitlancashire.com. Information supplied by promoters was correct at time of issue.
ENDS
__________________________________________________________________
All information correct at time of release. For media enquiries, to arrange itineraries and press trips please contact the Marketing Lancashire PR team