No need to look any further, we’ve got your summer holidays sorted. We know that keeping the whole family entertained can often feel daunting and exhausting. Fear not, Lancashire has a jam-packed summer with amazing events for all to enjoy and the best part is they are all FREE.
Various dates throughout August
Betsy Bumble Bee at Samlesbury Hall, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 0UP
Betsy Bumblebee is returning to Samlesbury Hall for more family fun this August, with her very own stories. Enjoy her treasure hunts and original stories in a spectacular 14th Century Hall. Stay for the day and head to the Mayflower playground and play trail in the woods, as well as visiting the ever growing family of small animals including goats, sheep and pigs and the award-winning Bee Centre. Complete the day with a delicious freshly baked waffle from Dotties Wafflery.
*Check website for dates and times. Suitable for children aged 3-11 years old
Stay for longer: The Hamlet at Samlesbury Hall (unique accommodation); Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel (hotel)
10th August
Clitheroe Food Festival, Clitheroe town centre
The award-winning Clitheroe Food Festival takes to the streets of this historic market town on Saturday 10th August. A festival that prides itself on showcasing the very best Lancashire producers, many offering a real Taste of Lancashire with samples and special offers. With over 100 exhibitors to choose from this event is always a crowd pleaser. Throughout the day there will be an array of street entertainment from ‘Dinner Ladies’, ‘Comedy Waiters’ and ‘Busking Mad Scientist’ keeping visitors engaged and amused. Don’t miss visiting the castle grounds with great kids’ playground.
Stay for longer: 1823 Spinning Block Hotel (hotel); Shireburn Park (self-catering) Brooklyn Guest House (B&B);
10th-11th August
Blackpool Air Show, promenade and seafront
The Blackpool Air Show is a magnificent free two- day event which takes place on Blackpool Promenade. Taking to the skies for
their only UK confirmed date for 2019 is the world -famous Breitling Jet Team. There will be breath-taking performances from
the RAF Chinook Display Team, UK based AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers, The Autogyro and many more, all set to dazzle and wow the crowds as they fly over the promenade and world-famous Blackpool Tower.
Stay for longer: NEW hotel – Boulevard Hotel, Blackpool; (hotel); Ribby Hall Village (holiday village, self-catering)
9th-11th August
St Annes International Kite Festival 2019, beach and promenade
Skies above St Annes will be awash with colour as visitors are treated to spectacular and beautiful demonstrations by kite teams from across the UK and overseas. As well as this amazing flying display there will be an animation theatre performance, keep an eye out for wandering Flowerpots, Jolly Whalers, Lively Lifeguards and more. The popular ebublio bubble experience will return too, as well as a beach funfair and donkey rides making St Annes International Kite Festival the perfect family day out.
Stay for longer: Dalmeny Hotel (hotel); St Annes Beach Apartments (self-catering)
17th 18th August
Lytham 1940s Wartime Weekend, Lytham green
The 1940s wartime years are brought to life with a bang! Recapture the wartime spirit on Lytham Green and throughout the town by immersing yourself in a brilliant weekend of live entertainment, re-enactments. Keep calm and have some fun!
Stay for longer: Clifton Arms Hotel (hotel); Eastham Hall Holiday Park (Camping/Self-Catering)
18th August
Fylde Coast Food and Drink Festival 2019, Marine Hall and Gardens Fleetwood
Set on the sea front on Fleetwood’s beautiful Esplanade Marine Hall is set to host the Fylde Coast Food and Drink Festival. The festival will showcase quality food and drink from across Lancashire with a stunning seaside setting, lovely gardens and play area it makes for the perfect summer’s day out for the whole family.
Stay for longer: Briar Dene Hotel (hotel); Hare House & Barn Owl at Cobblestone Barn (self-catering)
25th August
Ormskirk MotorFest 2019, Ormskirk Town Centre, Lancashire
One of the North West’s premier free family events. The Ormskirk MotorFest returns to the streets on 25 August with over 10,000 motor enthusiasts expected to enjoy this motoring extravaganza, bringing together over 300 cars and motorbikes for a day of high-octane fun.
Stay for longer: Birches Brow Boutique Guestrooms (B&B); Barn Owl Cottage (self-catering); Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms
27th August
Ride the Lights, Blackpool
For one night only cyclists of all ages and abilities can get a sneak preview of the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations ahead of the annual Switch-On. Hundreds of families, friends and visitors take to their bikes, many covered in lights and specially decorated for the event, to enjoy cycling along the promenade underneath the twinkling lights of the Illuminations. It truly is a magical evening without a car or coach in sight.
Stay for longer: Best Western Carlton Hotel Blackpool (hotel); The Big Blue Hotel (hotel)
30th Aug to 3rd Nov 2019
Blackpool Illuminations 2019, Blackpool
The Blackpool Illuminations attract millions of visitors every year as they marvel at the world’s biggest free light show, along the length of this famous promenade and this year it’s sure to be one of the brightest and biggest to date with many new tableaux
Stay for longer: Coast Apartments (self-catering); Pipers Height Caravan Park (camping)
31st Aug – 1st Sept
Vintage by the Sea Festival 2019, Midland Hotel and seafront
The award-winning Vintage by the Sea Festival takes place in and around Morecambe’s iconic art-deco hotel, The Midland. The weekend is a celebration of the brilliance of 20th century. 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.
Stay for longer: The Midland (hotel), Best Western Lothersdale Hotel (hotel), Golden Ball Hotel -Camping Pods
This is just a small selection of the hundreds of events waiting to be discovered in Lancashire this summer! To plan your visit, find accommodation and to download our Lancashire Treasures Guide visitlancashire.com/summer. For regular updates, competitions and ideas follow @VisitLancashire #LancashireTreasures on twitter.
