FESTIVALS and behind the scenes tours will uncover the secret history of Lancashire next month.

A week of heritage events will bring tourists to East Lancashire in search of giants, steam engines, looms, freemasons and canal boats.

From medieval abbeys to haunted theatres and vintage toy shops towns will reveal their historic secrets as part of the Heritage Open Days 2013.

One of the Blackburn highlights of the event will see a giant become part of the heritage trail for visitors.

Mercer's toy shop will be displaying the portrait and biography of Fred Kempster the Blackburn Giant.

Guests are invited to explore the Victorian shop in Darwen Street in the town centre, where visitors will find a lifesize portrait of Fred Kempster, a legendary showman, renowned for his extreme height.

Thought to have stood at seven feet eight and a half inches, he appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as one of the tallest men in England between 1967 and 1993.

Life on the canalside will be explored with the Burnley Canal Festival. A waterway journey through Burnley will involve colourful canal boats,a floating cinema, stalls, fun kids events, boat trips, live music, kayaking taster sessions and a best decorated boat competition.

A spectacular boat glow and fireworks display will extend the fun late into the evening when boaters and visitors can also enjoy bands and music by the waterside. Lots of fun children's activities and events including boat trips and kayak taster sessions.

At King George’s Hall in Blackburn a behind the scenes tour is planned to reveal its fascinating history, including its mysterious ghost.

In Barnoldswick, the Bancroft Mill Engine Trust will display steam powerd mill engines and demonstrations on looms.

In Ribble Valley there will be free access to the 14th Century Whalley Abbey grounds including Conference House, which is not normally open to the public.

There will be guided tours of the grounds, plus a pilgrimage and children's wildlife walk.

A spokesman for the Heritage Open Days said: “This project is the largest free heritage event in the country, with unique guided tours, family-friendly themed events, fairs and festivals. Just by visiting you play a role in keeping local history alive.”

The Heritage Open Days take place between Thursday September 12 and Sunday September 15. For more information see www.heritageopendays.org.uk for more information.