East Lancashire is a great county filled with even greater people. However, there are some things about the region that you just wouldn’t understand unless you grew up here.
From iconic food items, famous faces, or memorable places here are some things you will only appreciate if you are from East Lancashire.
1. The endless debate about what this is called
Some people in the region say barm cakes, other’s say teacake- but both of these are completely different to a current teacake and you should NEVER get them mixed up.
2. The frustration of telling people you live ‘near Manchester’.
It’s easier than explaining where Ribble Valley is.
3. The unique dialect
“E wer agait” might sound like gibberish to a southerner- but it actually means “he was doing/saying something”.
4. Pot fairs
These fairs were common in the North West and North East of Lancashire- many East Lancashire houses were filled with plates, cups and saucers purchased from these traders.
5. The Blackburn Rovers/Burnley rivalry
Locals will argue that there is no fiercer football rivalry than these two teams. Blackburn fans have even nicknamed their rivals ‘The Dingles’, who feature in ITV soap, Emmerdale.
6. Drinking Sarsaparilla
Derived from root beer, this drink was sold in East Lancashire- most notably in Blackburn Market
Blackburn resident, Lynda Richmond, said: “Someone once asked me if I had ever tried a sarsaparilla and was gobsmacked to be told I had been brought up on it.”
7. Where to get your chippy tea from
Photo credit, Robert Wade.
Many people know all about chippy teas- and have opposing ideas about the best shop to get them from.
People from Blackburn might head to The Chippery- those from Burnley might swear by Belfields.
Marion Slater said: "You used to get a bag of scraps for 2b from the chippy in the 60s".
7. … and ordering a ‘babby’s head’ when you get there
Or kidney pudding, if you live outside the region.
8. Making a sloppy daw daw as a kid
It’s essentially making a muddy hole in the ground- but it’s great fun when you’re young.
10.And finally- the unique food options
Spud pie, potato sandwich, black peas and vinegar and pobs bread are all classics in the region.
Did we miss anything off the list? Let us know in the comments
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