Lancashire: 11 events taking place this August Bank Holiday weekend

From music festivals and outdoor theatre performances to gravy wrestling and canal festivals, many of them 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.

1. 25–27 August, Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival, Colne.

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, more than 35,000 people attended in 2022, this year’s headliners include Elles Bailey, Aynsley Lister and Xander and The Peace Pirates.

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: From £30 per day
Camping: Official campsite just 0.7miles from main venue.      
Special place to eat nearby: Michelin star restaurant The 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.  

2. 25–28 August, St Anne’s on the Sea Music Festival, St Anne’s.

The much-applauded St. Anne’s on the Sea Music Festival returns for its second year to its home of Ashton Gardens on August Bank Holiday weekend.

Twenty bands will take to the Main Stage under the marquee in the gardens, with the additional Pavilion Stage providing more choice. 

The days are loosely themed with Friday funk & soul, Saturday pop and party, Sunday rock and progressive and Monday Britpop and sixties.  

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 Glendower Hotel is close to all the action and provide great rooms overlooking the Irish Sea. 

3. 25-28 August, Quayfest II, Lancaster.

Four days, three fantastic venues, one beautiful area in one of England’s historic cities.

Quayfest II marks the second time that Lancaster’s Quayside pubs will be brought to life with amazing music for an entire weekend in 2023.  

Choose from The Three Mariners, one of the oldest pubs in Lancaster, the George and Dragon or the Wagon and Horses, or move between all three to enjoy over 30 acts across the entire back holiday weekend.

There will also be a street performance from Batala Lancaster, a local samba band, on Saturday 26 August, which will move down the Quay from its starting point at Millennium Bridge. 

Prices: Free
Stay nearby: The Wagon and Horses has a limited number of rooms to book meaning you won’t have to go far to rest your head after a night of rocking out.  

4. 26 August, Amazing Accrington Soapbox Challenge, Accrington.

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!

Last years 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   

5. 26 August, Rockfest, Blackburn.

With five brilliant bands taking to the stage playing both their own tunes and covers from the best bands in rock.

The profits from the show all go to local charity Secret Santa, who help underprivileged children receive Christmas gifts.

This year the bands playing include Liberty Slaves, Assassin, Unknown Refuge, Redhead, Northern Alibi and a host DJ. 

While in the area explore Blackburn Cathedral, one of the oldest places of Christian worship, and pick up some of its very own gin to take home and enjoy, or visit the Blackburn Museum, one of the first purpose built free museums to open outside London, which has been showcasing art and historical artifacts since 1874. 

Prices: From £7
Stay nearby: Hampton by Hilton Blackburn
Where place to eat nearby: Head to The Mall Blackburn and grab a bite from Blackburn Market
Spoil yourself: Nearby Stanley House Hotel and Spa provides amazing spa breaks to help relax and enjoy the rest of the weekend. 

6. 26–28 August, Lowther Pavilion World Food & Drink Festival, Lytham.

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.

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 

7. 26–28 August, Monster Takeover, Affinity Lancashire, Fleetwood.

Affinity Lancashire is set to be invaded by giant Monsters over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

From Friday 25 until Monday 28 August the monsters will have invaded the centre.

On Saturday 26 August you can meet the monsters and join in monster crafts, or visit on Monday 28 August for the Monster Mash Silent Disco, with face painting and monster caricatures.
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.

8. 27 August, Heskin Pirate Day, Chorley.

A fun day out for all the family, Heskin Hall takes visitors back in time to a world of pirate fun over the bank holiday weekend.

There will be pirate training, an inflatable pirate ship assault course, dress up competitions, stalls and more. Plus you can grab a bite to eat or a bottle of grog at the café.  

Heskin Hall offers a mix of retail and events spaces within its historic Tudor manor house grounds, with antiques centre and cafe with licensed bar.  

Prices: Free
Stay nearby: Royal Umpire Holiday Park is close by and offers a great base for exploring the area over the bank holiday weekend
Eat nearby: After a day of pirating adventures, head into Chorley for the evening where you can head to Escape Entertainment Venue for a game of Gator Golf or Bowling and grab tea in the Oasis Bar & Restaurant 

9. 27th August, Burnley Canal Festival, Burnley.

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. 

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.  

9. 27 August, Whalley Artisan Market, Walley.

Crafty Vintage’s monthly Artisan Market at Whalley is back for Bank Holiday weekend. Enjoy great street food, live music, vintage art, handmade crafts and fresh produce all locally made and sourced, to take a little bit of Lancashire home with you.

While in the area why not take the opportunity to explore the Ribble Valley and everything it has to offer, including a trip to nearby Clitheroe where you can take part in the towns Greatest Days Selfie Trail celebrating their moment on the big screen this summer, or head up to Inch Perfect Trails and experience the thrill of trail biking across the stunning Lancashire countryside.  

Prices: Free
Stay nearby: The beautiful Whalley Abbey nearby offers 17 en-suite rooms in a historic setting
Special place to eat nearby: The award winning Freemasons at Wiswell is close by for a special meal after spending your day at the market 

10. 28 August, World Gravy Championship, Rossendale.

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 competition. 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 been known to include cheer leading groups, BB gun shooting ranges, Bouncy castles, face painting, craft beer stalls, cake and tombola stands.                    

Prices: £2.50
Stay nearby: Rossendale Holiday Cottages and Glamping Site is a 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.  

11. 28 August, Summer Brass Band Concert, Chipping.

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 glass of Pimm’s to enjoy.      

Prices: £35
Stay nearby: Gibbon Bridge is not just an event venue, it’s four star hotel has 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!  

1. 8 May–10 Sep, Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT, Martin Mere, Ormskirk.

New for 2023, head to Martin Mere to enjoy a beautiful art trail from illustrator Quentin Blake and reimagine the wonder of the wetlands and nature.

In addition to the trail and the usual events at Martin Mere such as pond dipping and the canoe safari, you can enjoy foraging, wetland crafts, weapons training and craft room activities throughout the Bank Holiday Weekend.  

The Drawn to Water event will take place throughout 2023 and 2024, but as the illustrations change with the seasons, the Bank Holiday will be one of the last chances for you to view the summer trail before it changes for the autumn season.  

Prices: Most events are included within admission which starts from £10. 

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 

2. 21 July–27 Aug, The Dukes Outdoor Theatre, Lancaster.

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 picnic blankets in tow.   

This year, you can follow Phileas Fogg on his epic whirlwind adventure as he embarks on his trip around the world in 80 days.

Expect explosive encounters in this journey of romance, trickery and shenanigans and witness Fogg’s life changing before your eyes in this exciting performance. Bank holiday weekend is its final run and tickets are selling fast so book now!  

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. 
For these events and more click here.