East Lancashire venues being transformed into 'fun palaces'

As well as the libraries, Clitheroe Castle Museum and Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham are also hosting events between Friday, October 4 and Sunday, October 6.

Last year, more than 8,500 people attended the events across Lancashire, which this year will include robot races, sword fighting, and knitting a giant scarf.

The Fun Palace at Lancaster library in 2023 (Image: Lancashire County Council)

There is no need to book and all the events and activities are free.

The East Lancashire libraries involved are in Barnoldswick, Burnley, Longridge, Oswaldtwistle, Rawtenstall, and Whitworth.

The Bureau Arts Centre in Blackburn will also be turning into a Fun Palace, hosting giant cardboard castle making, badge making, chair painting, kite making, embroidery, meditation, and more.

Further afield, Ingol library will host the Preston North End Community and Education Trust which will get visitors to start work on knitting a giant scarf which will be carried out onto the pitch at Deepdale next year.

Another of the events is a Sense and Sensibility dance demonstration by Preston Folk Dance Club.

More than 8,500 people attended the sessions last year (Image: Lancashire County Council)

At Lancaster library, planned events include a chemistry demonstration from Lancaster University, and the chance to add to the artwork of a map which shows what Lancaster looked like in the 1600s.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "There is a huge variety of events planned across Lancashire and I would encourage people to join in the fun for free.

"I would also like to thank the staff and volunteers who have made these events possible as we celebrate another year of Fun Palaces popping up across the county."