The Lancashire Tourism Awards 2024 has named its finalists for the Best Small Event and Best Large Event of the year.

The initiative by Marketing Lancashire spotlights the diversity of events that have taken place in the county, which contribute to the local visitor economy.

From music and dance festivals to steam train experiences, theatre, and flower shows, these events have delivered "an unforgettable year for hundreds of thousands of visitors".

The finalists for the events categories will be evaluated by a judging panel of tourism, leisure, and industry-related experts.

The winners will be announced at the Lancashire Tourism Awards ceremony in February 2024.

The nominees for Best Small Event, attracting under 15,000 visitors, include; the Autumn Steam Gala at Ribble Steam Railway & Museum in Preston, Burnley Canal Festival, Chorley Flower Show, and Folk, Roots & Maritime Festival in Lytham

Also, there's Spot On Festival in Poulton-le-Fylde, The Dukes Park Show - Alice in Wonderland in Lancaster, and Thornton Rocks in Thornton in Craven.

The contenders for Best Large Event, with over 15,000 visitors, are Affinity Summer of Fun in Fleetwood, Blackpool Dance Festival, and Lytham 1940’s Weekend.

National Festival of Making in Blackburn, Santa Specials at East Lancashire Railway in Rawtenstall, and the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne also make up the Best Large Event finalists this year.

Vikki Harris, partnerships and marketing director of Marketing Lancashire, said: "Whatever the season, events help to grow Lancashire as an attractive year-round destination for visitors, and together make a significant contribution to the sustainability of Lancashire’s visitor economy businesses.

"This year, we’ve had more applications than ever and our judges certainly have a task ahead of them, deciding on the winners.

"From unique and large festivals to smaller-scale fairs and shows, the county has something for everyone and welcomes audiences and participants from far and wide.

"Those visitors will often book overnight accommodation, visit other attractions and enjoy pubs and restaurants while in the area, bringing much-needed footfall and visitor spending to tourism and hospitality businesses that could otherwise have been much quieter.

"This list of finalists is a great representation of the kind of events that make Lancashire such an attractive proposition for visitors of all kinds, from all walks of life and from all over the UK and beyond.

"We look forward to celebrating with the creative and talented teams that make these wonderful events happen, at the awards ceremony in February."

For more details on the finalists in all categories, visit lancashiretourismawards.com.