HIGH temperatures and sunny skies are forecast to shine on events, festivals and shows across East Lancashire this weekend.

Forecasters predict a fine Friday evening with scattered clouds and a scorching Saturday with clear skies and temperatures of 25C.

But there is a 30 per cent chance of rain on Sunday, possibly thundery, which could dampen spirits although it will remain warm.

And the good weather is not expected to continue next week.

In Pendle, plans to mark the two day Pendle Cycle Fest, which culminates with the National Road Race Cycle Championships, will involve a fantastic range of cycling entertainment.

The event’s base in Barley will include activities and displays such as a big screen television, a computrainer and cycle smoothies, circus skills displays and a variety of stalls.

To make the most of the sunshine the more active weekender can go to Blackburn’s Witton Park where two new mountain bike runs open on Saturday.

The park is also hosting children’s activities and wood turning displays.

Saturday will see a large-scale procession in Accrington to mark both the mayor-making and Armed Forces Day.

And marching organisations led by the Accrington Pipe Band will parade from Eagle Street onto Blackburn Road towards Accrington Town Hall at noon, where new mayor Councillor Malcolm Pritchard and the civic party will take the salute.

At 12.30pm, an outdoor service is taking place at the Accrington Pals Memorial, St James’s Church, before the procession returns to the town hall.

On Sunday, Hoghton Towers’ much-loved Classic Car and Motorcycle Show will see cars, motorbikes autojumble and trade stands from 11am until 4pm.

And music will be in the air on Sunday evening at Towneley Park, Burnley with the Brass in the Park Event with Hebden Bridge Band from 5pm to 8pm.

A Met Office spokesman said: “It will becoming largely dry after early showers on Thursday, with variable cloud and sunshine, staying warm over the weekend.

“For the rest of next week it looks like becoming much more unsettled generally, with the possibility of some very windy weather.”