Stay for longer and enjoy the bank holiday in Lancashire

The first of the two long weekends in May is upon us, and Lancashire has so much to offer to visitors and residents alike.

With a huge event calendar, fantastic attractions for all ages and last-minute availability for those looking for a place to stay. Not to mention the hope of a sunny weekend if the forecast is to be believed!

This weekends events:

Wray Scarecrow Festival – On until 6^th May

The Wray Scarecrow Festival is underway, with a theme of Sci-fi this year’s event is out of this world! There will be fun every day throughout the festival with Parade on Friday 3^rd May and the festival closes with a special fair day on Bank Holiday Monday.

Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool – Ongoing until 8^th June

Can you find all of the herd? 30 beautiful Elmer elephants have taken over Blackpool, all offering a unique and wonderful experience and photo opportunity.

Garstang Walking Festival – 4^th – 12^th May

Celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year’s Garstang Walking Festival is not on to be missed. With over 40 walks to join in with you can explore everything Garstang and Wyre has to offer. Many walks are already booked up but you are not too late to join in with others this weekend, and there is a special birthday bash on Monday too.

Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues Festival – 3^rd – 6^th May

Showcasing the very best of jazz and blues across multiple locations in Clitheroe, this festival brings together artists from across the world. Check out the full programme of over 500 performers taking to the stage this Bank Holiday weekend.

Burnley Live Music Weekend -4^th – 5^th May

A weekend of music, dance and community spirit returns as local singers and bands take to the stage across a range of town centre venues. The music weekend will be supported with an Artisan Market in the town centre and a Festival food for a Fiver campaign from a number of street food vendors on Saturday.

Day out with Thomas – 4^th – 5^th May

Calling all train-lover families! Take a trip through the beautiful Irwell Valley on Sodor’s number one Tank and meet Sir Topham Hat himself. There will be singing, dancing and entertaining throughout the day with fair rides, face painting, balloon modelling and more at Bury Transport Museum too.

Preston Bank Holiday Weekender – 4^th- 5^th May

Another one for the music fans, Preston Weekender is back with a huge party on the Flag Market throughout Saturday and Sunday! Saturday will include the Ministry of Sound Takeover show with big sets from Hacienda hero Graeme Park and performances from the legendary Julie McKnight, Livin’ Joy, 2 Funky2 and Freemasons. This will be followed by Sunday on the Square, a jam-packed day of bands including From the Jam, Buzzcocks, Space, Evil Blizard and more.

Chorley 10k – 5^th May

The Chorley 10k and 2k family run is fully booked up, with no more runner spots available. Thankfully the event also caters to spectators and offers loads of fun for non-runners to join in with as well. Head along and support those running and take advantage of the fantastic runner’s village.

Blackburn Beer & Gin Festival – 3^rd May to 5^th May

A firm favourite for beer and gin lovers, this festival offers the chance to choose from over 60 real ales and a gin bar stocked to the rafters with top quality gin from around the UK and beyond. There will be live music, rugby and tasty street food on throughout the weekend.

Martin Mere Annual Duck Race – 6^th May

Colour in your rubber duck in the craft room then enter the race for your chance to win a great prize!

Samlesbury Hall Dog Show – 6^th May

Bring your pooches, big or small, for the best fun dog show in Lancashire. From fancy dress to dog most like owner, pet stalls, BBQ and fresh home cooked food.

Attractions for all to enjoy.

Of course, our annual and one-off events aren’t all that Lancashire has to offer! You can fill a whole weekend with world-class attractions too.

If you are in Blackpool why not check out the brand new Showtown Museum? See who can win at The Hole in Wand or meet the animals at Blackpool Zoo. Not to mention the award-winning Pleasure Beach Resort, The Blackpool Tower, Madame Tussauds and Sea LIFE Blackpool. There is so much to do, its no wonder so many people visit time and time again.

Further inland, it’s the perfect time of year to meet the baby lambs and animals at a number of great farm parks throughout the county including Mrs Dowsons Farm, Windmill Animal Farm, Bowland Wild Boar Park and Thornton Hall. Alpacas are in need of walking at Alpaca Fold Walking Experience and Lowlands Farm Alpacas, and there are horses to be cared for at World Horse Welfare Penny Farm and HAPPA.

For culture vultures there are shows galore at Lancashire’s theatres and music venues, and so much to see at the museums that showcase the county’s heritage, including Blackburn Museum, Pendle Heritage Centre, Queen Street Mill, The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery and more, not to mention Lancaster Castle, owned by King Charles III himself.

Visit Lancashire this May Bank Holiday Weekend

There is so much to see and do, and that’s without going into the fantastic places to eat too! You will find it all in Lancashire, and there is still a chance to book for a night away too, with availability at some of our top accommodation providers… take your pick from all types of provider, including Shepherds Huts at The Hamlet at Samlesbury Hall, rooms at The Spread Eagle Inn at Sawley and even rooms in the Large Hotel of the Year Award winning Crow Wood Hotel and Spa.