It looks likes it will be a packed social calendar in the region during 2018.
You’ll be impressed
A painting by one of the world’s most famous painters is on show at Abbot Hall Art Gallery in Kendal. Visitors will have the rare opportunity of seeing close up Claude Monet’s Haystacks: Snow Effect. It’s on show there until 28 April.
The impressionist painting, dated 1891, is from a series of work widely regarded as among Monet’s best and is loaned from the National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh. It is believed to be the very first time that a Monet has been on display in the Lakes.
Drop in for snowdrops
Shake off the cobwebs with a hike around the magnificent Holker Gardens. This is a rare opportunity to see them during the late winter, combining a gentle stroll with a game of hide and seek spotting delicate snowdrops and bulbs as the Gardens and Parkland spring back in to life.
The February openings are 9-11, 16-18 and 23-25. Lytham Hall’s snowdrop walk is also open each weekend in February.
www.holker.co.uk and www.lythamhall.org.uk
Dragons and dogs
With one of the biggest and most long-established Chinese communities in the UK, Manchester’s New Year celebrations are always fun-packed, exciting events.
This is the Year of the Dog and people born in these years are noted for their loyalty and honesty. The celebrations culminate on Sunday February 18 with a stunning dragon parade, accompanied by traditional lion dancing, martial arts displays, food stalls, a funfair with over 20 rides on Charlotte Street, and a huge fireworks display at 6pm.
Ballet brilliant
The Birmingham Royal Ballet has received universal acclaim for The Sleeping Beauty and now it’s your chance to share in this wonderful world of wicked fairies, beautiful princesses and magic kisses.
This dazzling spectacle, at The Lowry in Salford from February 28-March 3, is enlivened even further with music from the acclaimed Royal Ballet Sinfonia.
Such a tonic
Returning for its third year, Lancaster and Morecambe Ginfest is the region’s largest independent gin festival.
This year’s festival will be held on February 2 and 3 with more than 200 artisan and award-winning gins to sample, alongside a celebration of all things gin including masterclasses, talks with producers, entertainment and gin themed edibles. It’s at the Lothersdale Hotel in Morecambe’s Marine Road.
Wizard fun
School of Wizardry, February 15
Step on board the Wondrous Wizard Express from Platform 3/4 at Bury’s Bolton Street Station on February 15 for a day of all things magic. You’ll join the teachers from the Grand Old School of Wizardry for your first day of term for a spellbinding two hour experience with costumed characters, including super sorcerers and wicked witches, and magical activities along the line.
Join the stars
Pray for clear skies and you could be in for an unforgettable night under the stars at Brockholes Nature Reserve with local astronomer, Robert Ince. He will be your guide on the evening of February 24 for a Dark Sky Festival taking you on an incredible journey through the constellations and along the Milky Way, while also showing you how to find heavenly objects in the sky for yourself.
There will also be colourful talks, videos and hands on help with telescopes.
Summer 2018
Prove to the kids that women’s football isn’t a new phenomenon by taking a trip to The Harris in Preston. A hundred years ago the town’s Dick, Kerr Ladies ran out onto the pitch at Deepdale for the first time and impressed a crowd of 10,000 spectators with their skill.
They secured a 4-0 victory over the team from Arundel Coulthard & Co - a win that marked the start of their amazing journey to becoming world champions. Find out more about their individual stories and take a look at the women’s game in Preston today. The exhibition runs until the summer.
Right on cue
Preston Guild Hall will host snooker’s Labrokes World Grand Prix from February 19-28. More than 30 stars from around the world will be competing in this televised event.
Barry Hawkins won the title last season, beating Ryan Day 10-7 in an exciting final which has a £100,000 top prize.
Knead to know
If this is the year you decided to start making your own bread, then Lancashire Life’s resident bakers at Artisan Foodworks have a course just for you on February 17. There’s a full day practical bread making class in the Burscough bakery with refreshments and lunch in Merlin’s Bakery Cafe.
They use slow fermentation techniques for improved flavour and will show you how to make different types of bread just using basic ingredients as well as perfecting your kneading techniques.
EXTRA
Special charity event
The team of detectives that worked on the night of the tragic MEN arena bombing last May are organising a charity event to raise funds for the survivors and their families.
The GMBee Glitz and Glamour Ball at Lancashire County Cricket Club, Old Trafford on 23rd March will include live entertainment and a charity auction.
