Summer time is always jam packed with range of different festivals and shows and 2016 is no different. We’ve selected some of the best festivals that are happening across the region for you and whole family to enjoy.
Kendal Calling 28th – 31st July
Set in the stunning Lake District, Kendal Calling is growing in popularity year on year. With headliners like Rudimental and Madness it’s easy to see why people are flocking to the fields to enjoy this family friendly festival. As well as a top notch line up there is also a range of food and drink markets and other entertainment. The Garden of Eden is also back again for another year where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of it all and indulge in a massage or a yoga class. To see who else is on the line up and to purchase tickets visit kendalcalling.co.uk.
Chorley Flower Show 30th-31st July
Floral fans across Lancashire will once again be able to enjoy some of the best exhibitors this summer as Chorley Flower Show is back again by popular demand. The spectacular two day event will be bigger and better this year and two of the most well known names in the horticultural world are set to make guest appearances. Gardener’s World Carol Klein and TV’s Joe Swift will be presented the event and carrying out gardening demonstrations. For more information on the event and ticket prices click here.
Lytham Festival 1st-7th August
Lancashire’s biggest music, comedy and culture festival is back again and this year’s line up is pretty impressive with musical legends Bryan Adams and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds leading the almighty line up, as well as Lancashire’s own Jodie Prenger. This year there will also be an added bonus for all Star Wars fans as there will be the largest ever beach front screening of the iconic blockbuster. This festival truly caters for everyone as you can dabble in a song writing workshop or laugh out loud to ventriloquist comedian Nina Conti. For more information and tickets prices visit lythamfestival.com.
Appleby Agricultural Festival 11th August
Appleby Show makes for the perfect family day out this summer as there is a wide variety of activities and shows for you and the children to get stuck into from horticultural exhibits, equestrian classes and Fell race. As well as all things agricultural there is also a huge range of trade stands to go and explore as well as a craft and food hall. For more information on the day and to purchase tickets visit applebyshow.co.uk.
Royal Lancashire Show 12th-14th August
The Royal Lancashire Show is back again for another year with a three day celebration of the great British countryside. It is the perfect family day out as there is so much to do including livestock shows, an array of magnificent food and drink (including award winning real ales for all you beer lovers), trade stands plus much more traditional entertainment. Ticket prices start from £10, for more information and to purchase tickets go to visitlancashire.com.
Clitheroe Food Festival 13th August
Over 120 of Lancashire’s top chefs, fine food producers, entertainers and culinary experts gather for this free, family event celebrating Lancashire’s best food and drink. There is plenty of street food, pop up bars, musical entertainment and restaurant talks for you to indulge yourself in, as well as cookery workshops for the children run by the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. This is an event not to be missed, especially for all you foodies. For more information visit clitheroefoodfestival.com.
Lakes Alive Festival 26th – 28th August
Lakes Alive Festival is a brand new annual arts festival which is based in Kendal and extends outwards to the wider Lake District National Park. 2016 will be the first year the festival will be running as it aims to celebrate and reflect Cumbria’s stunning landscape and inhabitants. The festival will host alternative activities and entertainment including Bird HIVE which is a virtual event where you will be able to take to the Cumbrian skies and explore the stunning Lake District landscape. You could also take the family to the Giant Jacob’s Join which is a long table banquet where the entire community are invited to bring some of their finest homemade food. For a full listing of all of the events and ticket information visit lakealive.co.uk.
Westmorland County Show 8th September
Cumbria’s largest livestock event and award winning county show is returning again this year and promises to host a day packed with different family friendly activities. The show will host their usual livestock classes from dogs to alpacas to cattle as well as offering a range of other entertainment. There will be an array of varied craft marquees as well as some alternative entertainment such as chainsaw carving and vintage tractors. If you would like to find out more about the event or purchase some tickets then visit westmorlandshow.co.uk.
Taste Cumbria Cockermouth 24th-25th September
It’s back again for the seventh year as Taste Cumbria Cockermouth showcases some of Cumbria’s finest produce. The popular festival has wide variety of food and drink demonstrations, masterclasses’ and children’s activities making it the perfect fun filled weekend for the whole family. This year there will also be a pop up restaurant, hidden away in a secret location, from Michelin star chef Simon Rogan so you can make sure you dine in style. For more information on the weekend and to purchase tickets visit tastecumbria.com.
Manchester Food and Drink Festival 29th September- 10th October
One of the tastiest food festivals around is back for another year as Manchester hosts its famous food and drink festival. The urban food and drink festival takes place across the entire city with varied events taking place across eleven days. Fever-Tree’s ultimate cocktail bar is a must visit for gin lovers or you can head to festival hub based in of Albert Square, where they will be holding an array of events from banquets, master classes, demonstrations and live music. There will also be guest appearances from Great British Bake Off’s Nadiya Hussain, Saturday Kitchen’s Susy Atkins and Manchester’s very own Aiden Byrne. For a full list of events and to purchase tickets visit foodandrinkfestival.com.
