If you haven’t made any plans for the long weekend, here are a selection of events that might fit the bill.

Great British Life: A Harry Potter themed weekend is in store at Lancaster Castle Photo: Patrick JT BannonA Harry Potter themed weekend is in store at Lancaster Castle Photo: Patrick JT Bannon (Image: Patbannonphoto)

Garstang Arts & Music Festival (22nd – 29th)

The Arts and Music Festival has been successfully established as an annual event in Garstang for many years. The festival takes place in August and runs for the 10 days prior to ending on Bank Holiday Monday. The programme of events caters for all ages and interests. There are live outdoor concerts, street entertainers, dances, jazz bands, folk music, art exhibitions and a variety of workshops.

www.garstang.net

School of Wizardry (25th - 29th)

As Potter fans across the country are engrossed in the frenzy of Rowling’s Cursed Child release, immersive outdoor cinema specialists Sneaky Experience, have announced an interactive wizarding adventure, bringing dark magic, broomstick lessons, potion classes and outdoor screenings from the Harry Potter franchise to Lancaster Castle, former site of the Pendle Witch trials, over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Bringing the films to life, 25-29th August, this is outdoor cinema like you’ve never seen it before with immersive theatrical performances, fire breathing and potion classes which build on the hosts ethos: Don’t just watch it! Be part of it!

www.lancastercastle.com

Great British Life: Bolton Food and Drink FestivalBolton Food and Drink Festival (Image: Archant)

Tapas Evening and Canal Cruise (Starting on the 26th)

Departing at 7.30pm from Riley Green Marina, Hoghton join Canal Boat Cruises for a lovely 2.5 hour cruise with a selection of Tapas dishes served on board for £19.50 per ticket.

canalboatcruises.co.uk

Wild Families: Wind in the Willows at Brockholes (26th)

Explore Brockholes’ ‘Wind in the Willows’ woodland and take part in themed activities and games. ‘Wild Families’ is Brocholes series of events aimed at getting the whole family outdoors and working together.

/www.brockholes.org

Morecambe Live Weekender (26th – 28th)

The Morecambe Live Weekender kicks off the fantastic summer season in the resort - Staged over 3 days and 2 nights every August Bank Holiday it features 90s, 00s & 10s Tribute artists plus the very best local bands and singers for just £10 per ticket.

www.morecambelive.com

Helmshore Beer Festival (26th – 29th)

This August bank holiday weekend Kiln Clough Farm are opening up part of the farm and holding the first Helmshore Beer Festival serving a variety of craft ales, lagers, ciders and wines and have live music on both the Saturday and Sunday. Come along for a weekend of great entertainment in the stunning surroundings of the Rossendale countryside.

www.facebook.com/helmshorebeerfestival/

Bolton Food and Drink Festival (26th – 29th)

There’s a whole world of treats lined up over the four-day bank holiday weekend with something for everyone at the Bolton Food and Drink Festival. Starting with a Gala Dinner, you can also enjoy food and drink from fantastic artisan traders in the markets, watch some of the best chefs around cook up a storm in the celebrity and regional chef cookery demonstrations or simply kick back and relax and enjoy the live music and entertainment. Younger visitors will love the Mad Science zone too where they can try their hands at crazy experiments and enjoy entertaining demos.

www.boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com

The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival (26th – 29th)

The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival returns to Colne for its 27th year this August Bank Holiday weekend.

www.bluesfestival.co.uk

Late Night Riding at Blackpool Pleasure Beach (27th)

Enjoy the rides on park at Blackpool Pleasure Beach until late into the night and then be prepared to be wowed by a spectacular Fireworks display to end this fantastic evening.

www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com

Great Eccleston Tractor Pulling Championships (27th – 28th)

The North West Tractor Pulling Club in Eccleston will be hosting the European Tractor Pulling Championships this August Bank Holiday. Tractor Pulling is known to be ‘the worlds most powerful motorsport’ so it’s a guaranteed fun day out for all the family.

www.nwtpc.co.uk

Burnley Canal Festival (27th – 28th)

Burnley’s fith Canal Festival is set to take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th August 2016. This year’s festival is set to attract visitors from a wide area, who come to enjoy the colourful display of boats and to enjoy the free family events and entertainment which will be happening throughout the weekend between 11am and 4pm each day. The weekend will be packed full of colourful entertainment, centred on the canal, for all the family to enjoy. A large collection of working, trade and pleasure narrow boats will provide a visually stunning attraction and vibrant atmosphere.

burnleycanalfestival.org

Festival Bowland 2016 - Ribble Valley Ramble (28th)

Participants will meet at the Spread Eagle for a bacon sandwich and a hot drink before setting off on a guided walk. The route will be decided by the regular local walk leaders who will provide commentary. A refreshment stop will be made half way (don’t forget your money for a drink). The group will then return to the Spread Eagle for a two course meal. Morning sandwich and afternoon meal are included in the ticket price and well behaved dogs on a short lead accepted. £15.99, 5 ½ hours, terrain guide 4, 7 miles approx.

forestofbowland.com

Outdoor Theatre - Danny, the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl (28th)

Join these fantastically thrilling outdoor theatre performances. Danny, the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl comes to Lytham Hall. Gates open 2.00pm for picnics and car parking is close to the arena. Licensed Bar and Refreshments - Bring your own low back seating/rug and warm clothing. Show finishes at 6pm.

Ticket prices: Adults £13, seniors £10, students/schoolchildren £6.50.

www.lythamhall.org.uk

Medieval Encampment (28th – 29th)

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, Hoghton Tower welcomes a Medieval Encampment to the front lawns. Come and see how people lived, get involved in sword fighting and inspect the soldiers on display.

www.hoghtontower.co.uk

World Gravy Wrestling Championships 2016 (29th)

Placed in the top ten of the weirdest ‘sports’ and pastimes in 2010, the World Gravy Wrestling Championships will again be held at the Rose ‘n Bowl, Stacksteads, Rossendale, Lancashire in 2016.

www.worldgravywrestling.com