Enjoy the sunshine with a backdrop of live music - here are some of the best local music festivals taking place this summer

July 6th-13th Sounds of the City Set in the heart of Manchester city centre, Sounds of the City brings some of the most popular artists around making Manchester a musical destination this summer. This year's line up includes pop queen Kylie Minogue, indie band The Kooks and our very own Lancashire rockers, Elbow. Castlefield Bowl, Manchester, ticketmaster.co.uk

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- July 10th-14th Lytham Festival Returning for its 10th anniversary, Lytham Festival has fast become one of Lancashire's best loved live music festivals; attracting people from all over the UK to enjoy amazing nights of live music by the seaside. Attendees can enjoy music from Rod Stewart, Stereophonics and Kylie Minogue. Lytham, lythamfestival.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- July 11th-14th Wigan International Jazz Festival Originally formed in 1986, this jazz festival has now featured many of the world's finest jazz artists, many of iconic status, gaining the reputation for being one of the finest jazz festivals in Europe. With a selection of daytime and evening concerts, this festival celebrates all that we love about this delightful genre of music in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Village on the Green, Apsull, wiganjazzfest.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- July 12th-14th Beat-Herder Festival A bohemian lover's paradise, Beat-Herder is a colossal creation with many areas for music, 14 bars, over 40 stalls and fairgrounds. From humble beginnings of just a tiny stage, a witch tent and (ahem) a naked sauna, has now erupted to a site of creativity with a celebration of music and dance. Sawley, Ribble Valley, beatherder.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- July 12th-14th Brazilica Festival The streets of Liverpool come alive with the vibrant and colourful Brazilian spirit this summer. The UK's only Samba carnival will showcase film and music exhibitions, carnival queen competitions, dance performances and a glittering float and samba parade throughout the city. Liverpool City Centre, facebook.com/brazilicafestival

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- July 25th-28th Kendal Calling If listening to some of the best bands and singers around is your ideal summer event, then grab a ticket and get to Kendal Calling. The popular music festival in the lush green fields just south of Penrith (no, it's not at Kendal) will include Courteeners and Tom Jones. Yes, Tom Jones. There's comedy too, including Lancashire Life columnist Justin Moorhouse. Lowther Deer Park, Lowther, kendalcalling.co.uk

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- August 10th-11th Morecambe Carnival This annual event in Morecambe has grown into an incredibly popular community celebration with live music, a carnival parade, and events around the town as well as food and drink stalls and attractions for all ages. Headliners this year include Toyah and The Christians. Morecambe Promenade, morecambecarnival.org

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August 22nd-25th Livewire Festival Blackpool's world-famous promenade comes alive with some of the biggest names in comedy and music. Comedians such as Alan Davies and Jason Manford will have you stitches while Lauryn Hill is among the musicians who will be performing. The promenade, Blackpool, livewirefestival.co.uk