There are plenty of country fairs and festivals throughout the region this summer, come rain or shine
July 5th-14th Liverpool Arab Arts festival The UK's premier Arab festival takes place this summer bringing a thrilling celebration of Arab culture to venues across the city of Liverpool. The aim is to showcase the richness of Arab culture through a packed programme of visual art, music, dance, film, theatre, literature and special events and bring together diverse cultures. Liverpool City Centre, arabartsfestival.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- July 12th-13th Summer Festival Imagine your perfect summer's day; does it include relaxing in the afternoon sun with live music, while you tuck in to some tasty food? Of course it does. That's why we suggest you head to Samlesbury Hall's new Summer Festival. There's prosecco, pizza, acoustic music and children's entertainment. Need we say more? Thought not. Samlesbury Hall, Preston, samlesburyhall.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 19th- 21st Royal Lancashire Show The show, under the guise of Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show, is one of the oldest in the UK, beginning life in 1767. And the 2019 edition will feature some old favourites as well as new events. Last year about 20,000 people attended the show and organisers are expecting similar numbers to visit the 150-acre showground beside the Ribble over the three days of this year's show. Salesbury Hall, Ribchester www.royallancashireshow.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- July 27th Wonderwood Festival Wonderwood is a brand new summer event that is the perfect escape from the hustle of everyday life. Lose yourself in the magical woods with stunning designs that makes up a unique atmosphere. Guests will be welcomed by three bespoke stages, among the magical and atmospheric woods of Witton Park. Witton Country Park, Blackburn, wonderwoodfestival.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- July 28th Fairytale Adventure Day Summer is a magical time and to celebrate the start of the school holidays; Leighton Hall will be transformed into a fairytale wonderland for a captivating day of magic. Interactive theatre company Attic Door Productions will be revealing a host of magical characters who need help on an important quest. Leighton Hall, Carnforth, leightonhall.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- August 3rd The Garstang Show Get your wellies out for a fun filled day showcasing the very best in farming and horticulture across the county. Visitors should also prepare for gravity defying entertainment from The Bolddog Lings Freestyle Team as well as a fantastic array of quality livestock exhibits and delicious foodie shows. Myerscough House Farm, Garstang, garstangshow.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- August 10th Clitheroe Food Festival Showcasing the hard work and dedication of local food and drink producers, Clitheroe Food Festival is an ideal day out for everyone who appreciates good food and drink. Quality Lancashire produce will be in abundance, as well as talks from inspirational chefs, and exciting culinary activities Enjoy a huge array of foods, from organic meat and dairy produce to handmade pies and pastries. Clitheroe, clitheroefoodfestival.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- August 15th-18th Southport Flower Festival Get ready for a giant garden party to celebrate its 90th anniversary, the annual show is planning a series of special events for the landmark year, including a gala dinner and a Ladies Day. Thousands of visitors every year come to see the prize blooms in the Grand Floral Marquee and marvel at the stunning show gardens. Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli will open the show and children's TV star Justin Fletcher is bringing his stage act to amuse the show's younger visitors. Rishton-born Gardeners' Question Time presenter Christine Walkden is among the experts from TV and radio who will be on hand to share advice with visitors. Victoria Park, Southport, southportflowershow.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- August 23rd-25th Bolton Food and Drink Festival Nothing brings people together like good food. And there's plenty on the menu at the 14th food and drink festival in Bolton town centre, with over 200 food, drink and arts and craft stalls on offer, you'll be spoilt for choice. Special events will include a gin festival which we expect to be very busy. Upgrade your food knowledge in the new masterclasses and keep the children busy in the family zone. The Hairy Bikers will be this year's headliners along with favourites Greg Wallace and James Martin. Victoria Square, Bolton, boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- August 31st-September 1st Vintage by the Sea Dig out your favourite vintage garments as the award-winning Vintage by the Sea festival returns. Expect a packed weekend featuring live music, classic cars, street theatre, vintage workshops, food and drink, a marketplace, heritage buses giving free rides, a vintage fairground, a pop-up dance and an RAF Lancaster Bomber flypast. If that's not enough, head to The Midland Hotel after hours and dance through the night with the finest funk, soul and disco on offer. The Midland, Morecambe, vintagefestival.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 7th-8th Lancashire Game and Country Fair This festival is a true celebration of country pursuits in the heart of Lancashire's beautiful countryside. You can expect a wide array of shows, activities and stalls on offer. Test out your aim with clay pigeon shooting. Witness the beautiful birds of prey display or learn more about ferrets (and who doesn't need to know more about ferrets?) all the while enjoying live music and some delicious tasty treats. Woodacre Lodge Farm, Scorton, lancashiregamefestival.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 12th Westmorland County Show The Westmorland Show is famous for its livestock shows with classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and alpacas, but there's a lot more to see and do. Meet the foxhounds, get up close to cattle or marvel at the show jumping. And if all that's not enough to tickle your fancy, how about the largest food hall in the North West, which will be packed with hungry people and good food. We'll be heading straight to the artisan chocolates, then on to the cheeses, the pies, the gins... Lane Farm, Milnthorpe, westmorlandshow.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
