Our guide to the best events in and around the region.
THEATRE & DANCE
4th - 12th
Treasure Island
The Dukes present an outdoor walkabout production of Treasure Island, where the winding paths and dark woodlands of Williamson Park are transformed into the fictional island.
Williamson Park, Lancaster, 01524 598500
6th
Pride and Prejudice
Take a step back in time with Chapterhouse Theatre Company to meet Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Austen’s most loveable heroine, in this open-air performance. The brand-new adaptation also celebrates the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death.
Houghton Tower, near Preston, www.hoghtontower.co.uk
7th - 19th
Funny Girl
This critically acclaimed and record-breaking theatre production returns to Manchester to complete its national tour. Sheridan Smith reprises her smash hit performance in the role of Fanny Brice, and playing opposite her is Darius Campbell as Nick Arnstein.
Manchester Palace Theatre, 0844 871 3019
8th - 12th
Footloose: The Musical
Based on the 1984 cult classic starring Kevin Bacon, Footloose: The Musical tells the story of city boy Ren, who has to move to rural backwater in America where dancing is banned. It will star Gareth Gates as Willard and Maureen Nolan as Vi Moore.
Charter Theatre, Preston, 01772 804444
16th - 18th
Trial By Jury
Lovehistory return to St George’s Hall with a brand new case to solve. This compelling and immersive theatre production puts the audience in the driving seat, giving you the power to decide the fate of those on trial.
St George’s Hall, Liverpool, 0844 800 0410
20th
The Mikado
The Lord High Executioner is expected in the parkland of Lytham Hall as Illyria stage Arthur Conan Doyle’s adventure story, the basis of the Jurassic Park series. Artistic director Oliver Gray has a reputation for the spectacular and his always inventive company may have the audience hiding behind their picnic rugs.
Lytham Hall, 01253 736652
22nd
The Emperor’s New Clothes
Held in the setting of Brantwood’s lakeside meadow, bring your own seating and enjoy Illyria’s show of the Hans Christian Andersen story. Coniston Launch will also be running a ferry service to and from the performance.
Brantwood, Coniston, www.brantwood.org.uk
August 25th until September 23rd
PIPPIN
The Tony Award-winning performance, directed by Jonathan O’Boyle and co-produced by Guy James, tells the story of a young prince, the heir to a throne, and his journey to find meaning to life - only to discover true happiness is more complicated than he thought.
Hope Mill Theatre, Ancoats, www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk
26th
Dinosaur Invasion Show
Have a fun afternoon filled with dinosaurs. Over 15 realistic dinosaurs, puppets and characters will be a part of the educational show, which delivers animatronics from tiny baby hatchlings to a gigantic T Rex and Triceratops.
Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn, 01254 685 500
31st - September 2nd
Derren Brown: Underground
The multi-award winning master of psychological illusion brings his latest performance to Blackpool. Direct from its recent sold-out London run, it features a collection of some of the very best of his previous stage work.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk
Until September 3
Where is Peter Rabbit?
This innovative show is a combination of live performance, uplifting songs, inventive staging, projection and beautifully created puppets - all designed with exquisite attention to detail and staying faithful to Beatrix Potter’s original stories and illustrations.
Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere, 015394 40872
MUSIC & CONCERTS
3rd
Rhythm of the Dance
World champion dancers, a traditional Irish band and the handsome Young Irish Tenors who have wowed audiences wowed all over the world. Charter Theatre, Preston, www.prestonguildhall.co.uk
4th
ABBA Reunion Tribute
Relive the addictive Abba phenomena of the 70’s and 80’s in a feel good party style concert.
Southport Theatre, 0844 871 7642
5th - 6th
Liverpool Loves
Live entertainment, food and drink, activities and attractions see the city centre come alive with the sounds of some of the best bands and rising local artists.
Derby Square, Liverpool, www.liverpoolloves.co.uk
5th - 6th
Bickerstock
This free community music festival gives up-and-coming local musicians the chance to perform alongside established musicians and raises thousands for local good causes.
Bickerstaffe Parish Field, www.bickerstock.org
6th
Magic of Motown
Celebrate the sound of Motown with 40 back-to-back classic hits, glittering costume changes and dazzling dance moves.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk
8th
Toots and the Maytals
Ska and reggae legends, Toots and the Maytals, return to touring after a three year break and will perform a number of classics from their back catalogue.
Olympia, Liverpool, 0844 561 7672 561
13th
Brass in the Grass
Blackpool Brass Band will perform at this free Sunday concert in Ashton Gardens.
Ashton Gardens, St Annes
25th - 27th
Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival
Among the award-winning blues artists from around the world on the bill this year are: Grammy-nominated singer Janiva Magness, British Blues band King King and rising star Joanne Shaw Taylor.
Colne, www.bluesfestival.co.uk
25th - 27th
LIVEWIRE Festival 2017
Blackpool’s Headlands Arena will host some of the world’s biggest musical stars for this new series of concerts. The Jacksons will headline the Friday, with the Saturday featuring some of the biggest pop hits of the 1980s as part of Pete Waterman’s Hit Factory, including Jason Donovan and Sinitta. The Sunday closing night sees Holywood star Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff team up for a rare UK appearance.
Blackpool’s Headlands Arena, www.livewirefestival.co.uk
COUNTY DAYS OUT
5th
Garstang Show
This one day agricultural and horticultural show is packed full of entertainment for all the family. At its heart is livestock and horticulture displays, but also look out for the the Adrenaline Tour quad bike stunt show, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling and local treats at the farmers market.
Garstang Show, www.garstangshow.org
6th
Make My Day!
A free festival packed with creative activities. Grab a bundle of recycled wood and a hammer and get building, or pick up a brush and help to ?ll in the giant paint-by-numbers. Entertainment includes a duo of dancing jelly?sh, a troupe of Lancashire Cloggers and an orchestra of ?utes.
West End Gardens, Morecambe, www.makemyday.org.uk
11th - 13th
Royal Lancashire Show
Expect magnificent livestock displays, food and drink, crafts, a huge country life area, and lots of traditional entertainment and avenues of trade stands offering a wealth of goods. Highlights include the local food and drink showcase, with celebratory real ales and traditional ciders as well as award-winning artisan foods.
Salesbury Hall, Ribchester, www.royallancashireshow.co.uk
12th
Cockerham Village Show
Anyone can take part and there are classes for all skills and interests including horticulture, arts, cookery, photography, and lots of classes for children to enter. The show is open to the public between 2-4pm and admission is £1.
Cockerham Village Hall, 01524 793549
12th - 13th
Lowther Show
This year’s show will include the Lowther Horse Driving Trials, Food and Beer Festival, the Lowther Fishing Island, the Lowther Hound Show and the new Clay Shooting Festival.
Lowther Castle, Penrith, www.lowthershow.co.uk
12th - 13th
Blackpool Air Show
See the RAF Red Arrows, the RAF Typhoon and many more flying machines in the sky and enjoy exciting sights on the ground with stalls, stands and attractions.
Blackpool Promenade, www.visitblackpool.com
15th
Wine evening: Domaines Ott, Bandol and Provence
As part of Askham Hall’s wine evenings, learn more about Domaines Ott wineries, which are owned and managed by Champagne Louis Roedereres. Head Chef Richard Swale will prepare unique four to seven course menus to complement the wines. £95 per person.
Askham Hall, Penrith, www.askhamhall.co.uk
17th - 20th
Southport Flower Show
The largest independent flower show in the country is set to be bigger and better than ever, and the theme for 2017 is The Curious Garden. Exhibitors and visitors will be inspired by a sense of mystery, wonder and curiosity. There will also be a host of famous faces sharing gardening tips, teaching you new skills in the kitchen or simply keeping the kids entertained.
Victoria Park, Southport, www.southportflowershow.co.uk
20th
KidsFest
An exciting afternoon of free family fun, with a packed programme of entertainment, activities, workshops and attractions. The children’s festival was launched in 2015 to honour the short life of James Bulger who was murdered in 1993 at the age of two.
Stanley Park, Liverpool, www.forjames.org
20th
Blackburn Charity Fun Day
Ego at The Knowles Arms, Blackburn, is raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society and the Manchester Emergency Fund. Starting at 1pm, there will be plenty to entertain the family, from bouncy castles and bucking broncos, barbecues, cocktail bars, live music and kids entertainment. Free Entry
Ego at The Knowles Arms, Blackburn www.egorestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/blackburn/
27th
Plant Fair and Food Market
This is a specialist plant fair that brings together many of the North’s top nurseries and growers. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a variety of seeds and plants, as well as enjoying delicious, local produce at the popular Holker Food Market which runs alongside.
Holker Hall & Gardens, Grange-over-Sands, 015395 58328
27th-28th
Steamings at Bolton Steam Museum
Volunteers have rescued and restored 30 old stationary steam engines, many which once powered the cotton and woollen mills. See these engines, some of which are now the only ones of their kind to survive, running in steam across these two days.
Bolton Steam Museum, www.nmes.org
Until September 3
Swallows and Amazons: a reading
A reading in association with the LDNP, the University of Liverpool and the Arthur Ransome Trust. Writers, artists, film stars and fans will read the classic children’s story on the lakeshore north of the boating centre
Coniston Boating Centre, www.conistonboatingcentre.co.uk
EXHIBITIONS
Until September 17th
Brick Dino
Meet dinosaurs built by artist Warren Elsmore and his team using Lego bricks and the latest knowledge about how they would have looked. Harris Musuem and Art Gallery, Preston, 01772 258248
Until September 3rd
Tracey Emin and William Blake in Focus
This exhibition reveals surprising links the work of Tracey Emin and William Blake. Emin’s My Bed 1998, and some of her drawings from the Tate collection, are presented alongside those of the visionary British poet and artist, William Blake.
Tate Liverpool, 0151 702 7400
Until September 3rd
Bright and Beautiful
A major new solo exhibition by Tracy Levine. Thirty new paintings are in the display at Brantwood, all based on weeds, hedgerows and meadows as well as garden flowers and a special series of large Hydrangea paintings.
Brantwood, Coniston, www.brantwood.org.uk
