Our guide to the best events in and around the region.
THEATRE AND DANCE
September 28th - October 15th
Orbit Festival
This festival brings together innovative new work from theatre makers across the globe who want to explore our place in the world. Many of these shows come straight from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, exploring our relationship with the past, how we remember, the stories we tell ourselves and what it is that makes us who we are.
Home, Manchester, 0161 200 1500
1st
The Ocean Film Festival World Tour
This international tour returns to the UK for its fourth edition, with an evening of ocean-themed films at Venue Cymru. Viewers can expect to see a collection of short films celebrating incredible seafaring voyages, majestic marine life, breath-taking cinematography and a rare glimpse into barely explored depths of the planet.
Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, 017687 74411
13th - November 3rd
Blackout: Tales from Storm Desmond
Blackout is an original play inspired by testimony from residents, community organisations, emergency responders, sociologists and journalists, telling the stories of ordinary lives in extraordinary times during the 2015 Storm Desmond power cut.
The Dukes, Lancaster, 01524 598500
4th - 7th
Jane Eyre
ABD Productions presents this faithful retelling of the Charlotte Brontë classic. The musical captures the full emotional force of the original novel, appealing to both those already familiar with the tale and new audiences.
Charter Theatre, Preston, www.prestonguildhall.com
8th
Address Unknown
Blackburn Drama Club perform their festival award winning play, Address Unknown by Katherine Kressman Taylor, edited for the theatre by Frank Dunlop. There will also be a programme of Americam band music played by the East Lancashire Concert Band.
Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn www.thwaitesempiretheatre.co.uk
10th – 14th
Barnum
Basics Junior Theatre School present this exhilarating musical follows the irrepressible imagination and dreams of Phineas T Barnum, America’s Greatest Showman. The story of his life and his marriage to Chairy reveals a couple who looked at the world from opposite sides of the spectrum, and also reveals that she was the practical one who made his dreams come true.
The Hippodrome Theatre, Colne basicsjuniortheatre.co.uk
12th – November 4th
The Threepenny Opera
As the country prepares for the coronation of King Charles III, criminals, corrupt bankers and other opportunists are coming out of the woodwork to take advantage of the power vacuum. A darkly comic and thrilling musical drama.
Octagon Theatre Bolton, www.octagonbolton.co.uk
17th – 21st
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
X-Factor winner Joe McElderry dons the coveted coat in Bill Kenwright’s production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s family musical. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs.
Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3019
21st - 29th
Sleeping Beauty
Claire Sweeney plays the evil fairy Carabosse, who curses Princess Aurora to fall asleep until a handsome suitor wakes her with true love’s kiss.
St Helens Theatre Royal, 01744 756 000
23rd - 28th
Tango Moderno
Strictly superstars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace return to the stage with their most audacious and thrilling show yet. The new production fuses together Ballroom, Latin and Argentine tango.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 290190
24th - 25th
All or Nothing
All Or Nothing tells the electrifying yet bittersweet tale of four young men who became 1960s band, The Small Faces. Rocketed into the big time, they then discover the path to fantastic success is paved with exploitation, betrayal and ultimately tragedy.
Preston Guild Hall, 01772 804444
24th - 26th
The Wizard of Oz
Former Eastenders’ actress Cheryl Fergison will return to play the Wicked Witch of the West in this exciting performance of a classic tale. Charlotte Gallagher returns to the role of Dorothy, joining Toto and all her friends Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion as they journey down the Yellow Brick Road to The Emerald City.
Southport Theatre, 0844 871 3021
25th
Vienna Festival Ballet: Sleeping Beauty
This classic fairy tale is set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, with stunning choreography and beautiful costumes. The wicked Carbosse casts a spell on Princess Aurora proclaiming that she will one day prick her finger and die, only to be revived by true love’s kiss.
King George’s Hall, Blackburn, 0844 847 1664
27th - November 4th
Wife After Death
Comedian and national treasure Dave Thursby has died, and on the day of his funeral, friends and colleagues gather beside his coffin to pay their last respects. However, a series of revelations leaves all of the guests asking themselves if they ever knew the ‘real’ Dave.
Little Theatre, Southport, www.littletheatresouthport.co.uk
MUSIC AND CONCERTS
4th
The Syd Lawrence Orchestra
The UK’s most successful and longest running Big Band, they celebrate their 50th anniversary with the Golden Night of Swing tour.
Lowther Pavilion Theatre, Lytham St Annes, 01253 794 221
6th
Snake Davis and the Suspicions
With his storming 8 piece soul band, Snake will perform Motown, Atlanta and Northern Soul classics. Jess Gillam joins him as guest, who made history as the first saxophonist to win the Woodwind Final of BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2016.
Coronation Hall, Ulverston, 01229 587140
6th - 7th
Chorley Live
Chorley Council has teamed up once again with The Creative Network to hold a weekend of music and entertainment. Over 30 venues will host live acts.
Chorley, www.chorleylive.com
7th
Darkside Performing The Pink Floyd Show
Seven musicians will perform a brand new show with tracks from the massive back-catalogue of Pink Floyd from the early days through to iconic albums renowned for their complex structures. The emphasis will be on replicating the experience of Pink Floyd live on stage, which many believe was Floyd at their very best.
Epstein Theatre, Liverpool, 0844 888 4411
7th
Royal Northern Sinfonia
A glorious concert to begin the 2017/18 season. It opens with J.S. Bach’s first Brandenburg Concerto, the popular romantic Violin Concerto by Bruch with its sublime slow movement follows, and Mendelssohn’s Symphony no.1 in C minor concludes.
Kendal Leisure Centre, www.lakelandsinfonia.org.uk
12th - 16th
Lancaster Music Festival
The annual festival returns and this year their live music venue count has reached almost 50. Novel new highlights at this year’s event include a musical heritage bus service running in and around the city, and live music being hosted by barges moored on Lancaster’s historic canal.
Lancaster, www.lancastermusicfestival.com
15th
Walter Trout
Blues guitar legend Walter Trout will be performing tracks from his brand new studio album, We’re All In This Together.
Preston Guild Hall, 01772 804444
21st
Blackburn Music Society: Autumn concert
The autumn concert programme includes A Little Jazz Mass by Bob Chilcott and Eternal Light by Howard Goodall with dancers from St. Wilfrid’s Academy Blackburn, plus short pieces by John Rutter and Howard Goodall.
Westholme Senior School, Blackburn, www.blackburnmusicsociety.org.uk
25th
Lulu: All About the Music
Legendary singer Lulu embarks on the biggest tour of her incredible career, which spans over 50 years. Fans can expect to hear hits such as Shout, Relight My Fire and The Man Who Sold The World among many others.
Charter Theatre, Preston, www.prestonguildhall.com
COUNTY DAYS OUT
September 28th – October 9th
The Manchester Food and Drink Festival
This nationally acclaimed event is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Alongside the festival hub, which features cookery demos and street food, event highlights include the ‘Big Indie Wine Fest’, a six-course tasting menu from Aiden Byrne and the Manchester Tart Off.
Albert Square, Manchester, www.foodanddrinkfestival.com
1st
Autumn Migration Bird Watch
Meet the rangers for an early morning bird watch. Make sure to dress for a slow walk with frequent stops and don’t forget your binoculars or telescope if you have one.
Rossall Point, Fleetwood, 01995 602125
6th - 9th
Burnley Literary Festival
The festival will include an amazing programme of events, including storytelling sessions, poetry writing workshops, children’s theatre performances, flash fiction workshops and award winning authors.
Burnley, www.burnley.co.uk/burnley-literary-festival
6th – 20th
Manchester Literature Festival
A city wide celebration of the written and spoken word, the festival features an eclectic and packed programme of performances, in conversations, interactive activities for families and walking tours. High profile guests include Maxine Peake, Sarah Millican, Viv Groskop and Alan Hollinghurst.
Various Manchester venues, 0843 208 0500
15th
Colin Caygill Antique Fair
An emporium of stands bursting with home furnishings, collectors items, vintage jewellery, clothes, antique tools, watches and more. Spend your Sunday having a good rummage and pick up a design classic or a quirky find.
Rheged Centre, Penrith, www.rheged.com
17th
The Tulip Charity Ball
Dress to impress at this masquerade ball. Ticket includes champagne reception, three course meal, entertainment from The Convicts, charity auction and raffle. Money raised will be donated to The Christie.
The Village Hotel, Blackpool, 07980197964
19th – 29th
Manchester Science Festival
A place for innovative, surprising and meaningful experiences, people of all ages can ignite their curiosity in science at this festival. The first headliner is Robots, an exhibition exploring humanity’s 500-year quest to recreate ourselves in mechanised form. It features a unique collection of over 100 robots, from a 16th-century mechanical monk to robots from both science fiction and modern-day research labs.
Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester, 0161 606 0169
28th - 29th
Half-term Holiday Steamings
Volunteers have rescued and restored 30 old stationary steam engines - some of which once powered the cotton mills and woollen mills of Lancashire. Most will be running in steam on these two days only.
Bolton Steam Museum, 01204 846490
28th October
Charity Parent and Child Vegan Baking Workshop
Lancashire based Vegan Cookery school are hosting their launch event is held at Ashton community college with and all proceeds going towards the RockFM Cash for Kids charity’s 500 faces appeal.
Tickets for the three hour workshop are £35 for a parent and child.
vexvegancookery.wordpress.com
EXHIBITIONS
4th - 22nd
This Building for Hope
Jenny Steele’s long running research project into Seaside Moderne architecture and recent visit to Miami. It will include new prints on paper and textiles, sculptures, architectural interventions and site specific printed textile work.
Midland Hotel, Morecambe, 0333 220 3109
4th - 22nd
Bringing It All Back Home
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of their Green Close practice, artists Sue and Pete Flowers launching this exhibition which explores the range and impact of their innovative work over the past two decades.
The Storey Gallery, Lancaster, www.greenclose.org
10th
The Objects Talk
South Lakeland Decorative & Fine Arts Society present The Objects Talk: Revelations about Art & Antiques discovered from Chosen Artefacts. The lecture is crafted around objects, quirky or unusual, of significance to and chosen by the lecturer.
Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, 01524 761836
14th & 15th
Central Lancashire fine arts fair
New Longton Artists stage the 24th Fine Art Fair, an exhibition of paintings, held in New Longton Village Hall in Boundary Close. Admission is free and it is open 10am-5pm on both days.
www.newlongtonartists.com
