Compiled by Amanda Griffiths
THEATRE
1st-3rd
Giselle, Don Quixote and Swan Lake
Sofia National Ballet accompanied by the Orchestra of Sofia National Ballet present these three ballets on consecutive nights, from the most poignant of classical ballets, Giselle, to the Russian showpiece of thrilling technique in Don Quixote and the most romantic ballet of all time, Swan Lake.
Liverpool Empire Theatre, 0844 871 3017
3rd
As You Like It
The Lord Chamberlain’s men breathe new life into this comedy classic of romance, cross-dressing, satire, slapstick and passion. Open air performance, bring your picnic.
Speke Hall, 0151 427 7231
2nd-20th
Ghost the Musical
The show based on the Academy Award winning film is returning to Manchester where it enjoyed its world premiere.
The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 3018
Until 6th
Manchester Sound: The Massacre
The final site-specific production by the Library Theatre Company sees the Peterloo Massacre of 1819 colliding with the explosion in acid house rave culture in 1988/89 and each actor, some doubling up as musicians, plays a character from both historical era.
Secret Manchester city location, 0161 200 1500
7th
As You Like It
Illyria perform Shakespeare’s classic in the open air.
Lytham Hall, Lytham, 01253 736652
12th-14th
Dora the Explorer LIVE!
Children’s favourite Dora the Explorer is live on tour with her Search for the City of Lost Toys. Dora has lost her teddy bear and the search is on to retrieve him, with the help of the audience,
Liverpool Empire Theatre, www.atgtickets.com/liverpool
15th-16th
Cissie and Ada, An Hysterical Rectomy
Show revisiting the story and culture behind Les Dawson’s side-splitting sketches.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 743339
22nd-24th
Don Quixote, Giselle and Swan Lake
Sofia National Ballet accompanied by the Orchestra of Sofia National Ballet present these three ballets on consecutive nights, from the Russian showpiece of thrilling technique in Don Quixote to the most poignant of classical ballets, Giselle and the most romantic ballet of all time, Swan Lake.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 7627
23rd
As You Like It
Shakespeare’s classic tale performed in the open air by Illyria, held in the settingof Brantwood’s lakeside meadow. Bring your own seating.
Brantwood, Coniston, 015394 41396
23rd
Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare’s classic romantic tale performed by Handlebards.
Tudor Great Hall, Rufford Old Hall, 01704 821253
26th
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Festival Players present Shakespeare’s classic comedy.
Leighton Hall, near Carnforth, 01524 734474
26th-November 8th
She Stoops To Conquor
Unlikely hero Marlow mistakes a private house for an inn, his future father-in-law for the landlord and the high born lady he is supposed to be wooing for a barmaid.
Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, 017687 74411
31st
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Pantaloons perform the Bard’s classic comedy, performed as never before. A festival of fun with music, magic and audience participation. Bring your picnic.
Speke Hall, 0151 427 7231
Until 6th November
An Inspector Calls
A celebratory dinner party at the prosperous Birling family home is shattered by the arrival of an investigating a young woman’s suicide, Secrets are unearthed as an evening of suspense, mystery and revelations unfolds.
Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, 017687 74411
CONCERTS
5th
The Lancashire Hotpots
Five northern blokes in flat caps singing folk songs about the wonders of modern day life.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 743339
5th
Eduardo Niebla
Virtuoso guitarist and composer Eduardo Niebla showcases songs from his new, eagerly awaited album, as well as revisiting his back catalogue of hits spanning four decades.
The Atkinson, Southport, 01704 533333
6th
Levens Choir Concert
Levens Choir present a programme of music by Purcell and the Requiem by Maurice Durufle.
Kendal Parish Church, Kendal
6th
Tapestry
As part of the music for a summer evening programme Tapestry present great folk songs.
Hawkshead Parish Church St Michael, 015394 31070
13th
Levens Choir Concert
Levens Choir present Bach’s the B Minor Mass.
Lancaster Cathedral, 01524 384820
14th
Chatburn Summer Proms
A great variety of music performed by Farnworth and Walkden Band stirring the emotions with rousing marches, hymns, classical, pop and movie music in aid of the Church Development Fund.
Christ Church, Chatburn, 01200 441624 or 01254 384893
COUNTY DAYS OUT
6th
Goosnargh and Longridge Show
Celebration of farming, food and rural living, with cattle, sheep, heavy horses and vintage machinery, craft stalls and local producers.
Lower Lane, Longridge
7th
Lakeland Classic Car Rally
The 14th Annual Classic Car and Motorcycle Show at Leighton Hall, with around 500 different vehicles.
Leighton Hall, near Carnforth, 01524 734474
13th-14th
Great Eccleston Show
Two day showcase for every aspect of rural endeavour and the whole range of crafts and skills associated with the county. Entertainment includes demonstrations of rural crafts, a Victorian fun fair, Cumberland wrestling and the annual tractor pull competition.
The showground, Great Eccleston, www.greatecclestonshow.co.uk
13th-14th
Ribchester Roman Festival
Annual Roman re-enactment with Legio Secujda augusta, one of Europe’s pre-eminent Roman re-enactment groups, featuring exciting and realistic demonstrations about everyday and military life.
Riverside, Ribchester
14th
Lea and Cottam Family Fun Day
Children’s fun fair, Punch and Judy, donkey rides, face painting, birds of prey exhibition, musical arts, climbing wall, hog roast and BBQ plus much more.
UCLan Westleigh Conference Centre, Preston, 01772 894500
20th-21st
Vintage Festival
Vintage, veteran and classic vehicles, craft market, retro sounds, dance and food. Donations on admission.
Speke Hall, 0151 427 7231
20th-22nd
Cockermouth Rock Festival
‘CockRock’ returns with The Cribs headlining the Friday night and Kids in Glass Houses on Saturday.
Wellington Farm, Cockermouth, www.cockermouthrockfestival.com
20th-29th
Summer Crafts Fair
Quality craft fair in its 37th year with more than 35 different craft workers from all over Cumbria, south Boarders and Northumberland.
Dacre Hall, Brampton, 01697 741803
21st
Open Garden
Garden open for charity for the National Garden Scheme in Leyland, cream teas and plants for sale.
10 Forestway, Leyland, contact Julia Harwood-Geall or Fred Bell on 01772 452094 for more information.
26th-27th
The Cumbria Steam and Vintage Fair
41st anniversary of this huge, colourful and noisy gathering with a variety of entertainments as well as splendid steam engines and vintage vehicles as well as hundreds of classic transport including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, agricultural and industrial tractors, farm equipment and stationary engines.
Cark Airfield, Flookburgh, near Grange-over-Sands, 07825 369601
26th-28th
Potfest in the Park
An amazing day out amongst some of the most creative makers in clay from all over the UK.
Hutton in the Forest, Penrith, www.potfest.co.uk
27th
Picnic in the Park
Enjoy a picnic and the beautiful green spaces with entertainment including fairground, live music, family games, craft and food stalls and more,
Avenham and Miller Parks, Preston, 01772 906471
27th-28th
St Annes Kite Festival
Festival featuring single line kites of all shapes and sizes, including a massive 30 metre long inflatable octopus, flying crows, dogs and even hippos.
North Promenade, Lytham St Annes
EXHIBITIONS
July 20th-August 4th
Lytham St Annes Art Society Summer Exhibition
Exhibition of original works by Ltham St Annes Art Society.
The Studio, Haven Road, Lytham, free admission
Until August 4th
Trio: A Textile Hub Exhibition
This exhibition showcases the work of three textile artists from the North East. Expect texture, colour, unusual materials and references to domestic crafts of the past, presented in a contemporary approach to textiles.
Farfield Mill, Sedbergh, 015396 21958
Until 1st September
Journeys North
Exhibition of a new collection of paintings and drawings by Fiona Clucas and poetry by Brian Fereday.
Severn Studio, Brantwood, Coniston, 015394 41396
Until 8th September
Heaven’s Company: Ornithological Art
Exhibition celebrating Ruskin’s love of birds with a display of stunning pictures by some of the 19th century’s greatest ornithological artists.
Brantwood, Coniston, 015394 41396
OUR FAVOURITE FIVE
5th-6th
Symphony at the Tower
For the first time this popular fundraising event takes place over two nights. On Friday 5th, see The Human League, while Saturday 6th Aled Jones is accompanied by the Heart of England Philharmonic Choir.
Hoghton Tower, near Preston, 0844 888 9991
5th-August 10th
Robin Hood
The Dukes Theatre returns with it’s annual open air theatre show. This is a new adaptation of this traditional tale performed in this spectacular setting with two essentials for the story – fantastic woodlands and the Ashton Memorial, a very grand castle indeed.
Williamson Park, Lancaster, 01524 598500
23rd-27th
Midnight Tango
Strictly Come Dancing’s Vincent and Flavia, star in this show which brings to life all the drama, sensuality and elegance of the tango, set in a late-night bar in downtown Buenos Aires.
The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 3018
26th-28th
Kendal Calling
Award winning, innovative, independent festival featuring pioneering contemporary music and art alongside traditional rural entertainment.
Lowther Deer Park, Penrith, www.kendalcalling.co.uk
28th
My Brother the Robot
Tall Stories Theatre Company present this tale about Bobbie, a little girl who lives with her inventor dad, who after Bobbie announces she wishes she had a little brother, makes her a robot version. But when she gets into danger one day, will her robot brother be able to save her?
The Atkinson, Southport, 01704 533333
Recommended by You
Tarleton Holy Trinity Church
125th Anniversary
Spectacular Flower Festival
5th – 7th July
On the evening of 4th July the Mayor of West Lancashire will attend a sponsors and exhibitors private Preview Evening at the Church, at 7.30pm when wine and canapés will be served.
The Festival will be open to the public from 10am – 8pm on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th July, and from 10am – 6.30pm on Sunday 7th July when it will conclude with a Festival Evensong.
Mere Brow Methodist Church
Open Gardens Trail
Sunday, 14th July, 12 Noon – 5pm
6/7 gardens in Mere Brow and Holmes
Cost: £5 pp which includes admission to all gardens.
Lunches, teas, plant fair, museum, etc.
Vintage bus will run between the gardens
Coaches welcome by appointment only
Tel: 01695 575200 mob: 07545 173616
Proceeds for Mere Brow Methodist Church and a nominated charity
SPONSORED BY DUNSCAR GARDEN CENTRE
Davenport Farm Charity Event , Arthur Lane, Bolton, BL2 5PW
Saturday 6th July between 2pm and 5pm.
A charitable donation will be requested upon arrival, ample off road parking is available and dogs on leads are welcome. There will also be a play area for small children available with parental supervision.
All proceeds will be split between the Alzheimer’s Society and the 2015 Festival East Lancashire Masonic Charity
Jeffrey Bernard Lancashire Tour
For the last 10 years Preston based touring theatre company, Dean Taylor productions has brought the North West critically acclaimed Shakespeare outdoors.
This Summer will be different. For Dean Taylor and his team are presenting outdoors, anywhere, for the first time the crack West End comedy hit ‘Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell’ by Keith Waterhouse and is coming to a venue near you. (Itinerary attached)
Several venues in Lancashire shall host the tour, from Preston’s ‘Avenham Pavilion’ in Avenham Park to the famous ‘Lowther Pavilion’ in Lytham St. Annes.
“The visit to the Lowther Gardens will be particularly exciting as it will be our first,” says Dean. “The British seaside Summer holiday season holds a special charm si it’s nice to be a part.”
In between Dean will return to his home town in Preston before call at Wigan’s Haigh Hall; the east Lancashire jewel that is Whalley Abbey; Lydiate Abbey near Maghull and penultimately , Turton Tower near Bolton, that Tudor treasure recently upgraded.
*All venues except Turton Tower have indoor provision in case of poor weather.
