Compiled by Amanda Griffiths
THEATRE
3rd-23rd
The Last Five Years
Heartbreaking and hilarious musical about two New Yorkers who fall in and out of love over the course of five years together.
The Epstein Theatre, Liverpool, 0844 888 4411
4th-5th
Sweet Charity
Blackpool and The Fylde College’s young talent perform this popular musical.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 743339
7th
Inspector Norse
Enter introverted, monosyllabic Detective Inspector Sandra Larsson in her iconic knitted jumper. She and her cop partner Erik, uncover a disturbing mystery involving a famous 1970s Sweedish pop band. As the body count mounts and the only suspect is a troll, Sandra and Erik go undercover to solve the case.
Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, 01539 725133
7th
Lee Nelson
Star of BBC Three’s breakout hit comedy series Lee Nelson’s Well Good Show and Lee Nelson Live, comedian Lee Nelson is on tour with special appearances from premier league footballer Jason Bent, bungling medic Dr Bob and more,
North Pier, Blackpool, 01253 623304
7th-November 6th
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
8th-July 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
11th-15th
Pirates of Penzance
Scottish Opera present Gilbert and Sullivan as it’s supposed to be, pure, uncomplicated fun to the highest of standards. Mercilessly parodying Victorian society and its very particular moral values, The Pirates of Penzance is exquisitely observed and wonderfully funny.
The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 7660
14th
Pride and Prejudice
Chapterhouse Theatre Company present Jane Austen’s classic tale in the open air.
Lytham Hall, 01253 736652
Until 15th
Dirty Dancing
The classic story of Baby and Johnny, two independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 7660
Until 15th
Piaf
The life of French singer and cultural icon Edith Piaf is celebrated in this powerful musical drama following her rise from the streets of Paris to the international stage.
The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 01204 520661
15th-16th
Faulty Towers the Dining Experience
Featuring all the best gags and a great meal, this is a loosely-scripted, pitch-perfect tribute to the TV series which develops the characters made famous by John Cleese, Prunella Scales and Andrew Sachs.
The Atkinson, Southport, 01704 533333
16th
The Midst of Crackers
Reginald D Hunter in his new tour with his own unique brand of humour.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 743339
17th-22nd
Miss Nightingale – The Burlesque Musical
An acclaimed new musical celebrating sex, scandal and showbiz in 1940s London.
The Lowry, Salford, 0843 208 6010
19th - 22nd
The Rise and Demise of Kenneth Kennedy-Smythe
A darkly comic political satire about two characters who have to make serious choices, exploring the power of the media during times of war.
Kings Arms, Salford: Wednesday 19 June – Thursday 20 June
Lantern Theatre, Liverpool: Friday 21 June – Saturday 22 June
25th
Romeo and Juliet
The Festival Players present Shakespeare’s classic love story in the gardens.
Leighton Hall, near Carnforth, 01524 734474
25th-29th
Sherlock Holmes The Best Kept Secret
Spectacular new production that draws you deep into a richly seductive world of passion, breathless intrigue, jeopardy, deception and revelations.
The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 7660
27th
Shaolin Warriors
Breathtaking theatrical Kung Fu Show continuing the story of the warrior and vividly depicting the rarely seen Kung Fu masters’ feats of agility, strength and skill.
King George’s Hall, Blackburn, 0844 847 1664
CONCERTS
2nd
We’ll Meet Again – A 60th Anniversary Coronation Tribute
Celebratory concert bringing together much loved music that has played a part in our lives over the last 60 years, with a special tribute to the Queen’s coronation with classic music such as ‘There’ll Always Be An England’, ‘Rule Britannia’ and ‘Land of Hope and Glory’.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0844 907 9000
6th
Brian Acton Quartet
Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues present this concert incorporating more than a hint of Chet Baker.
The Atrium Café Bar, Clitheroe Castle, www.rvjazzandblues.co.uk
7th
Blackburn Classics
The Halle Orchestra present this programme including works by Beethoven and Dvorak.
King George’s Hall, Blackburn, 0844 847 1664
Until 9th
Ulverston International Music Festival
The 10th annual Ulverston International Music Festival includes ‘ExtravaDanza’ an exciting new mini dance festival.
Coronation Hall, Ulverston, 01229 587140
16th
The Gladly Solemn Sound
Concert by The Gladly Solemn Sound.
St Martin’s Old Church, Martindale
COUNTY DAYS OUT
1st
Morecambe Bay Sponsored Walk
Breathtaking walk across the famous Morecambe Bay led by Cedric Robinson, the Queen’s Guide to the sands.
Arnside shore, 01925 850856
1st-2nd
A Feast For All Seasons
Vintage Revival, wardrobe, wedding and home fair – everything for your vintage inspired lifestyle.
County Showground, Crooklands, 01539 562811
Until 2nd
The Holker Garden Festival
The 21st anniversary of the Holker Garden Festival welcome world renowned, historical food expert Ivan Day as part of this year’s programme which also showcases the very best gardening, countryside, food and crafts, making it one of the most popular events in the summer calendar.
Holker Hall and Gardens, Cark-in-Cartmel, 015395 58838, www.holkerfestival.co.uk
8th
Grasmere Gallop
Get fit, have fun and raise money by taking part in this annual event. Choose from a 10k or 17k trail, taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lakes.
www.grasmeregallop.co.uk
8th-9th
Foodie Fest
A new food festival welcoming all lovers of food. With food and flavours from all over the world with lots and delicious foodie stalls to temp your palette with celebrity chefs including Simon Rimmer, Sean Wilson and Jean Christophe Novelli.
Barrow-in-Furness, 01229 820000
15th
Blackburn Festival
Free festival bringing together the best performers and artists from Blackburn, Lancashire, the North West and beyond.
Witton Country Park, Blackburn
15th-16th
Morecambe Sandcastle Festival
Rediscover the simple pleasures of the seaside at this annual sandcastle festival. Summer and well and truly arrived.
Central Promenade, Morecambe, 01524 582808
15th-16th
Scorton Steam Fair
One of the biggest steam fairs in the north west packed with family fun. With more than 600 cars, trucks and engine exhibits, monster trucks and lots for kids to do too as well as lawnmower racing. A perfect family day out for Father’s Day.
Woodacre Lodge Farm, Scorton, 07713 128783
16th-23rd
Kirkby Lonsdale Arts Festival
Varied and exciting programme with the annual brass band competition kicking things off. There will be art exhibitions in various venues, film and photography competitions, performances on every evening – opera, drama, dance and classical music along with the Highlights Rural Touring Contemporary Craft Tour.
St Mary’s Church, Kirkby Lonsdale, 015242 71275
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16th
Father’s Day Pier to Pier Cycle Ride
A cycle ride from Southport and Wigan piers
Meeting at Burscough Wharf for a fun-filled afternoon
Cycle Ride Start times:
Southport by the Carousel on Promenade -10.15am
Wigan Pier from the Investment Centre - 10.00am
Welcome and event opening at Burscough Wharf from 11.00am
www.visitseftonandwestlancs.co.uk
June 17th -23rd
Canal Heritage Week 2013
For the 3rd year the The Burscough Heritage Group have orgabised a series of nostalgic events in Burscough
www.burscoughheritage.ukcanals.net/hw.html
28th-29th
Woolest
An annual highlight for those who work with wool with stalls and live fleece animals, a raw fleece sale, exhibitions, displays and craft demonstrations from across the country.
Mitchell’s Lakeland Livestock Centre, Cockermouth, www.woolfest.co.uk
28th-30th
Silverdale and Arnside Art and Craft Trail
Visit artists studios and exhibitions to view or purchase the artist’s work and participate in a number of expertly-run workshops.
For more information see the website at www.silverdalearttrail.co.uk
29th-30th
Handmade and Vintage Craft Fair
Two day spectacular of crafts, vintage, entertainment and music with craft workshops, a vintage tearoom and lots of handmade goodness.
Winter Gardens, Blackpool, 01253 625252
30th
Preston Mela
Vibrant celebration of South Asian culture filled with the sounds of modern and traditional Bhangra music. Dance and entertainment from around the world will take place alongside a strong community element featuring performances from local musicians and dance groups.
Avenham Park, Preston, 01772 253731
EXHIBITIONS
1st-30th
Derek Leyland
Exhibition of incredibly detailed Still Life paintings by Derek Leyland.
Brabin’s Gallery, Chipping, 01995 61221
8th-9th
LSA Art in Ashton Gardens
An open air exhibition of works of art by the members of the Lytham St Annes Art Society.
Ashton Gardens, Lytham, 01253 721189
8th-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 June 24th
Ice-Cloud Mirror
Exhibition of film by Professor Rose and Dr Neil Boynton and watercolours by John Ruskin on the theme of mountain landscape and well-being.
Blue Gallery, Brantwood, Coniston, 015394 41396
Until June
Preston People Panorama
Exhibition featuring 100 panoramic photographs of Preston groups, communities and organisations as a social and artistic record of Preston celebrating Guild year, 2012.
The Museum of Lancashire, Preston, www.lancashire.gov.uk/museumoflancashire
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
15th June
ChildLine Midsummer Ball
Champagne on arrival, followed by dinner with performances by Janette Monroe and Stephen Bayliss. Auction, raffle, casino tables and MC Norman Prince.
De Vere Whites Hotel, Middlebrook, Horwich, 07884 498549
OUR FAVOURITE FIVE
2nd
Being Tommy Cooper
A new play by Tom Green and starring Damian Williams as the celebrated comedian, celebrating the brilliance of Britain’s most famous comic and exploring the pressures and loneliness of fame.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 743339
5th-8th
Dad’s Army
Three classic episodes of ‘Dad’s Army’ complete with all the favourite characters from Walmington-on-Sea’s colourful bunch of misfits presented by Pendle Hippodrome Theatre Company.
Pendle Hippodrome, Colne, 01282 612402
6th-12th
Appleby Fair
Traditional, informal gathering of gypsies and travellers with horses washed in the river, raced down the street and stalls.
Appleby, 017683 51177
8th-9th
Slaidburn Steam and Vintage Vehicle Display
Annual fundraisinf event firmly established on the Steam Rally calendar, with steam engines, vintage tractors, cars and motorbikes.
Hark to Bounty, Slaidburn, 01200 446605
21st
Blofield and Baxter: Memories of Test Match Special
BBC cricket legends Henry Blofield and Peter Baxter are on tour with a brand new theatre show with hilarious tales from the BBC Test Match Special commentary box.
The Atkinson, Southport, 01704 533333
