Compiled by Amanda Griffiths

THEATRE

2nd-7th

Blood Brothers

The captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

The Lowry, Salford Quays, 0844 815 4873

5th-October 5th

An Inspector Calls

While investigating the tragic suicide of a young woman the mysterious inspector in this gripping story also delves into the heart of a family, revealing uncomfortable truths and the hypocrisy that is entrenched in Edwardian family values.

Bolton Octagon Theatre, 01200

6th

Steve Hughes

Brand new show ‘While It’s Still Legal’ featuring more thoughtful, outspoken social commentary courtesy of this masterful, erudite and provocative performer.

The Lowry, Salford Quays, 0843 208 6010

9th-14th

Cabaret

Will Young reprises his role in Rufus Norris’ acclaimed production of Cabaret, featuring show stopping choreography, dazzling costumes and some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre.

The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 7660

13th-October 12th

Chicago

Murder, mayhem and music in this musical about Roxie Hart.

The Coliseum, Oldham, 0844 815 4873

14th

Lucy Porter: Northern Soul

Comedy favourite Lucy Porter brings her new stand up show about never quite knowing where you’re from, on tour.

The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, 01524 598500

17th-18th

Three Phantoms

Three Phantoms from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s eponymous musical are set to haunt, host and perform in a unique event where musical theatre meets the Rat Pack.

The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 7660

18th-21st

The Mikado

Set in the zany flashy world of modern fashion houses, this energetic production promises a riot of gorgeous and bizarre creations.

The Lowry, Salford Quays, 0844 815 4873

24th-28th

Sweeney Todd

Stephen Sondheim’s thrilling, chilling ‘Sweeney Todd’ contains every emotion of love, hate, anger and regret is captured in this suspenseful heart pounding masterpiece of murderous ‘barber-ism’.

Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, Colne, 01282 856186

25th-27th

Animal Farm

The powerful, fast moving dramatization of Orwell’s classic satire. Written as a political fable, Animal Farm remains as pertinent and relevant today as when it was first published.

The Coliseum, Oldham, 0844 815 4873

25th-October 26th

All My Sons

Searing investigation of honesty, guilt and corrupting power of greed by Arthur Miller.

Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, 0844 815 4873

26th-October 12th

No Fats Juliets

A plus sized love story set in the Lake District, focussing on Beth, an actress who’s never landed her dream role but finds a dream lover.

The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, 01524 598500

Until 9th November

See How They Run

Classic farce, sees an actress, a bishop, German soldiers and a stampede of vicars crashing through Merton-cum-Middlewick in World War II.

Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, 017687 74411

CONCERTS

6th

Elvis the Ultimate Performance

The world’s fastest rising leading Elvis performer, Chris Connor comes to Prestwich in a memorable performance by Chris, who really does look and sound like Elvis.

The Longfield Suite, Prestwich, 0161 253 7227

14th

Amanda Roocroft in concert

One of Britain’s finest sopranos in a recital of favourite songs and arias of love and passion.

Wigan Parish Church, 01942 831948

14th

Abba reunion Show

The World class international live ABBA show staring the original ‘Frida’ from London’s West End. A tribute evening with the group’s most popular hits.

The Grand, Clitheroe, 01200 421599

20th

Best of British

Blackburn and Darwen Band bring you what promises to be a rousing evening of well known favourites. The songs that put the ‘Great’ into Britain.

Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn, 01254 685500

28th

Laurie Ashworth

Recital by soprano Laurie Ashworth, winner of the Katherine Ferrier Song Prize in 2010, accompanied by John Gough.

Trinity UR Church, Wigan, 01257 462138

COUNTY DAYS OUT

1st

Open Day

Tour the splendid building of Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, browsing at your leisure or with a member of volunteer staff. With displays and demonstrations.

Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, Colne

6th-27th

Blackpool Fireworks Championships

The skies above Blackpool will shine gathering together the elite of the fireworks worls in a mouth-watering series of shows for all the family to enjoy.

Tower Festival Headland, Blackpool, 01253 478222

6th

Mintfest

The streets of Kendal will burst into life with three days of imaginative and entrancing outdoor performances at this year’s Mintfest International Festival of Street Arts.

Kendal (various) www.lakesalive.org/mintfest-welcome

7th

Clitheroe Chic Vintage Fair

A glorious selection of arts, crafts, objets d’art, high quality gifts, homewares, collectables, vintage, retor antiques and edible goodies.

St Mary’s Centre, Clitheroe, 07779 342782

7th-8th

Liverpool Food and Drink Festival

TV chefs Gizzi Erskine, Stefan Gates, Aiden Byrne and Levi Roots will join more than 160 local chefs to cook up a feast. Live demos, beer festival, champagne bar and live music, with plenty for budding young ‘foodies’ to enjoy with a dedicated children’s area. Festival continues to the 15th with a programme of food and drink events at bars, cafes, restaurants and arts venues across the city.

Sefton Park, Liverpool, www.liverpoolfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

7th-8th

Annual Model Rail Show

The highlight of Blackburn and East Lancashire Models Railway Society’s 48th annual show will be a fantastic gauge model of Liverpool Lime Street, set in 1947.

Hyndburn Leisure Centre, Accrington, 01254 238187

12th

Westmorland County Show

The Westmorland County Show is one of the largest one day Shows in the Country, held on the second Thursday in September attracting 30,000 people

Lane Farm, Crooklands, Milnthorpe, Cumbria

www.westmorlandshow.co.uk

14th

Vintage by the Sea

Vintage Festival celebrating the 80th anniversary of the iconic art deco hotel, The Midland.

The Midland, Morecambe, 01524 582808

14th-15th

Hutton International Horse Trials

Top level names from the world of evening are competing bringing all the thrills and spills of the sport at this high level.

Hutton in the Forest, Penrith, 01931 713245

20th-29th

Preston Arts Festival

Annual celebration of voluntary arts with a Friday Light Night using shops and buildings including the Harris Museum when singers, actors and poets will entertain and encourage participation in all things arty. Also an annual exhibition of paintings and photographs in Preston Minster as well as lots of other events.

Preston, www.prestonarts.com

28th

Lytham Vintage and Antiques Market

Vintage and antiques market selling vintage, antiques, retro, pre-loved treasures and collectables.

Lytham Assembly Rooms, 01253 782828

28th-29th

Taste Cumbria Food Festival

A real foodie festival, fast gaining a reputation as the destination where you will find the real producers with local produce packed full of real taste.

Main Street, Cockermouth, www.tastecumbria.com

28th-29th

Craft Market

A wealth of locally made crafts for sale including glass and ceramics, wood and textiles, candles, jewellery, cards and original paintings in aid of Hall funds.

Burton Memorial Hall, Burton-in-Kendal, 01524 781306

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

9th September

The Annual Baby Beat Charity Golf Day

With Match of the Day’s Mark Lawrenson, teams of four are invited to play in this prestigious event to raise funds for The Baby Beat Appeal. Tickets £250 per team.

Leyland Golf Club, 01772 524414

EXHIBITIONS

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

10th-14th

Ulverston Society of Artists Charter Art Exhibition

High quality arts and crafts with many exhibits of local Lakeland interest and including works by several noteable local artists.

The Coronation Hall, Ulverston, 01229 580398

Until 14th September

The Wonderful World of Rodney Peppe

Exhibition exploring this prolific artist, children’s author and maker of inventive toys and automata.

Gallery Oldham, 0161 770 4653

Until 21st

Beside the Sea

A multi sensory exhibition exploring how artists and makers from around the world have been inspired by the power of the sea.

Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery, 01254 667130

Until 13th October

Different Kinds of Weather

Exhibition by Daniel Cooper, a response to the atmospheric transitions throughout the seasons, inspired from hot summer sunlight to sweeping strom clouds.

The Ruskin Museum, Coniston, 015394 41164

OUR FAVOURITE FIVE

7th

80s Mania

The UK’s official 1980s multi tribute reunion concert with Kim Wilde, A-ha, Duran Duran, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna and more tribute acts.

The Opera House, Blackpool, 0844 856 1111

12th

Westmorland County Show

One of Britain’s oldest and Cumbria’s biggest livestock show featuring sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, horses, hounds and rare breeds and Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling.

County Showground, Milnthorpe, 015395 67804

12th-November 16th

Wicked Manchester

The global musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz begins a major tour in Manchester.

The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3038

13th

Murder at St George’s Hall

A team of 12 professional actors representing characters from real life Liverpool murder cases do their best to misguide, deceive and obscure the truth at this murder mystery three course dinner.

St George’s Hall, Liverpool, 0844 800 0410

26th-29th

Buy Art Fair/The Manchester Contemporary

The north of England’s biggest art buying event.

Spinningfields, Manchester, www.buyartfair.co.uk, www.themanchestercontemporary.com