Top Ten Summer Days in Lancashire
Above: Burnley Hot Air Balloon Festival
Above: Williamson Park
Above: The Formby Point
LIVING in Lancashire means never having to hear that grizzle from the backseat: ‘Muuum, will we be there soon?’ There’s so much on our doorstep that our carbon footprint need never stray far from the border and you can arrive at your destination with nerves intact.We have it all – from the raucous delights of Blackpool to the spectacular scenery of Bowland and to the old worldcharm of Saddleworth’s picture-book villages. And much, much more.If the weather doesn’t live up to expectations, we have an abundance of historic homes, exciting events and vibrant entertainments to keep the liveliest minds enthralled.Lancashire Life is the essential guide to What’s On in the county and the team here has been busy putting together our Top 10 for July. We hope there’s something for everyone.
1. We normally leave hot air to other publications but when it comes to awesome aerial displays, the Burnley Hot Air Balloon Festival can’t be ignored. From Towneley Park you can witness a mass launch. And it gets better. A spectacular fireworks display and ‘Nightglow’ where the balloons light up to music is undoubtedly the highlight of the weekend. The wonderful choreography produces a rhythmic glow from the burners that light the balloons in time to the music. The festival is scheduled for the weekend of July 25-27. For the latest information see www.visitburnley.com
2. Legions will be turning up to Lancashire’s biggest toga party. The ancient fort at Ribchester will host a Reenactment of Roman Life on July 12 and 13. It is staged by Legio II Augusta, a 1st and 2nd Century AD Roman ‘living society’, which has performed in Spain, Holland and, of course, Rome. Back in the Ribble Valley, they’ll be putting together scenes from Roman life, talks, military displays and the firing of Roman artillery. For details check www.ribchestermuseum.org
3. Williamson Park in Lancaster has 54 beautiful acres, magical walks and breath-taking views. Where better to stage a new adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s family fairytale Peter Pan? The swashbuckling little boy who never grew up will be staged on July 6 by Heartbreak Productions, one of the country’s top professional touring companies. Plenty of fun and a few scary moments as Tinkerbell and Peter run rings around Captain Hook.
For details check www.williamsonpark.com
4. While the Royal Lancashire Show is a must for all, don’t overlook the smaller events such as the Great Eccleston Show. This traditional agricultural show is held on July 12 and 13 by a society founded in 1853. It is a showcase for every aspect of rural endeavour and a big attraction for townspeople and country folk. There are dairy cattle, shire horses, sheep, pigs, poultry, goats and plus dragster tractors in the arena.
Further Information: Mrs S Robinson 01995 679204
5. July is a prime time for dusting off our walking boots. Sadly, they would suffer badly on this trek – the walk across Morecambe Bay. Queen’s Guide Cedric Robinson is scheduled to take four walks out during July. Most of his walks start at Arnside.
Meanwhile, Alan Sledmore will also be taking four parties out during the month. His walks normally start from Hest Bank.
Both are highly experienced guides - don’t try it on your own. For more details call the Morecambe tourism centre on 01524 582808
6. Show solidarity with the endangered red squirrels in their fight for survival against the grey tree rats! The Formby Point reserve is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the north. The reserve offers visitors an opportunity to explore the beach, sand dunes and coastal pine woodland. Within the stands of Corsican and Scots pine is a large population of wild red squirrels. However, unlike most other populations, the Formby animals are so used to people that they can be fed by hand. The shoreline attracts waders such as oystercatchers and sanderlings. As well as the beautiful beach there are miles of walks across the sand dunes and through the woods. Open daily during daylight hours.
7. It’s one of Lancashire’s three oldest buildings but it rarely makes it to the limelight enjoyed by Hoghton Tower and Lancaster Castle. Browsholme Hall, near Bashall Eaves, isn’t open to the public very often but a series of open days this month and next will give you a chance to get to know it better.
Set among beautiful rolling countryside in the Forest of Bowland, the hall has been in the Parker family for 500 years and, despite the extensive collection of artefacts and ephemera, is still much more a family home than a museum. There are also some beautiful grounds. But be quick or you’ll miss it.
Browsholme is open June 28 to July 4 and August 15-31 (excluding Mondays expect Bank Holidays). There are more details on www.browsholme.co.uk
8. Turton Tower is a delightful Tudor house in woodland gardens near Bolton.
It’s a distinctive 15th century English country house set in relaxing woodlands on the edge of the popular walking area of the West Pennine Moors. There are period rooms displaying a magnificent collection of decorative woodwork, paintings and furniture.
These includes items loaned from the Victoria and Albert Museum. The surrounding gardens have Victorian follies and tennis courts and a traditional English country garden. It is open Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 12pm-5pm and on Bank Holiday weekends during the summer season. For information call 01204 852203.
9. You don’t need an anorak to enjoy Fleetwood Transport Festival, also known as Tram Sunday. This annual event is on Sunday July 20 and it is now regarded as one of the major transport festivals in the north.
The festival takes place throughout the entire length of Fleetwood`s main street, and is unique in the fact that Fleetwood has the only original main street electric tramway still running in the British Isles after more than 100 years. There will also be street organs, bands, morris dancers, street entertainers, model railway exhibition, and fairground rides, including a 19th century steam galloper! Visit www.fleetwoodtransportfestival.co.uk
10. The Lowry at Salford will delight families with its new festival, Stage Frights and Other Stories. The July 5 event presents a feast of words, laughter, jokes, theatre, games and workshops especially made for families. Top children’s performers will be brimming with storytelling, performance, dancing, art, stand-up comedy and music.
Horrible Histories will transport audiences back in time in the Lyric Theatre and there will be frightful fun with The Terrible Infants in the Quays Theatre. For those ready to boogie, Music Baby! with DJ Scruff, is the new dance party sensation for toddlers and parents. With all this, plus free performances and workshops across the building The Lowry promises to be a hive of activity. For tickets call 0870 787 5970 or visit www.thelowry.com