Theatre
Until 5th July
EVITA
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece comes to The Opera House, Manchester. 0844 847 2295
Until 5th July
WAITING FOR GATEAUX
Have your comedy cake and eat it with the hilarious new show set at Mo-tivators, the worst health and fitness club in the country. Blackpool Grand Theatre, 01253 290190
Until 12th July
PERFECT PITCH
John Godber’s culture-clash caravan comedy of holiday mayhem comes to The Coliseum Theatre, Oldham. 0161 624 2829
Until 2nd August
HAY FEVER
Noel Coward classic at The Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester. 0161 833 9833
7th-19th
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT
The all time favourite family musical bursts onto the stage at Blackpool Grand Theatre. 01253 290190
9th-12th
A MUSICAL FANTASY
Thornton Cleveleys Youth Theatre perform this production suitable for the whole family at The Marine Hall, Fleetwood. 01253 860856
10th-12th
THE BEST OF BRITISH
Wigan Little Theatre and Wigan Pier Youth Theatre present this revue featuring sketches from some of our best loved comedy classics. Wigan Little Theatre. 01942 242561
18th
IN DREAMS
Starring Jonny Curtiss as Roy Orbison, Marc Robinson as Buddy Holly, The Fortt Brothers as The Everly Brothers and Michael King as Ricky Corvette this show will have you rockin’ in the aisle. Southport Theatre and Convention Centre. 0844 847 2380
21st-26th
BIG BAD MOUSE
Legendary comedy duo Cannon and Ball take to the stage for a brand new production of the classic 1970s farce at Blackpool Grand Theatre. 01253 290190
22nd-26th
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Oldham Theatre Workshop presents a musical adaptation of the magical tale of that ever-curious girl who tumbled down a rabbit hole. The Coliseum Theatre, Oldham. 0161 624 2829
Open Air Theatre
2nd-3rd
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
Dean Taylor Productions present this open air version of the Shakespeare classic at Whalley Abbey. 01772 466256
3rd-August 9th
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster present their annual outdoor theatre production of this classic tale adapted by Kevin Dyer in Williamson Park, Lancaster. 01524 598500
6th
PETER PAN
Heartbreak Productions present a brand new adaptation of this world-famous story in Williamson Park, Lancaster. 01524 33318
6th
PINOCCHIO
Illyria Theatre Company present this outdoor production of Pinocchio at Rufford Old Hall. 01704 823812
11th-13th
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
Dean Taylor Productions present this open air version of the Shakespeare classic at Turton Tower, Bolton. 01772 466256
20th
HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES
Illyria Theatre Company present this outdoor production in the grounds of Haigh Hall, Wigan. 01942 832895
27th
SHAKESPEARE IN SHORTS
Excerpts from some of Shakespeare’s best loved plays in and around the courtyard, gardens and ramparts at Hoghton Tower, near Preston. Shakespeare for all - clever, classic and good fun. House open for guided tours from 1pm. 01254 852986
30th
PINOCCHIO
Illyria Theatre Company present this outdoor production of the children’s classic at Lytham Hall, Lytham St Annes. 01253 658666
Concerts
5th
CLASSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA
Halle favourite John Wilson conducts a thrilling collection of popular orchestral music at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester.
6th
JAZZ ON THE LAWN
Enjoy a lazy afternoon of music with the Red Rose Jazz Band on the Wilderness Lawn at Hoghton Tower, near Preston. House open for guided tours from 1pm. 01254 852986
11th-13th
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS FESTIVAL
Cumbria Choral Initiative Weekend celebrating the life of Ralph Vaughan Williams in Kendal and Cartmel. Concerts include evening performance in Cartmel Priory, morning recital in Kendal Unitarian Chapel and afternoon recital in the Brewery Arts Centre. For more information see www.breweryarts.co.uk or call box office on 01539 725133.
26th
LAST NIGHT OF THE HALLE PROMS
Sing-a-long final concert of the season led by conductor Gareth Jones and soprano Ailish Tynan. The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester.
Dance
5th
IT’S SHOWTIME
Zoe Taylor Dance Academy present a musical extravaganza of song and dance at King George’s Hall, Blackburn. 01254 260657
9th-12th
SERENDIPITY
Join the children from the Formby School of Dancing and Performing Arts as they dance their way through this colourful musical. Southport Theatre and Convention Centre. 0844 847 2380
12th
IT’S SHOWTIME
Zoe Taylor Dance Academy present a musical extravaganza of song and dance at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre. 01254 260657
19th
SIMPLY BALLROOM
Sam Kane and Sophie Lawrence host this show featuring a cast of international Championship dancers, with choreography by TVs Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag. The GuildHall, Preston. 0845 344 2012 County Days Out
5th-6th
MORECAMBE FESTIVAL MARKET
Family Fun Weekend at the Festival Market, Morecambe. A free event for all the family with entertainment including music, Punch and July shows, bouncy castle and free to enter competitions.
6th
ROSES RUN HISTORIC CAR RALLY
Also featuring music from Lancaster City Brass Band in Williamson Park, Lancaster. 01524 33318
6th
OPEN GARDENS
Hazelwood and West Side Cottage, Bretherton will open their garden to raise funds for Queenscourt Hospice, Southport. 01772 601433
12th-13th
GREAT ECCLESTON AND DISTRICT SHOW
Annual agricultural show, with main ring attractions, trade stands and tractor pulling on Sunday. 01995 679204
13th
OPEN GARDENS
Briar Cottage, Hazelwood and Hazel Cottage gardens open under the National Garden Scheme to raise money for nursing charities. 01772 600896
20th
CLASSIC CAR AND MOTORCYCLE SHOW
Hundreds of cars and motorbikes, arena commentary, autojumble and trade stands at Hoghton Tower, near Preston. House open for guided tours from 1pm. 01254 85286
24th-27th
NEWBURGH FLOWER FESTIVAL
At Christ Church, Newburgh, reached from Jct 27 of the M6.
26th
CLITHEROE WI 40TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW
At Clitheroe Royal Grammar School. 27th
ANTIQUE AND COLLECTORS’ FAIR
At the Marine Hall, Fleetwood.
01253 702292
27th
BRITISH FUCHSIA SOCIETY’S NORTHERN SHOW
At Bilsborrow Village Hall. 01695 420834
Exhibitions
Until Aug 17th
ECHOES OF THE LUNE
A new exhibition of contemporary art drawing together work inspired by the River Lune at Lancaster Maritime Museum. 01524 382264
Until Aug 24th
SUMMER EXHIBITION
By John McCombs, showing paintings of Delph - the people and the place. John McCombs Gallery, Delph. 01457 874705
Until Aug 30th
LIFE FORMS: CERAMICS AND THE NATURAL WORLD
A new exhibition at Gallery Oldham bringing together work by a wide range of makers influenced by the natural world. 0161 770 4653 www.galleryoldham.org.uk
15th-September 4th
QUIET PLACES
Exhibition by Textiles Artist Michelle Holmes at The Edge Gallery, Lancaster. 01524 66029
For Children
2nd
LAZY TOWN LIVE
A show packed with action, energy and a powerful message that will energise and inspire children everywhere. The GuildHall, Preston. 0845 344 2012
5th
STORYTELLING FOR CHILDREN
Held at Wyre Estuary Country Park for 2 to 8 year olds. 01253 857890
28th
TEDDY BEARS PICNIC
Held at Wyre Estuary Country Park for children aged one to 12 years. Bring your favourite teddy bear for fun and games with Wyre’s countryside rangers. Booking essential. 01253 857890
29th-August 20th
SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
Including crafts in the Education Room, archaeological sandpit, boules and garden trail at Rufford Old Hall. 01704 821254
Fundraising events
6th
FIRE WALK
Zoe’s Place Sponsored Fire Walk at the Summer Fair, Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, Liverpool.
13th
CHARITY JAZZ LUNCH Supporting Cancer Help (Preston)
Ltd (Vine House, Preston and Croston House, Garstang). Craft stalls, three course lunch followed by afternoon of jazz played by The High Society Jazz Band. Preston Marriott Hotel. 01995 640185/01772 653257
18th
SUMMER EVENING CRUISE
On Lake Windermere, leaving Lakeside/Newby Bridge 7.30pm and returning 10pm. Trip includes welcome drink, buffet, entertainment, raffle/fund raising activities in aid of Derian House Children’s Hospice.
Tickets £35, available from arncote@btinternet.com or 01524 221073
My Favourite Five
11th
Boogaloo Ball, Haigh Hall
One of the big events on the Wigan social calendar and the curtain-raiser to the 23rd Wigan International Jazz Festival. This is a prestige black tie event, supported by Lancashire Life, complete with champagne, a sumptuous dinner and live music. Itg’s also a great way to raise money for loc al good causes. Tickets are £49 and can be obtained by calling 01942 825677 or by logging onto www.wiganjazz.net
12th
SYMPHONY AT THE TOWER
The 14th annual concert and fireworks display in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice. Hoghton Tower, near Preston. 01772 695290
18th-20th
ROYAL LANCASHIRE SHOW
Annual agricultural show with all the best classes in cattle, sheep, horses and displays including fishing, showjumping and much more. Main ring attractions, food hall, ladies marquee and fashion shows, craft demonstrations and stalls, trade stands and much much more. Duke of Lancaster Park, Barton. 01995 643215
20th
FLEETWOOD TRAM SUNDAY
Entertainment and fun for all the family and vehicle enthusiasts. There will be vintage, commercial and classic vehicles, motorcycles, bands, street entertainers, dancers, fairground rides, trade and charity stalls and much more. Lord Street, Fleetwood. 01253 770103
24th-Sept 13th
HEX IN THE HARVEST
Hawkshaw Farm in Clayton le Dale, home of Mrs Dowson’s Ice Cream, has teamed up with AtmosFEAR, to create the UK’s first outdoor summer scare attraction. Visitors will have to navigate 750 metres of pitch black pathways armed only with a handheld torch.
Open Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun from July 24th. Tickets £10.50, available from www.hexintheharvest.com or 08444 771000