Theatre

7^th-12^th
The Producers
Premier Theatre Company present this clever and vibrant musical comedy by Mel Brooks telling the story of the impossibly charismatic duo Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as wily producers who cook the books and conspire to produce the worst musical ever.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 290190

15^th-August 2^nd
Macbeth
Feelgood Theatre Productions perform Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy Macbeth in the open air in Manchester’s Heaton Park.
Tickets from www.quaytickets.com, the Lowry Theatre box office or 0870 428 0785

21^st-25^th
West Side Story
This international hit musical returns to Manchester. Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is packed with unforgettable songs and groundbreaking choreography.
The Lowry arts centre, Salford Quays, Manchester, 0870 787 5788

21^st-25^th
Quadrophenia
Pete Townshend’s legendary rock opera comes to Blackpool. Set in London and Brighton at the height of the Mod era, the compelling coming of age story is told through the eyes of Jimmy – a hedonistic, style conscious teenager – searching for a place to belong and a girl to love.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 290190

25^th
Much Ado About Nothing
Off the Ground Theatre Company present this fantastic outdoor summer Shakespeare evening, come early and bring a picnic.
Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham, 0151 625 2929

Concerts

4^th
Symphony at the Tower
The Philharmonic Concert Orchestra perform a selection of music including themes from James Bond, Puccini’s Nessun Dorma from Turandot, Henry Wood’s fantastia on British Sea Songs, Pomp and Circumstance March No 1 and Rule Britannia with a spectacular firework finale all in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice.
Hoghton Tower, near Preston, 01772 629171 or 01254 852986

11^th
Monteverdi Vespers of 1610
Sung by the Levens Choir with the Early Baroque Band.
Lancaster Castle, 01524 32878

12^th
Lancashire Youth and Schools Concerts Bands Gala Concert
A selection of classic concert band pieces performed by some of Lancashire’s finest young musicians.
Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe, 01706 213816

24^th-25^th
Southport Summer Classics
A splendid weekend of classical entertainment with The Magic of Motown on Friday night which boasts an incredible cast, dazzling costume changes and superb choreography and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will take to the stage on Saturday night.
Victoria Park, Southport, 01704 533333


County Days Out

4^th-5^th
Family Fun weekend
Free event for all the family with entertainment including music, Punch and Judy shows and bouncy castle and free to enter competitions.
Festival Market, Morecambe, 01524 414251

4^th-5^th
Garstang Classic Vehicle Show and Steam Rally
Classic vehicle show and autojumble.
Hamilton House, St Michael’s, Garstang, 01253 407779

11^th-12^th
Barnacre Church Exhibition
Displays and flowers in both the church and churchyard along with craft stalls, produce stall, raffle and tombola.
All Saints Church, Barnacre, 01995 602256

11^th-12^th
Celebrating Transport Through The Ages
Transport festival in Leyland organised by The Leyland Board and the town’s Commercial Vehicle Museum and featuring Leyland trucks and buses. Money raised during the weekend will support the museum and donations will also be made to St Catherine’s Hospice and Sue Ryder Care.
For more information call 01257 427643

12^th
Newburgh Open Gardens 
The third Newburgh Open Gardens Day will see 12 local gardens open to the public. Admission is by programme only, either pre-purchased or purchased on the day at the first garden visited.
For more information call 01257 462970

12^th
Leighton Hall Classic Car and Bike Show
More than 500 classic cars and motorbikes will be on show on the lawns and terraces.
Leighton Hall, Carnforth, 01253 407779

19^th
Fleetwood Tram Sunday
Annual transport festival with entertainment and fun for all the family and vehicle enthusiasts. Includes vintage, commercial and classic vehicles, motorcycles, bands, street entertainers, dancers, fairground rides and charity stalls.
Lord Street, Fleetwood, 01253 823351

25^th
Clitheroe Area WI Handicraft and Produce Show
Twelve WI branches from across the Ribble Valley exhibit all manner of produce and handicrafts from 10am-4pm.
Edisford Primary School.

26^th
Archery at Hoghton Tower
Members from the Bowmen of Pendle and Samlesbury Club will demonstrate and teach archery skills to both seniors and juniors in the special setting of The Wilderness Garden.
Hoghton Tower, near Preston, 01254 852986

On with the (agricultural) show

July 11^th
Goosnargh and Longridge Show
01772 739820, www.goosnarghandlongridgeshow.co.uk

July 18^th-19^th
Great Eccleston Show
01995 679204, www.gtecclestonargiculturalsociety.org.uk

August 1^st
Garstang Show
01253 799199, www.garstangshow.org

August 5^th
Cartmel Show
01524 733615, www.cartmelagriculturalsociety.org.uk

August 9th
Trawden and District Agricultural Show
01282 863912, 01282 865264, www.trawdenshow.co.uk

August 22^nd
Chipping Show
01254 826362, www.chippingshow.co.uk

August 29^th
Barrowford Show
01282 696039, www.barrowford-show.co.uk

September 10^th
Westmorland County Show
015395 67804, www.westmorlandshow.co.uk

September 12^th
Hodder Valley Show
01200 446698

Exhibitions

Until September 5^th
Enchanted Worlds
Captivating new exhibition exploring the world of magic, mystery and fairytales. See more than 50 artworks brought from paintings, sculpture, photography, film, animation, puppetry from some of the world’s most revered artists.
The Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston, 01772 258248

Until September 6^th
Fairies
An exhibition of work by mixed media artist Samantha Bryan, whose objective it is to make a fairy’s life easier. The exhibition features around 20 sculptures, mounted, free-standing and flying.
Gallery Oldham, 0161 770 4653

4^th-August 1^st
Summer Exhibition
Fleetwood Art and Craft Society present paintings and crafts in various mediums by society members.
Fleetwood Library, 01253 873789

4^th-August 14^th
Canvas
Rosie Rimmer, Janet Cardwell and Sue Barnes exhibit their vibrant artworks together for the first time.
Great House Barn, Rivington, 01204 691549

For children

11^th
Princess and the Pea
Banyan Theatre Company present this fairytale story suitable for two to five year olds.
The Lowry arts centre, Salford Quays, Manchester, 0870 787 5788

12^th
Calling all fairies, princesses, knights and dragons
Make magic wands, wimples and swords at this magical fairytale event, followed by a larger than life puppet play with plenty of joining in.
Hoghton Tower, near Preston, 01254 852986

21^st-22^nd
Tweenies Live!
Children’s favourites perform their Top of the Tots show live on stage.
The Guild Hall, Preston, 0845 344 2012

24^th
The Tales of Peter Rabbit
With brand new songs, beautifully designed scenery and costumes, this show is destined to bring the famous book to life in a new and exciting way.
Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, 0844 847 2380

31^st-August 1^st
Noddy in Toyland
See Noddy and his Toy Town friends playing, laughing and learning about the world around them in this brand new, anniversary live tour.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 290190

Fundraising events

3^rd July
Summer Ball
In aid of The Legacy Rainbow House with entertainment from The DeadBeats.
Formby Hall Golf Club, Tickets £42.50 available from 07962 599603

11^th July
Bollywood Dreams
The MillSingh Foundation present this evening at The White Hart at Lydgate in aid of the radiotheraphy unit at Christies, Royal Oldham Hospital. Entertainment includes six course dinner, Bollywood dance entertainment, auction and draw and dancing. Black tie or traditional Indian dress.
For information and tickets call Sukhi on 07815 042797 or Andrea on 07999 565306

4^th September
Sportsman’s Dinner
In aid of ‘Space’ (Friends of the Willows) with guest speaker Jan Molby, ex Liverpool and Denmark footballer, at Preston North End Football Club.
Tickets £35 available from Andy Ross 07716 485287

9^th October
Sportsman’s Dinner
In aid of Brian House Children’s Hospice with guest speaker Chris Kamara from Sky Sports and Soccer, at Blackpool Football Club.
Tickets £35 available from Andy Ross 07716 485287

My Favourite Five

2^nd-August 8^th
Jason and the Argonauts
The Dukes Theatre present their annual walkabout open-air theatre and brings to life the timeless story of love, honour and heroism, based on the ancient Greek myths that have beguiled generations. Travel around the magnificent lakes, dells and gorges and take to the high seas, climb Mount Olympus, the realm of the gods and challenge the monstrous Hydra.
Williamson Park, Lancaster, 01524 598500

7^th July
Literary Evening and Supper
Best selling authors Stella Duffy, Sophie Kinsella and Val McDermid are guest speakers at this event in aid of the Robert Broude Memorial Fund for the Young Oncology Unit at Christie Hospitial.
Manchester Grammar School, tickets £45, available from 0161 766 2132 or 07764 679065

18^th-19^th
Cricket in the Park
Cricket fans without an Ashes ticket, pack up a picnic and experience every wicket, run, throw, catch and nail-biting moment with thousands of other fans on a large screen in a fun and lively atmosphere.
Sefton Park, Liverpool, www.ecb.co.uk/the-great-exhibition/npower-cricket-in-the-park

30^th
80s Mania
Re-live the decade that fashion forgot with this feel-good, fantasy concert celebrating the smash hits from the heroes of the 80s including Duran Duran, The Human League, Kim Wilde and Wham.
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 01253 290190

31^st-August 2^nd
Owd Nells Pressed Cider Festival
The North West’s only cider festival. A canalside cider bar will be open all weekend in the marquee and entertainment will include live music, cider tasting and a family day on Sunday with a farmers market.
Guy’s Thatched Hamlet, Bilsborrow, 01995 640020

We welcome contributions to this page which should be addressed to: Amanda Griffiths, What's On, Lancashire Life, 3 Tustin Court, Port Way, Preston. PR2 2YQ. Entries can also be emailed to amanda.griffiths@lancashirelife.co.uk. These should be sent at least two months in advance of the event.

Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy at the time of going to press, times, dates and venues can be changed. Please check with the venue before travelling to any of the events.

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