Preston Mela has been taking place since 1997, although the local activists involved have been championing the profile of South Asian culture since the 1970s. Head along for a vibrant celebration of South Asian arts, culture, tradition, and heritage.
Preston’s historic market square hosts many outdoor cultural events throughout the year.
With an array of independent shops and places to eat and drink, including a number of contemporary pubs and bars, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Hosting a variety of year-round events, from guided walks to jazz evenings, Winckley Square is a Georgian square packed with history in Preston city centre.
Located in the heart of Preston, Avenham and Miller Parks are among the finest examples of traditional Victorian parkland in the North West.
There are few more thrilling things than having a bird of prey swoop in to land on your arm, and seeing these spectacular, elusive creatures up close.
Located in the rural village of Samlesbury on a 35-acre smallholding, Alpaca Fold provides quality accommodation suitable for short and longer stays surrounded by the peace and calm of a rural setting.
Gastro pub The Foundry serves freshly cooked and locally sourced pub fare, alongside a quality drinks selection and a warm atmosphere.
A haven of luxury and serenity in the heart of the Ribble Valley, Everything Retreat is an idyllic spot for an indulgent getaway.
This quality bistro offers fine dining at fabulous prices. One of the leading training restaurants, Scholars Restaurant is run by both industry professionals and fantastic Blackburn College students.
Blackburn’s home of live music, Electric Church Club hosts artists from the whole of the UK.
One of the North West of England’s best known and loved entertainment venues the historic King George’s Hall in Blackburn was built in the classical style from stone quarried at Butler’s Delph in Pleasington.
Dating back to 1865 when it opened as one of four exchange halls in the country, The Exchange is an iconic Blackburn venue
Join Joe Feeley a Mancunian through and through, who guides you into Manchester’s two pillars of cultural excellence with his Rock and Goal tour.
from £9.99
Eat your way through the dairy based delights of Manchester, with the Manchester Cheese Crawl walking tour.
from £25
Satisfy your hunger for knowledge as well as lunch with Scranchester’s food tours of the city centre, discover a new hidden gem or go to favourite.
from £60
Join Craft Beer Tour Manchester for a journey through some of the cities best local breweries and artisanal beer serving bars. Discover the personality of Manchester’s beer through a diverse
from £35
Join expert teacher Ula for relaxed painting workshops that will have you creating work you can be proud of, no matter your level of artistic experience.
from £24.30
Experience the River Mersey from a more intimate perspective with canoeing and kayaking trips from Venture Out.
from £25.00
Join Manchester Sacred Harp for an afternoon of uplifting four-part harmony social singing at Whitworth Art Gallery.
free entry
Explore incredible objects from the world-renowned theoretical physicist’s office in this special display.
free entry
Eclectic as ever. You'll find inventive reworkings, world-class contemporary dance and Greater Manchester's inaugural Improv Festival in our guide.
We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.
We've got laughs and we've got leftfield on the live literature radar this month. Something for everyone, from poets playing with form to short story writers looking long.
With these lighter, brighter days and warmer temperatures, it's really starting to feel like summer here in the North West!
Open air clubs, new festivals and long-awaited gigs. The North West's live music scene is heating up this spring.
Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.
Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month
Live scores, midnight movies and the latest from Wes Anderson are just some of our upcoming film highlights.