Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.
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
Running over three Tuesday evenings this fully tutored introductory course focuses on the the key techniques and methods we first use in our approach to depicting the human figure. Working with
From £95.00
A night of surreal, DIY, and subversive short films headlined by a mind-bending early work from The Substance director Coralie Fargeat.
From £1.00
Experience the art of Abbot Hall in a hands on and creative way with their monthly Sketch and Stroll tours.
From £0.00
Manchester International Festival 2025 kicks off with an awe-inspiring outdoor spectacle as THE HERDS take to the streets of Manchester, Rochdale, and Wigan.
Free entry
‘Loops’ is a new collaborative exhibition of textiles at Sunny Bank Mills, connecting artists from across the Netherlands and Yorkshire.
Free entry
The unique European Poetry Festival European Camarade is back, bringing together poets to create brand-new work.
Free entry
‘Studio Me: All Sorts’ at the Bluecoat is a group exhibition of works by Blue Room artists.
Free entry
For the first time ever, MIF joins forces with The Royal Ballet to present a bold new adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s seminal novel.
From £35.00
Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.
The sun is shining in the North, so use our guide to get out there and eat, drink and be merry in it.
Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.
July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.
From environmental to experimental, our poetry and prose picks from around the North are focused on the unusual and the fun.
Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.
Shape-shifting bands, scorched-earth techno, and off-grid festivals. Our latest music picks catch the live scene at its most urgent, inventive and alive.
This month's guide is truly eclectic - from free family festivals, to food events, circus school and more!