Friargate is a shopping and dining destination in the area of Preston. With an array of independent shops and places to eat and drink, including several contemporary pubs and bars, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
From traditional second-hand book shops to bohemian cafés and international restaurants, this bustling street connects the city centre to the University of Central Lancashire, creating a vibrant student atmosphere.
Taking place in Blackburn each year, The National Festival of Making is a unique celebration of UK making, from the kitchen table to the factory floor.
free entry
The Duke’s award-winning outdoor walkabout theatre is back with another super madcap family adventure. Summer is on its way.
from £16.50
Join a team of expert guides to walk across the iconic but often dangerous sand flats at Morecambe Bay.
from £10.00
Not Too Tame return with an exhilarating and anarchic version of Shakespeare’s outlandish comedy, starring Liverpudlian legend Les Dennis.
from £14.72
The ‘Hybrid Futures’ art project prioritises collective working and sustainability, entering its last phase at Salford Museum and Art Gallery.
free entry
Eloina Haines’ one-woman show is a contemporary and deeply affecting performance about labia-shaming and cosmetic surgery.
0.00 -Pay-What-You-Decide
The Lowry presents ‘Memory Stone’, the first institutional solo exhibition by Nikta Mohammadi, focusing on the rural landscape of the North.
free entry
Direct from Broadway and with two hugely successful West End seasons, this theatrical tour de force flies into Salford this May.
from £19.50
Preston’s historic market square hosts many outdoor cultural events throughout the year.
The Harris is currently closed until 2025. Harris Your Place is a £16million project set to restore and reimagine the Harris for 21st-century audiences as a community, cultural and learning space.
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
Take a look at our top recommendations for restaurants and bars to check out this spring.
From spotlights on indie presses to big hitters brought to you by the bookshops, festivals and libraries, you'll find plenty to whet your wordy whistle this month.
From creative adventures, museum experiences and spectacular theatre, check out what's on for the family in Manchester and the north.
Eclectic as ever. You'll find Bollywood musicals, scratch nights and anarchic Shakespeare in our pick of the performative crop.
Traditional painting takes a step back this month to make way for some excellent photography, sculpture and multimedia exhibitions around the North.
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.
Ealing Studios and the best of Ryan Gosling are amongst our film highlights this month.
Gazing longingly towards the good times that will accompany the surely imminent sun, we take a look at the best music festivals coming up in Manchester and Salford.
Try something new, explore somewhere different, learn a new skill with our tours and activities guide.
