Top 10 things to do in Lancashire at the weekend

Here is a list of fun things to do this weekend.
Lorries dayLorries day
Lorries day

FREE AND PAID: Great British Lorries Day, Leyland, Sunday August 21

Big names in the British Transport Industry display their finery at British Commercial Vehicle Museum, in King Street, including ERF, Leyland, Scammell, AEC, Bedford, Austin and Commer. Enthusiasts can chat to the people involved in the industry. There is also a display in the museum which traces the history of transport and the development of the diesel engine. From 10am until 4.30pm.

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FREE: Morecambe Food and Drink Festival, Sunday August 21 to Monday August 22

Southport Flower ShowSouthport Flower Show
Southport Flower Show

Local and national producers of food and drink will line the Festival Arena Promenade from 11am until 6pm on Sunday and Monday.

Top BBC Fusion Chef Aazam Ahmad, along with local chefs, will present cookery demonstrations throughout each day. There is also a children’s cook-off competition, plus family entertainment. Admission is free.

PAID: Southport Flower Show, Thursday August 18 to Sunday August 21

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Located in Victoria Park, the event will feature stunning show gardens, the finest flower and vegetable displays, specialist food and demos, celebrity guests, a ladies day, gala evening and an exclusive VIP experience. There is even a Minecraft experience for children.

Southport Flower ShowSouthport Flower Show
Southport Flower Show

Tickets are £19 per person, with discounts available. For event timings and tickets, visit http://www.southport.co.uk

PAID: Haigh Agricultural Show, Sunday August 21

The event at The Windmill Field, Copperas Lane, includes large vegetable exhibitions, and animal classes, from 9am until 5pm. Families can bring their dogs for behavioural competitions. There will also be vintage tractors, a clown show and family entertainment. CBBC’s Hacker T Dog will be there and Mike Burgess will give demonstrations of his chainsaw sculptures. Tickets £7 adult, £4 children. Family ticket £20.

FREE: Outdoor Cinema, James and the Giant Peach, Preston, Saturday August 20

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As part of They Eat Culture’s participation in the British Film Institute’s National Dahl Programme, families can enjoy Roald Dahl’s classic James and the Giant Peach on the big screen in the Flag Market at 8.30pm. There will be warm up music and a workshop activity to keep youngsters entertained, from 7.30pm. Limited seating is available so feel free to bring seating, blanket and refreshments.

FREE: Model Railway Weekend, Carnforth, Saturday August 20 and Sunday August 21

From 10am until 4pm, Carnforth Station Heritage Centre, in Warton Road, hosts a two-day model railway exhibition. Whilst marvelling at the intricate miniatures, visitors can also wander through the various exhibitions at the centre. These include information about film maker David Lean, the age of steam and a 1940s gallery. Free entry.

FREE: 1940s Day and Gala, Darwen, Saturday August 20

Darwen Market Square will step back in time to the 1940s, from 10am until 4pm.

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Families are encouraged to dress up in vintage gear and soak in the war time nostalgia, as there will be lots going on throughout the day to keep the whole family entertained. There will also be a tea dance with all the favourite 1940s sounds.

Meanwhile, the 51st Annual Darwen Gala takes place in the afternoon.

The parade starts at 12.30pm in Borough Road, with the gala starting an hour later.

This annual event is a celebration of groups, charities, businesses and people from the former mill town of Darwen.

FREE: Charity Fun Day, Chorley, Sunday August 21

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Former soap stars Bruce Jones (Les Battersby) and Dean Sullivan (Jimmy Corkhill) are guests of honour at Dantes Halfway House, in Preston Road, from noon until late. There will be performances by singers and dancers, and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steven Hall will entertain. Children can also meet their favourite superheroes. Proceeds go to ADHD Lancashire and ADDISS.

FREE: Gruffalo Adventure, Brockholes, Friday August 19

Families are invited to explore Brockholes Nature Reserve’s Deep Dark Wood, discover woodland creatures and hopefully track down the Gruffalo, from 2pm until 4pm. This is part of the Wild Families series of events, aimed at getting the whole family outdoors and working together. Tickets are £5 per person or a family ticket of four, for £18. Brockholes is located off junction 31 of the M6.

PAID: Outdoor Theatre, Hoghton and Chorley, Sunday August 21

Heartbreak Productions perform Shakespeare’s The Tempest at Astley Park’s Walled Garden, at 5pm. Tickets £10 adults, £7 children. Meanwhile, Tangled Dance Company presents an enchanting outdoor dance performance of Once Upon a Twisted Tale at Hoghton Tower, with a children’s interactive section, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. Tickets £6 adults or £4 children.