Hobbies, history and high spirits! Here's five things you must do next week

Raise a glass to St Patricks Day as Whiskey In The Jar and special guests The Houghton Weavers come to Chorley Theatre on Friday, March 13

Painting for Pleasure Classes, Preston and Garstang, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays

If you fancy having a go at painting - or feel you would benefit from a refresher course – then look no further than these informative classes. They take place at the Arts Centre in Garstang on Mondays and at St George’s Hall, Preston, on Tuesdays and Fridays. See www.painting-classes-uk.net for more.

Guided Walk, Winckley Square, Preston, Monday, March 9

Virtually every aspect of English life between 1674 and 1913 was influenced by gender. A woman’s lot was of many obligations and few choices - some compared it to a form of slavery. Hear how a number of Preston women overcame adversity and succeeded with this guided walk and talk, ‘The Lot of a Woman in a Man’s World’. Book via www.eventbrite.co.uk, £4.

Lancashire Marine Conservation Society, Gregson Community Centre, Lancaster, Wednesday, March 11

Celebrate some of the best of UK Marine life with members of Lancashire MCS. This month there’s ‘Jewels of UK Marine Life’ by Gordon Fletcher; ‘Hidden – hard to spot marine life’ by Lewis Bambury and ‘Vanishing seagrass meadows’ by Barry Kaye. The meeting will also host the AGM with a brief review of activities, plus a look forward to events in the coming year. Admission to the meeting is £3 and everyone is welcome. Find out more about Lancashire MCS online at www.lancashiremcs.org.uk.

Family History Fridays, Lancashire Record Office, Bow Lane, Preston, Friday, March 13

Get free help with your family history problems from members of the Preston branch of the Lancashire Family History and Heraldry Society. There will be archivists on hand and the public searchroom will also be available. No need to book, just drop in with your relevant paperwork. For more information, call 01772 533039.

Whiskey In The Jar, Chorley Theatre, Friday, March 13

The popular Irish folk band Whiskey In The Jar are back with a special 31st anniversary concert. Joining them, their very special guests The Houghton Weavers will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day in their own unique style. The bands will perform traditional folk songs, ballads and jigs with their usual high-spirits. Tickets are £12 from Malcolms Musicland on 01257 264362, Ebb & Flo Bookshop on 01257 262773, or via www.chorleytheatre.com. The show starts at 7.30pm.