Top 10 things to do in Lancashire at the weekend

Here us our list of events coming up at the weekend.
HopFestHopFest
HopFest

PAID: HopFest, Preston Grasshoppers, Friday July 15 to Sunday July 17

Preston Grasshoppers, in Lightfoot Green Lane, hosts its second annual beer and cider festival, which also includes a new gin and Prosecco bar. Another new feature is the Marston’s Craft Ale Marquee. Local bands will also be performing. Entry is £4 which includes a free glass and programme, with a £1 discount for Grasshoppers and CAMRA members. For tickets visit www.hoppersbeerfestival.co.uk

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PAID: Great Eccleston Show, Saturday and Sunday July 16 and 17

The two-day event showcases a range of crafts and skills associated with the country, including cooking, handicraft, horticulture and local arts. There will be tractor-pulling, a ‘companion’ dog show, demonstrations of sheep shearing, bee keeping, a fun fare, stunt riders and Cumberland wrestling. For tickets of £12 adults; £2 under 14s and £10 concessions visit www.greatecclestonshow.co.uk

FREE: Strong Man Competition, Preston, Saturday July 16

Strong men will pit themselves against each other with a series of strength and stamina tests from the Log Lift, to the Truck Pull in the city’s Flag Market area, from 10am until 4pm.

Other challenges include Car Deadlift; Shoulder Medley; Axle; Loading Race, and carrying sandbags.

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Families can gather and watch the competition for free, whilst cheering the men on.

FREE: Heysham Viking Festival, Saturday and Sunday July 16 and 17

Celebrate the inaugural Heysham Viking Festival with a living history encampment and battle re-enactment in Main Street, Heysham, from 10.30am on both days.

Families can also enjoy a fairground, weapons display, craft stalls, combat competition, and food.

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Live Viking music will be played at The Royal Hotel, on the Saturday night, offering an authentic evening.

FREE: Catch the Wind Kite Festival, Saturday and Sunday July 16 and 17

Families are invited to watch Morecambe’s coastal sky become filled with crazy and colourful kites. Professional kite flyers will gather at the promenade to showcase their best dives, as live music and entertainment will surround the area.

Families are encouraged to bring their own kits to join in. The fun is from noon until 7pm on Saturday and noon until 5pm on Sunday.

FREE: Fleetwood Festival of Transport, Sunday July 17

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Also known as Tram Sunday, the day boasts 200 different classic and vintage vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, vans, lorries, commercial vehicles, buses and trams in the town of Fleetwood from Fisherman’s Walk and Memorial Park to the Esplanade.

There will also be fairground rides and stalls selling a wide assortment of goods.

Families can also enjoy live performances and entertainment from SpareParts Arts, which will bring transport-themed professional arts performances, entertainment and displays.

Free parking on Dock Street.

Entry is free, from 10am until 4.30pm.

FREE: Wildlife Comes to Town, Blackpool, Saturday July 16

Families are invited to St John’s Square, in Blackpool, from noon until 4pm to pet a variety of animals. From pygmy goats and mini ponies to rabbits children can cuddle them all. For those who like reptiles, there are spiders, lizards and snakes,

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And for those brave enough to pet a very wild animal, don’t miss the animatronic gorilla, who will no doubt provide some entertainment.

FREE AND PAID: Rawtenstall Annual Fair, Saturday July 16

The 5th annual Rawtenstall Fair takes place at the town square, in Bank Street, from 10am until 4pm on Saturday.

Entry is free, with family friendly activities including a climbing wall, archery circuit, circus skills, LEGO building, curry competition and craft workshops.

Some activities may require a fee. Everyone welcome.

PAID: Beat Herder Festival, Clitheroe,Friday to Sunday July 15 to 17

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James headlines the music festival in Gisburn Road, Sawley, with a host of other acts, including Todd Terje, Miike Snow, Booka Shade and Donovan. There is also comedy from the likes of Tom Stade, Fern Brady and Jack Evans. Glamping - and camping - is also an option. Adult weekend ticket is £158. Car and caravan passes separate. For tickets visit www.beatherder.co.uk

PAID: Hansel and Gretel, Theatre on the Lawn, Hoghton, Sunday July 17

Outreach Opera presents this classic children’s tale at Hoghton Tower, from 2.30pm on Sunday. Local youngsters will perform the children’s chorus in the opera’s finale.

Tickets £15 adults, £10 concessions/students and £5 children, Also at the tower os the merchant of Hoghton Farmer’s Market, from 10am. Admission £1 per car to the market. Pedestrians 50p.

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