Solar eclipse 2026: Where to watch Wednesday's celestial event safely in Lancashire
Where are you watching Wednesday's solar eclipse?
On Wednesday, Lancashire will witness a rare celestial event, and unusually for the UK the weather will be on the side of eclipse chasers, as the county is treated to a partial solar eclipse.
The solar event, on August 12, will see between 90 and 95 per cent of the Sun covered, making it one of the most significant and deepest solar eclipses visible from the UK since 2015.
Fortunately for anyone hoping to catch the event, it’s good news as the weather forecast is promising clear and dry skies as a heatwave sweeps across the county.
During the eclipse, the forecast for clear skies will be joined by temperatures of around 26C in various locations across the county.
The partial eclipse is expected to begin shortly after 6pm, reaching maximum coverage just after 7pm, before daylight gradually returns.
While experts are reminding people to take care and never to look directly at the Sun without specialist equipment, a number of organised events are due to take place at key viewing locations in Lancashire, where people can watch the spectacle in safety.
Here are four events taking place across the county on Wednesday:
Moor Park, Preston
Astronomers from the University of Lancashire and Preston and District Astronomical Society are set to host a free public event at Moor Park, to help people experience the UK’s first deep solar eclipse in over a decade. The free event will start at 5.45pm and finish at 8pm. People are asked to meet at Moor Park near to the car park across from Deepdale Stadium.
Fairhaven Lake, St Annes
A free Community Solar Eclipse Picnic, organised by Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit, is due to take place between 5pm and 8pm at Fairhaven Lake, near the Spitfire Memorial. Solar eclipse glasses will be provided.
Rossall Promenade, Thornton-Cleveleys
Stargazers are invited to join Blackpool & District Astronomical Society on Rossall Beach Promenade from 5pm until 8.15pm. Safety-filtered solar-viewing equipment will be on hand.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
The theme park has announced a solar eclipse viewing event, with extended viewing hours and free protective glasses between 6pm and 8pm. Visitors will be able to watch the spectacle from the park’s overpass, adjacent to the ‘Wallace & Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic’ ride.
The next full solar eclipse in the UK isn't expected for another 64 years, on 23 September 2090, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich.