What's On Listings 20-26 Dec

Theatre

Blackburn

Sleeping Beauty: goodies and baddies, singing, dancing, acrobatics, a wedding and a happy ever after! From £13. Various times. King Georges Hall, Northgate, Blackburn. Tel: 0844 847 1664. Until Mon, Dec 31

Ska Face: an infectious stage show of power, energy and damn good tunes. From £16. 7pm. King Georges Hall, Northgate, Blackburn. Tel: 0844 847 1664. Sat, Dec 22 only

Blackpool

Beauty and The Beast: starring Danny Walters, Hayley Kay, Nick Wilton and Steve Royle. The Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HT. Tel: 01253 290190. Until Sun, Jan 6

The Wizard of Oz: join Emmerdale’s Kelvin Fletcher (Tin Man) and X-Factor Sensation Holly Tandy (Dorothy) down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. From £12.50. Opera House, Winter Gardens, 97 Church St, Blackpool FY1 1HL. Tel: 01253 625252. Until Sun, Dec 30

Aladdin Circus Pantomime: with a whole host of incredible stunts, jaw-dropping feats and comedy capers, not mention the world-famous water-finale. The Blackpool Tower, Blackpool Promenade, Blackpool FY1 4BJ. Tel: 01253 622242. Until Sun, Jan 20 only

Bolton

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: Dorothy sets out to find the Great Oz – a Wizard from Wigan with the power to make all of their dreams come true. From £13. The University of Bolton Stadium, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 6SF. Tel: 01204 520661. Until Mon, Dec 31

Chorley

Beauty And The Beast: the classic fairytale gets a panto twist with a traditional Dame, songs, slapstick, and silliness. £12, child £10, family £39. Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley. Tel: 01257 264362. Until Sat, Dec 22

Clitheroe

Swing Commanders: vibrant quintet, perform 40’s swing and western swing at its very best. £13. 7.30pm. The Grand, 18 York Street, Clitheroe. Tel: 01200 421599. Thu, Dec 20 only

Lancaster

Peter Pan: transporting audiences to Neverland with fairy dust, flight and catchy songs. The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster. Tel: 01524 598500. Until Sat, Jan 5

The Muppet Christmas Carol: £2.50. The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster. Tel: 01524 598500. Sat, Dec 22 & Mon, Dec 24

It’s A Wonderful Life (U): what better way to celebrate Christmas? From £5.50. The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster. Tel: 01524 598500. Sun, Dec 23 & Mon, Dec 24

The Nutcracker: screened live from The Bolshoi. From £12.50. The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster. Tel: 01524 598500. Sun, Dec 23 only

The King And I (12A): the awardwinning new version recorded at the London Palladium. The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster. Tel: 01524 598500. Wed, Dec 26 & Thu, Dec 27

Preston

Cinderella: with the hilarious comedian Phil Walker, who will once again be writing and directing the show as well as starring in it! From £22. Preston Charter Theatre, Lancaster Road, Preston. Tel: 01772 804444. Until Thu, Jan 3

Southport

Elf (PG): unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult elf Buddy travels to New York £3. 2pm. The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport. Tel: 01704 533333. Sat, Dec 22 only

St Helens

Peter Pan: starring Brookside’s Louis Emerick and Strictly Come Dancing’s Kristina Rihanoff. From £11. St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St Helens WA10 1LQ. Tel: 01744 756000. Until Sun, Jan 13

Warrington

The Snowman: big screen. Iconic film. World class musicians. From £14. 1.45pm & 7pm. Pyramid & Parr Hall, Palmyra Square South, Warrington. Tel: 01925 442345. Thu, Dec 20 only

The Sweet – Blockbuster Christmas Show: quintessential glam rockers who brought androgynous looks and crunching guitar pop to the masses. From £20. 7.30pm. Pyramid & Parr Hall, Palmyra Square South, Warrington. Tel: 01925 442345. Fri, Dec 21 only

Music

Choral

Carols at the Conti: with St Stephen’s Choir. 8.30pm. The Continental, South Meadow Lane, Preston. Tel: 01772 499425. Sun, Dec 23 only

Brass Bands

Chorley Choral Society’s Christmas Concert: with Intrada Brass, featuring both traditional and modern carols and popular Christmas music. £12, accompanied under 16s free. 7.30pm. Chorley Town Hall, Market Street, Chorley PR7 1DP. Tel: 01772 455185. Sat, Dec 22 only

Country & Western

Longridge Country & Western Club: live entertainment and line dancing every Wed evening. All welcome. Free entry. Wilfrids Club, Longridge

Pubs & Clubs

Thursday

Silver Foxes Bingo: 7.30pm. Leyland, Fox Lane Cricket. Tel: 01772 435326

LGBT: every Thu at Preston’s ‘official’ LGBT pub. Free entry.Happy hour 9-10.30pm, Cash Bingo 10.30pm-12.30am - ‘The more that play, the more we pay! The Oblivion, 12-14 Grimshaw Street, Preston, PR1 3DD

Friday

Disco: dance, funk, pop, soul & Motown with DJ Chris. From 9.30pm. The Stanley Arms, 24 Lancaster Road, Preston. Tel: 01772 252001

LGBT: DJ Brian every Fri and Karaoke with DJ Brian every Sat at Preston’s ‘official’ LGBT pub. Free Entry. Open til 1am. The Oblivion, 12-14 Grimshaw Street, Preston, PR1 3DD

Snooker and Pool: Two full sized snooker tables plus a league sized pool table. Licensed bar. Every night except Saturday, 7.30-11pm. Much Hoole Village Hall.

Saturday

The Stanley Arms: disco from 9.30pm. Northern Soul with resident DJ Derek Sumner from 10.30pm. The Stanley Arms, 24 Lancaster Road, Preston. Tel: 01772 252001

Pablo’s Discobar: providing the soundtrack for a forgotten generation. Sumptuous decor, lavish voyeuristic booths and a grandiose dance floor. Every Sat. Fives Cocktail Club, 49-51 Guildhall Street, Preston City Centre. Tel: 01772 201500

Sunday

Karaoke: from 5pm. The Stanley Arms, 24 Lancaster Road, Preston. Tel: 01772 252001

Wednesday

Big Fat Quiz Of Everything: trivia, sports, movies and current events. See www.stanleyarmspreston.co.uk. £1 or £2.50 inc. pasta. Every Wed, 7.30-10.30pm. The Stanley Arms, 24 Lancaster Road, Preston. Tel: 01772 252001

Dance

Monday

Ormskirk Folk Dance Club: newcomers welcome. £2. 8.15-10pm weekly during term time. Emmanuel Church Hall, Derby Street, Ormskirk L39 2DE. Tel: 01695 726696

Leyland Morris Men: dancers and musicians welcome to join us and preserve a local tradition. See www.leylandmorrismen.co.uk. 7.30pm. Guide Hut off Fox Lane, Leyland. Tel: 01772 337999

Sales/Markets

Daily

Chorley’s Winter Wonderland: with a real ice rink, festive drinks in Betty’s Tipi, festive market stalls, cheeky elves and Christmas crafts. Daily except Christmas Day until Jan 6. Cleveland Street, Chorley Town Centre PR7 1DA

Friday

Preesall Sewing Group: sale of craft work, cushions, bags, quilts etc. All profits to go to Trinity Hospice. 9.30am-noon. Youth Community Centre, Preesall. Tel: 01253 790851

Sunday

Clitheroe Flea Market and Car Boot Sale: indoor and outdoor stalls. Every Sun, 8am-3pm. Clitheroe Auction Mart, Clitheroe. Tel: 01253 782828

Wednesday

St Anne’s Antique Fair: jewellery, silver, postcards, lace, medals, Moorcroft and antiquarian books. Book and CD stall in aid of Derian House Childrens Hospice. Refreshments available. Entry £1.50. 8.30am-3.30pm. The Aztec Centre, The Promenade, St Annes FY8 1LS

Special Events

Daily

Leighton Moss: visit the hides, explore the trails and enjoy amazing views from the Sky Tower. Every day except Christmas Day. RSPB Leighton Moss, Storrs Laen, Silverdale, Carnforth LA5 0SW. Tel: 01524 701601

Christmas Xplorer Challenge: find the Christmas themed markers, complete the challenge and have fun together. 10am-3pm, daily until Sun, Jan 6. Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston New Road, Samlesbury PR5 0AG. Tel: 01772 872000

WWT Martin Mere: open every day except Christmas Day for you to get close to some fantastic wetland wildlife with talks, feeds and boat tours. Fish Lane, Burscough L40 0TA. Tel: 01704 895181

Thursday

Festive Tea & Christmas Tour: take an atmospheric tour around the seasonally decorated house before sitting down in the warmth of our tearoom. £25. Noon. Hoghton Tower, Hoghton. Tel: 01254 852986

Saturday

Christmas Tree Festival: refreshments, raffles, face painting, stalls and Christmas tree exhibitions. Sat, 22 and Sun, 23 Dec. St. Mary’s Church, Eccleston PR7 5QL

Santa Cruises: join Santa for some festive fun as you cruise on the Lancaster Canal. From £18. Barton Grange Garden Centre, Garstang Road, Brock, Preston PR3 0BT. Tel: 01995 642900

Christmas at Hoghton Tower: meet Father Christmas next to the roaring log fire. £7.50 per child. 10am-2pm. Hoghton Tower, Hoghton. Tel: 01254 852986

Tour St. Walburge’s: the only Grade I listed church in Preston. Stained glass windows and a hammer beam roof. Climb the third highest spire in the country. Tours free, spire climb £2.50. Every Sat, 11.30am-1.30pm. St. Walburge’s Church, Weston Street, Preston

The Spire at Night: all welcome.Every Sat until Jan 12, 7.30-8.30pm. St. Walburge’s Church, Weston Street, Preston

Construction Club: drop in and play with a massive supply of LEGO. Every fortnight, 10.30am-12.30pm, see www.theatkinson.co.uk for dates. The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport. Tel: 01704 533333

Sunday

Nativity Play: presented by the young people. 11am. Knowle Green Church, Knowle Green, nr Longridge. Tel: 01254 878394

Santa Cruises: join Santa for some festive fun as you cruise on the Lancaster Canal. From £18. Barton Grange Garden Centre, Garstang Road, Brock, Preston PR3 0BT. Tel: 01995 642900

Christmas at Hoghton Tower: meet Father Christmas next to the roaring log fire, 10am-2pm (£7.50 per child) plus Christmas Carols with Santa & His Elves, 2.30pm (£6, child £4). Hoghton Tower, Hoghton. Tel: 01254 852986

Monday

Midnight Mass Service: 11.30pm. Christ Church, Glasson Dock

2018 Tinsel Tournament: playing in memory of Jim Sheldon. £3 entry fee. From 12.45. Broughton & District Tennis Club, 26 Whittingham Lane, Broughton PR3 5DA

Tuesday

Celebrate the birth of Jesus: 11-11.30am. Knowle Green Church, Knowle Green, nr Longridge. Tel: 01254 878394

Wednesday

Penny Farm World Horse Welfare: free admission and parking. Come and see what we do and enjoy the delights of our coffee shop. 11am-4pm, every Wednesday, weekend and Bank Holiday. Penny Farm World Horse Welfare, Preston New Road, Blackpool. Tel: 01253 766983

Exhibitions

Daily

Harris Open 2018: painting, drawing, photography, textiles and more by Preston artists. Dec 8 until Jan 20, 2019. Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Market Square, Preston. Tel: 01772 258248

Morecambe Bay’s Hidden Heritage: the most wonderful aspects of the bay including ancient archaeology, unsung people, and mysterious ruins. Noon-4pm, daily until Feb 24, 2019. Lancaster Maritime Museum, Custom House, St George’s Quay, Lancaster LA1 1RB. Tel: 01524 382264

Sporting Chorley: Chorley Heritage Centre Group. Free admission. Mon, Wed, Sat & Sun, noon-3.30pm until end of Feb 2019. Farmhouse Gallery, Astley Hall, Chorley PR7 1XA

Frank Hampson – The Man who drew Dan Dare: daily until Mar 16, 2019 The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport. Tel: 01704 533333

Preston Street Style: fashion from the Harris collection against the city to see who wore what where. Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Market Square, Preston. Tel: 01772 258248

Miscellaneous

Daily

Macmillan Drop In Centre: high quality information and support plus a benefits surgery once a fortnight. Opening times vary each week, call for more details. Royal Preston and Chorley & South Ribble Hospitals. Tel: 01772 523709

HG Park Fit Club: Mon-Fri eve/Sat am. Tue/Thu classes at Priory Academy School (£5). Medical questionnaire required. See Facebook ‘HG Park Fit Club’. £4 (first session free), u16s free with paying adult. Hurst Grange Park, Penwortham. Tel: 07958 651908

The Intact Centre: daily workshops and events including computer training, bingo, advice, yoga, aerobics, walking for health, a work club and arts and crafts. The Intact Centre, 49 Whitby Avenue, Ingol. Tel: 01772 760760

Saturday

Spiritual Evening: a demonstration of Mediumship. Refreshments available. £3. 7.30pm every Sat. Bluebell Spiritual Church (behind the Bluebell pub), Church Street, Preston

Sunday

Spiritual Services: healing 5-6pm, devine service with medium ship 6.30-7.30pm. Preston Ethical Spiritualist Church, 16 Newton Road, Preston PR2 1DY

Preston City Mission: We are an established, independent Christian Fellowship. A warm welcome awaits. 11am and 6.30pm. Free car park. Next to Premier Inn, Corporation Street, Preston. Tel: 077821 390061.

Hobbies

Thu, Jan 10

Beekeeping Course: for beginners. Starts Jan, 10 2019. Ten evening sessions followed by unlimited practical sessions in club apiary. Makes a great Christmas present! Apply via www.prestonbka.org.uk. Tel: 01772 726212

Daily

Lancashire Family History and Heraldry Society Research Centre: open Mon, Wed, Fri 10am-4pm, Sat (second & third of month) noon-4pm. Donations appreciated. LFHHS Chorley Family History Research Centre, Astley Hall Farmhouse, Astley Park, PR7 1XA. Tel: 01257 231600

Thursday

Sewing Club: get help with your project in our fully equipped studio. Every Thu 6.30-9pm. Incandescence Couture, 17 common Garden, Lancaster. Tel: 01524 37633

Cardmaking Class: every Thur morning. Craftyknits, 18 Gillibrand Street, Chorley. Tel: 01257 266900

Friday

Woolcraft: individual and group projects, often raising money for charities. 2pm. Garstang Arts Centre, Croston Road, Garstang. Tel: 01995 606648

Painting Classes: Ever fancied having a go at painting? Well now’s your chance! With Art tutor Terry O’Toole. Different theme every week. 10am-3pm. St John’s Minster, Church Street, Preston. Tel: 07969 177369

Saturday, Jan 5, 2019

Springfield Fell Walking Club: Shake off the boredom, see the scenery, walk and talk! Next walk, Jan 5 - Bowness. Three grades of walk. New walkers welcome. Coach £9. Bus pick ups Blackpool to Black Bull, Garstang Road, Preston. Tel: 01772 728718

Clubs/Societies

Thursday

Zumba: dance your way to fitness burning. £4. 6.30-7.30pm (exc first Thu of month). St Michael’s Village Hall. Tel: 07517 346797

Thursday Fitness Club: Get yourself fit using aerobic based exercise. For men and women of all ages. Car parking available. Every Thu. 10.30am. £3. The Minster, Church Street, Avenham. Tel: 01772 750152

Whittle Seniors Art Group: for people aged 50+. Friendly group with mixed level of artists. Every Thu 10am-noon. £3, tutor lead monthly workshops/demos, extra £2. Community Hall, Union Street, Whittle-le-Woods. Tel: 01257 241309

Wheels for All Cycling: indoor adaptable bike rides for disabled and autistic people. Noon-2pm. West View Leisure Centre, Ribbleton Lane, Preston PR1 5EP. Tel: 07748 207549

Yoga Class: With Frances Heaton. BWY qualified. Relaxed and friendly class, all welcome. Every Thur 10-11.30am. The Mill, St.Catherine’s Park. Tel: 07518469473

Preston Bridge Club: affiliated to the national body. See www.prestonbridgeclub.co.uk or email [email protected]. 7pm. St Walburge’s Gardens, Weston Street, Preston. Tel: 01772 750179

Farington Art Group: demonstrations, paintalongs, exhibitions and ‘working on your own art nights’ for any medium or level. See www.faringtonartgroup.co.uk. 7-9pm. St Pauls Church Hall, Off Croston Road, Farington. Tel: 01772 339799

Youth Theatre: love drama? Want to have a go?Ages 12-16. £6. 6.30-7.30pm. Ribcaged Studios, 44 York Street, Clitheroe. Tel: 01200 429256

Ribcaged Drama Academy: work towards an arts qualification (LAMDA Arts Award). Ages 7-15. £10. 5.30-6.30pm. Ribcaged Studios, 44 York Street, Clitheroe. Tel: 01200 429256

Red Rose A Cappella: a mixed chorus now welcoming female members for the first time in 42 years. See www.redroseacappella.co.uk. Every Thu. 7.30pm. 1 Edward Street, Bamber Bridge. Tel: 07906 768579

Friday

Cake & Company: a drop-in for adults. Join us for a chat over cake and a cuppa. Music, board games and good company. All welcome. 10am-noon, third Fri of every month. Christ Church Community Hall, Victoria Road, Fulwood. Tel: 01772 875823

Gamblers Anonymous: meets every Friday, 7.45-9.45pm. St Wilfrid’s Church in Chapel Street, Preston

Painting Classes: Ever fancied having a go at painting? Well now’s your chance! With Art tutor Terry O’Toole. Different theme every week. 10am-3pm. St John’s Minster, Church Street, Preston. Tel: 07969 177369

Whittle Seniors Computer Group: for people aged 50+. Tutor lead friendly group for people wanting to better understand how to use the software on their computers. Either bring your own laptop or use one in the computer room. Every Fri 11am-1pm. £3 incl refreshments. Community Hall, Union Street, Whittle-le-Woods. Tel: 01257 241309

Wheels for All Cycling: led ride from Avenham Park. 10.30am. From Frenchwood rec ground, Preston. Tel: 07748 207549

Lancaster Chess Club: every Tuesday and Friday, 7.30pm. Reform Club, Great John Street, Lancaster. Tel: 01524 884327

Yoga Class: with Frances Heaton. BWY qualified. Relaxed and friendly class, all welcome. Every Fri 10-11.30am. The Mill, St.Catherine’s Park. Tel: 07518 469473

Yoga Classes: with Frances Heaton. BWY qualified. Relaxed and friendly class, all welcome. 2-3.30pm. Over 60’s Club (you don’t need to be over 60), Towneley Road, Longridge. Tel: 07518 469473

Preston Bridge Club: affiliated to the national body. See www.prestonbridgeclub.co.uk or email [email protected]. 7pm. St Walburge’s Gardens, Weston Street, Preston. Tel: 01772 750179

Boogie Babies: Baby and Toddler music group. Music, sensory play, light up disco, puppets, toys and much more. No need to book. £3, no charge for siblings. 10-10.45am. Gillies Mar-Jan Dance Studio, Adlington PR6 9LG

Garstang Natives Volleyball Club: with qualified coaches. No need to book. Free ‘come and try sessions’. Every Fri, under 18s/beginners 6.45-7.45pm, improvers/experienced 7.15-8.45pm. Garstang Community Academy Sports Hall. Tel: 07887 501153

Saturday

Create!: be creative, play drama games, have fun! Ages 6-11. £12. 9.30am-noon. Ribcaged Studios, 44 York Steet, Clitheroe. Tel: 01200 429256

Sunday

Cafe Church: an hour of puppets, Bible story, crafts, games, songs, refreshments and more. Suitable for all ages, all welcome. No charge but collection taken. Free parking. 9.30am, 2nd Sun in the month. Chorley United Reformed Church, Hollinshead Street, Chorley. Tel: 01257 273222

Garstang Ukulele Group: every Sun, 2-4pm. Garstang Arts Centre, Croston Road, Garstang. Tel: 01995 606408

Monday

Western Front Association: non WFA members welcome. 7.30pm, fourth Mon of the month. RAFA Club, Westby House, Golden Hill, Leyland

scRibble Creative Writing Group: friendly, welcoming Preston-based amateur writers’ group that’s always open to new faces. 7.30pm, last Mon of month. The Continental, South Meadow Lane, Preston. Tel: 01772 499425

Chorley Photographic Society: competitions, lectures and tuition from a world class society. Beginners and experts welcome. See www.chorleyps.org. Every Mon, 7pm. St Marys Club, West Street, Chorley PR7 2BY

Yoga Class: with Frances Heaton. BWY qualified. All welcome. Every Mon 7-8.30pm. Xavarian Mission Spirituality Centre, 169 Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood. Tel: 07518 469473

Yoga Class: with Frances Heaton. BWY qualified. Relaxed and friendly class, all welcome. Every Mon 2-3.30pm. The Mill, St.Catherine’s Park. Tel: 07518 469473

Songbirds: friendly ladies group. No performances, just enjoying singing a wide repertoire. 1.30pm. Garstang Arts Centre, Croston Road, Garstang. Tel: 01995 602904

Albany Table Tennis: for anyone wanting to play table tennis in Chorley. £2.50. Every Mon, 5.45-6.45pm. Albany Academy Bolton Road, Chorley.Tel: 07814 565721

Priory Over 50’s Club: with bingo and tea and biscuits. All welcome. Bus 113 stops outside. Every Mon, 1-3pm. Broadfield Drive, Leyland. Tel: 01772 433465

Preston Bridge Club: affiliated to the national body. See www.prestonbridgeclub.co.uk or email [email protected]. 1pm & 7pm. St Walburge’s Gardens, Weston Street, Preston. Tel: 01772 750179

Penwortham Bridge Club: join us for duplicate bridge. Mon and Thu. 7pm. Galloways, Howick, Penwortham. Tel: 01772 612579

Let’s Grow Preston: learn more about gardening or do something for the community. All welcome. 9.30am-3.30pm.pm. Grange Community Gardens