Family What’s On Guide this Summer

by Northern Life

 

THEATRE & MUSIC

July

 

Sat 16th

CINDERELLA – Outdoor Theatre

Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Nr. Preston.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company Presents magical theatre in magical surroundings. Family and friends are welcome to picnic in the grounds in the beautiful wilderness garden and children old and young alike are invited to dress as their favourite fairy tale character and join for the midsummer ball dance. 4pm. hoghtontower.co.uk

THE JON PALMER ACOUSTIC BAND

The Black Dyke Mills Heritage Venue, Black Dyke Mills, Brighouse Rd, Queensbury. The Jon Palmer Acoustic Band is a high energy 6-piece folk, roots and rock-n-roll combo (based in and around the musically vibrant West Yorkshire market town of Otley). 7.30pm. £10 – £12. blackdykemills.org

PETER PAN – Outdoor Theatre

Bolton Abbey Estate, Skipton.

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, adapted by Oliver Gray. Presented by Illyria and performed beneath the priory ruins. 6pm. £12.50 – £18. ticketsource.co.uk

Wed 20th

BILLIONAIRE BOY

The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford.

From the award-winning West End producers of Gangsta Granny and Awful Auntie comes this amazing new production of David Walliams’ best selling story! Suitable for children aged 5 – 13years. 20th – 23rd July. Various times & prices. bradford-theatres.co.uk

Fri 22nd

JUNGLE BOOK

Williamson Park, Lancaster.

A Wild & Wonderful Adventure at The Dukes Play in the Park. 22nd July – 28th Aug. 7.15pm. £22.50, child £15. dukeslancaster.org

CONCERT FOR UKRAINE

The Grand Theatre, St Leonardgate, Lancaster.

Join us for a concert of live music and entertainment in support of families and friends from Ukraine. In partnership with Lancaster and Morecambe City of Sanctuary and Lancashire County Council’s Refugee Integration Team. Welcoming friends and families from Ukraine. 7.30pm. £12.50. lancastergrand.co.uk

Sun 24th

AWFUL AUNTIE

Brockholes, Preston New Rd, Samlesbury, Preston.

Awful Auntie by David Walliams, adapted for the outdoor stage by Heartbreak Productions, is a truly thrilling tale! 5pm. £9.50 – £45. eventbrite.co.uk

 July 27th

THE WIZARD OF OZ – Outdoor Theatre

Lowther Pavilion, Lowther Terrace, Lytham St. Annes.

Join Dorothy on her magical journey to the ‘Land of Oz’. From the Cyclone that lifts her up in the air to her eventual final ride home this musical story will both fascinate and entertain. 12pm & 2.30pm. Tickets £8 each. Group of 3 £20, Group of 4 £25 and Group of 5 £30. lowtherpavilion.co.uk

Thurs 28th

WE WILL ROCK YOU

The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport.

Join the award-winning musical theatre company and their cast of young people aged 10 – 20years in this musical for our time, a fist pumping, foot stomping anthem to individuality. 28th – 30th July. 7.45pm. theatkinson.co.uk

Sat 30th

THE GRUFFALO

The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays.

Based on the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups. 30th July – 21st Aug. 11am & 1.30pm. thelowry.com

August

Mon 1st 

THE QUEEN’S KNICKERS

Civic Arts Centre & Theatre, Oswaldtwistle.

A regal children’s musical full of songs, silliness and a corgi or two! 2pm. £10, family £34. civicartscentre.co.uk

Wed 3rd

PEPPA PIG’S BEST DAY EVER

Leeds Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds.

Prepare for the brand new Peppa Pig live show packed full of songs, games and laughter, it really is the best day ever for Peppa Pig fans! 3rd – 4th Aug. Various times. £13 – £20. leedsplayhouse.org.uk

Thurs 4th

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE

The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport.

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family. Don’t miss this entertaining and mind-expanding Jurassic adventure, live on stage. 4th – 6th Aug. Various times. £13.50. theatkinson.co.uk

Sat 6th

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Bolton Abbey Estate, Skipton.

Illyria doing what they do best, Shakespearean comedy! Outdoor theatre. 6pm. £12.50 – £18. ticketsource.co.uk

Sun 14th

ALICE IN TIK-TOK LAND

Blackburn Empire Theatre, Aqueduct Rd, Blackburn.

This summer, meet Alice like you’ve never seen her before! Join her and her friends as she goes on an adventure to Tik-Tok Land. 14th – 18th Aug. Sun – 5pm. Mon – Thurs 1pm. £11.50. blackburnempire.com

Wed 17th 

AS YOU LIKE IT – Outdoor Theatre

East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Rd, Riddlesden, Keighley.

One of the UK’s finest touring theatre companies The Lord Chamberlain’s Men present this great play as Shakespeare first saw it performed, in the open air, by an all-male cast, with Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. 7pm – 9pm. nationaltrust.org.uk

Sat 20th

THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA

Oldham Coliseum, Fairbottom St, Oldham.

Join the tea guzzling tiger in this delightful family show, packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem, expect to be surprised! 20th – 21st Aug. Various times. £15. coliseum.org.uk

 Tues 23rd

SARAH AND DUCK

The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays.

Join Sarah and her best friend Duck as they plan the ultimate circus soiree to help Scarf Lady celebrate her birthday. Packed full of puppetry, storytelling and music, Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday promises to be a celebration for the whole family! 23rd – 28th Aug. Various times. £18. thelowry.com

Wed 24th

MYSTERRASAUR

The Platform, Old Station Buildings, Marine Rd West, Morecambe.

Mysterrasaur is a multimedia puppet show for families. 2pm. £7. uk.patronbase.com

Fri 26th

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST – Outdoor Theatre

Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Nr. Preston.

Prepare to witness the impossible, the entirety of Oscar Wilde’s classic play of manners, affairs and handbags being performed by just two rather dashing entertainers. 7pm. £11 – £18. hoghtontower.co.uk

Sat 27th

WUTHERING HEIGHTS – Outdoor Theatre

Bronte Parsonage Museum, Church St, Haworth.

Join us on bank holiday weekend for an outdoor Bronte theatre experience. A vibrant new adaptation of Emily Brontë’s elemental masterpiece. 2.30pm. bronte.org.uk

Sun 28th

BARD IN THE YARD

Manor House Yard, Ilkley.

A summer feast from the Works of Mr William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet in 30 minutes. 7.30pm. £6. Performances will be at 7.30pm in the Wildman Studio at Ilkley Playhouse on Sat 27th August and at 2pm in the open air at the Manor House Yard, Ilkley, on 28th – 29th Aug. £6. ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk

FIREMAN SAM SAVES THE CIRCUS

The Grand Theatre, St Leonardgate, Lancaster.

Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, action packed show. You can become a fire-fighter cadet and then watch the magic of the circus. So, come along to Pontypandy and watch the adventures unfold! 10.30am & 1.30pm. Adult £16.50, child £15.50, family £60. lancastergrand.co.uk

Tues 30th

BUGSY MALONE

The Grand Theatre, Leeds.

Alan Parker’s world-famous movie which launched the careers of Jodie Foster and Scott Baio, becomes a spectacular theatrical experience for the very first time on tour in this revival of the universally acclaimed Lyric Hammersmith Theatre production. 30th Aug – 4th Sept. 7pm. Mat 2pm. £24.50 – £46.50. leedsheritagetheatres.com

September

Fri 2nd

THE BRITISH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

Winter Gardens, Blackpool.

Now in its third year, The British Country Music Festival (TBCMF) will take place at the indoor, Winter Gardens entertainment complex in Blackpool. 2nd – 4th Sept. Prices from £75. wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

Sun 4th

THE BRIGHOUSE AND RASTRICK BRASS BAND

The Victoria Theatre, Fountain St, Halifax.

The brass band continue to perform at the very top level and have won the Yorkshire Brass Band Championships no less than 10 occasions. 3pm. £15.75, concs £13.75. victoriatheatre.co.uk

ues 6th

WILLY RUSSELL’S BLOOD BROTHERS

The Grand Theatre, Leeds

Willy Russell’s legendary musical tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences. 6th – 10th Sept. 7.30pm. Wed, Thurs & Sat mat. 2.30pm. Various prices. leedsheritagetheatres.com

Sat 10th

THE AMERICAN FOUR TOPS SHOW

The Muni, Albert Rd, Colne.

Direct from the USA, William Hicks’ American Four Tops Show. It’s the show jam packed with sweet soul music and Motown magic that continues to leave audiences dancing and chanting for more following each outstanding performance. 8pm. £22 – £25. themuni.co.uk

PEPPA PIG’S BEST DAY EVER

The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays.

Prepare for the brand new Peppa Pig live show packed full of songs, games and laughter, it really is the best day ever for Peppa Pig fans! 10th – 11th Sept. 10am, 12.30pm & 3pm. £16.50 – £23.50. thelowry.com

Fri 16th

HORRIBLE HISTORIES – Terrible Tudors

The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport.

From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. 16th – 17th Sept. Fri – 1.30pm & 7pm, Sat 2pm & 7pm. £16 – £19. theatkinson.co.uk

Tues 20th

OLIVER!

Pendle Hippodrome, Colne.

Pendle Hippodrome Theatre Company present Oliver. The award-winning musical adaptation of the classic Dickens novel springs to life with some of the most memorable characters and songs ever to hit the stage. 20th – 24th Sept. 7.30pm. Sat mat 2pm. £12 – £14. phtheatre.co.uk

Fri 23rd

CIRQUE – The Greatest Show

The Muni, Albert Rd, Colne.

Direct from their international tour, and recent performance for The Royal Family, ‘CIRQUE: The Greatest Show’ invites lucky ticket holders to ‘roll up’ and see this unique Circus Concert brought to life, by a talented troop of west end performers and world class acrobats. 7pm. Adult £18, child £15, family £55. themuni.co.uk

 

TIME OUT

July

 

Sat 16th

SETTLE FLOWERPOT FESTIVAL

Settle.

Stroll around Settle during the summer months and be amazed, amused, entertained, astounded and astonished by the wonderful flowerpot displays decorating the town.16th July – 4th Sept. Tel: 01729 824431.

CINDERELLA

Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Nr Preston.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company Presents magical theatre in magical surroundings. Picnic in the grounds in the beautiful Wilderness Garden and children old and young alike are invited to dress in their favourite fairy tale characters and join for the midsummer ball dance. 4pm. hoghtontower.co.uk

Sun 17th

FARMERS MARKET

Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Nr. Preston.

Hoghton Tower Farmers’ Market is a monthly celebration of Lancastrian fresh food and crafts. A wonderful way to pass Sunday mornings with your family and support local farmers, producers, crafters and artists. 17th July & 21st Aug.  Admission in aid of the Hoghton Tower Preservation Trust (Registered Charity 508357) £2 per car, £2 per pedestrian group (up to 6).

FLEETWOOD FESTIVAL OF TRANSPORT – Tram Sunday

Fleetwood.

Fleetwood Festival of Transport ‘Tram Sunday’ is the UK’s largest free family vintage transport and arts event. It’s certainly the biggest event in Fleetwood, with stalls, music, cars and amusements. A great day out for all the family. visitfleetwood.info

Fri 22nd

THE GREAT YORKSHIRE DALES PROMS

Aireville Park, Gargrave Rd, Skipton.

The Great Yorkshire Dales Proms is proud to host an evening of Opera, West End hits and classical favourites set against the magnificent backdrop of the Yorkshire countryside. 7.30pm – 9pm. gatewaysproms.co.uk

ROYAL LANCASHIRE AGRICULTURAL SHOW

Salesbury Hall, Ribchester.

Held annually at Salesbury Hall in Ribchester, the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show is packed full to the brim of Show jumping, Livestock Displays, Incredible Falconry Shows, A Children’s Village and so much more. A great day out for all the family. 22nd – 24th July. 9.30am – 5.30pm. royallancashireshow.co.uk

MAGICAL WOODLAND ADVENTURE – Summer at Mother Shipton’s

Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy House, High Bridge, Knaresborough.

There’s something truly magical happening this Summer in Knaresborough for all the family. Explore an enchanted wood filled with fairy houses, giant toadstools, and fairytale themed displays. 22nd July – 5th Sept. 10am – 5.30pm. mothershipton.co.uk

Mon 25th

ATTIC STORIES

Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen St, Huddersfield.

Love words? Come along to the monthly night of words, shared spoken and sung, at the Lawrence Batley Theatre! Award winning poet Rose Condo hosts with special guest performer Ibizo lami. 7.30pm. thelbt.org

Tues 26th

INGLEBOROUGH CAVE

Clapham.

An underground experience for the whole family. Truly magnificent displays of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, pillars, fossils and other spectacular features. Open daily until Oct. 10am – 4pm. Adult £9.50, child £5, family £27. Tel: 01524 251242

CHORLEY FLOWER SHOW

Astley Park, Chorley.

Chorley Flower Show live from Astley Park with a three-day show. Some of the finest professional exhibitors with multiple gold medals from the country’s largest flower shows and RHS events. Chorley Flower Show is a great day out for all the family. 29th – 31st July. 10am – 5pm. chorleyflowershow.com

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE LIVE!

St. George’s Hall, Bradford.

Join the super talented presenters as they dive deep into the world of science and look at how science has shaped the modern world we live in, with a few loud bangs along the way!  Recommended age 5+ 3pm. £18. bradford-theatres.co.uk

Sat 30th

MRS DOWSONS FARM PARK

Hawkshaw Farm, Longsight Rd, Blackburn.

There’s always something new to discover at the farm! Spring is the most exciting time to visit with new births and arrivals. Discover behind the scenes at the farm, with our hands on talks and activities! Lots to keep the children occupied. Open daily 10am – 5.30pm. Book tickets online and save 10 per cent with code NorthernLife10. mrsdowsons.co.uk

CIVIL WAR WEEKEND HESKIN HALL

Heskin Hall, Heskin.

Expect a visit from members of the Sealed Knot Civil war re-enactment group. Learn about this fascinating period from face-to-face interaction, demonstrations and exhibits including ‘live fire’. 30th – 31st July. 11am-4pm. Free. heskinhall.com

August

Fri 5th

THE BRITISH COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MUSEUM

Leyland, Lancs.

Visit one of the finest motor museums in the U.K. The big story of big vehicles. You will be amazed, from horse drawn buses to electric powered vehicles. Disabled access. Open Tues – Sun 10am – 4pm. britishcommercialvehicle museum.com

Sat 6th

EMLEY AGRICULTURAL SHOW

Factory Farm, Emley Moor, HD8 9TE.

Emley Show is one of the best attended and respected agricultural days out in Yorkshire. The amazing location ‘beneath the mast’ in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside allows families and exhibitors alike to enjoy a wide range of activities, agricultural events, country crafts, family entertainment and competitions. Adult £12, on the day £15, children free. emleyshow.co.uk

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS

East Lancashire Railway, Bolton St, Bury.

The steam team’s number one blue engine, Thomas himself is waiting for you on the East Lancashire Railway, for one great big adventure! 6th-7th Aug. eastlancsrailway.org.uk

GARSTANG SHOW

Garstang.

Garstang Show always has and always will be about community. What may seem to many as just another event is, in reality, a way to bring the local community together to learn about, enjoy and celebrate the role farming, food and the countryside plays in all our lives. Adult £12.50. child £4. garstangshow.org

Tues 9th

TOTALLY FOOTBALL SHOW

The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays.

Join James Richardson and Team Totally for their ultimate preview of the 2022/23 season. Will United continue to be a shambles on and off the pitch? And is there anyone who can stop City and Liverpool from cleaning up at home in Europe? 8pm. £21.50. thelowry.com

Wed 10th

SUMMER CIRCUS PARTY

Skipton Town Hall, Skipton.

The Summer Circus Party is a fun, interactive and completely crazy children’s stage show. Come along and join the carnival. 2pm. £10, family £32. ticketsource.co.uk

Fri 12th

THE YORKSHIRE WARTIME EXPERIENCE

Yorkshire Wartime Experience, Hunsworth Lane, Hunsworth, Bradford.

The north’s largest military vehicle and re-enactment show. Action packed and fun day out for all the family. 12th-14th Aug. Adult £13, child £6, under 3s free, family £30. visitbradford.com

Sat 13th

BLACKPOOL AIR SHOW

Blackpool.

Watch in wonder as some of the world’s most incredible aircraft and aviators perform jaw dropping aerobatics and fly-bys over Blackpool seafront. A brilliant weekend of free family entertainment with food stalls, sideshows and a real festival.13th- 14th Aug.10am-4pm. visitblackpool.com

Sun 14th

RIPLEY SHOW

Ripley Castle, Ripley.

Ripley Show is located in the grounds of Ripley Castle and we do hope that you will be joining us at to enjoy the traditional attractions and exhibits that we host at the show. Adult £12, child £5.50, family £30. ripleyshow.co.uk

PEPPA PIG AND FAMILY FUN DAY

Bury Transport Museum, Bury.

See Peppa Pig, George Pig, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig as they appear to intervals throughout the day and enjoy a host of family fun activities including a petting zoo, fun fair, a hide and seek treasure trail and more! Ticket Price includes a ride on any train services on the day of your visit. 25th – 26th Aug. Adult £18, child £13.50. eastlancsrailway.org.uk

SALTAIRE FARMERS MARKET

Caroline St, Saltaire.

On the second Sunday of each month, the Saltaire Farmers Market features food and drink from local independent businesses. 9am-1pm. visitbradford.com

Fri 19th

CLITHEROE CASTLE MUSEUM

Castle Hill, Clitheroe.

Join us at Clitheroe Castle for amazing views, 10 acres of parkland to explore and lots to discover in the award-winning museum. Open daily except Wed & Thurs 12noon – 4pm. lancashire.gov.uk

Sat 20th

EXPIRAVIT – Exhibition

Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham.

An exhibition by five female artists which brings together a wealth of experience and captures the essence of Gawthorpe Hall. The exhibition depicts the historical narrative view of this beautiful Elizabethan Hall, looking at who lived in the house and what it was like hundreds of years ago. 23rd July – 6th Nov. lancashire.gov.uk

Wed 24th

SHAVING FOAM PAINTING – Family Workshop

Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, Burnley.

Draw inspiration from the unique setting of Queen Street Mill Textile Museum to explore colour, patterns and design. Get creative and get messy using paint, shaving foam and other materials! Fun for all the family. 1pm – 3pm. lancashire.gov.uk

Sat 27th

RAILWAY CHILDREN BANK HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Haworth.

A dual celebration will be held over the August Bank Holiday weekend this year, celebrating the 1970s film ‘The Railway Children’ which shot the KWVR to international stardom and won the hearts of millions. Alongside that, they’ll be celebrating ‘The Railway Children Return’, a brand-new feature film set for release in the summer of 2022. 27th – 29th Aug. kwvr.co.uk

MALHAM SHOW

Malham, Nr Skipton.

Malham Show is held annually in the heart of beautiful Malhamdale in the Yorkshire Dales. Under the shadow of Malham Cove this traditional agricultural and family country show has been taking place for over 100 years. Adult £10, under 16s free. malhamshow.co.uk

AMAZING ACCRINGTON SOAPBOX CHALLENGE 2022

Accrington Town Square, Blackburn Rd, Accrington.

The incredibly popular Soapbox Challenge will return for the delight of the onlookers on Sat, 27th Aug 2022.The last event saw 26 contestants, over 9000 spectators, and a flurry of family fun stalls and activities. A great fun day out. 10am-4pm. amazingaccrington.co.uk

Sun 28th

STEAM DAYS 2022

Bolton Steam Museum, Mornington Road, off Chorley Old Rd, Bolton.

All the engines will be in steam. Museum admission and car parking are free, although a donation toward the cost of raising the steam would be appreciated. 28th – 29th Aug. 10am-4pm. nmes.org

Tues 30th

KILNSEY SHOW

Kilnsey.

Kilnsey Show & Sports is home to a spectacular showcase of keenly contested livestock competitions, equine events and sheepdog trials, together with a fabulous display of baking, handicrafts, horticulture, and of course, the famous Crag race. Adult £12, child £4 & £2, family £30. kilnseyshow.co.uk