Top Lancashire Events: Festivals, Shows & Family Days Out for 2026
30th June 2026
From world-class festivals to family-friendly celebrations, Lancashire is home to some of the UK’s most exciting annual events. Whether you’re planning a weekend break or looking for inspiration for your next day out, this guide to the best Lancashire events highlights the festivals and attractions that bring visitors to the county year after year. Make the most of your visit by choosing Lancashire event accommodation at one of our cosy inns, ideally located for many of the county’s best festivals and attractions.
From live music and sporting spectacles to historic celebrations and colourful outdoor displays, discover the Lancashire festivals and events you won’t want to miss.
Lytham Festival – 1st-5th July 2026
One of the biggest Lancashire events of the year, Lytham Festival attracts thousands of music lovers to the stunning Lancashire coast for an unforgettable celebration of live entertainment. Held on the picturesque Lytham Green, this popular music festival brings together world-renowned artists, incredible performances and a lively atmosphere, making it one of the UK’s most anticipated summer festivals.
The 2026 Lytham Festival line-up is another impressive showcase of world-class talent, with headline performances from Teddy Swims, Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Pet Shop Boys and Pitbull across five unforgettable nights. Supporting acts including Lauren Spencer Smith, Jordan Rakei, Skunk Anansie, Ronan Keating, Scissor Sisters and Lil Jon add to an exciting programme that offers something for every music fan. With such a varied line-up spanning pop, rock, soul and dance music, it’s easy to see why Lytham Festival remains one of the biggest Lancashire events and one of the UK’s most popular summer music festivals. For the up to date line-up details and timings, please check the official festival website before you travel for the latest artist announcements and event information.
Whether you’re spending the day exploring Lytham’s charming seafront, enjoying food and drinks before the gates open, or soaking up the electric atmosphere as the headline acts take to the stage, there’s plenty to enjoy from morning through to night. It’s the perfect event for music fans looking to combine a fantastic festival experience with everything the Lancashire coast has to offer.
As Lytham Festival welcomes thousands of visitors each day, it’s worth planning ahead to make the most of your visit. Comfortable footwear is recommended, as Lytham Green is a large open venue and you’ll likely want to explore the nearby shops, cafés and coastal attractions before or after the event.
Before you travel, be sure to check the official Lytham Festival website here for the latest artist line-up, performance times and visitor information. Planning ahead will help you make the most of one of the county’s best-loved Lancashire festivals.
1940s Weekend - 14th-15th July 2026
One of the most popular Lancashire events each year, the Lytham 1940s Weekend transforms Lytham Green into a vibrant celebration of wartime Britain. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Lancashire coast, this much-loved festival invites visitors to step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and spirit of the 1940s.
There's plenty to see and do throughout the weekend, with vintage vehicle displays, authentic military re-enactments, marching parades, live music and period entertainment creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for unique things to do in Lancashire, this family-friendly festival offers something for everyone.
To fully embrace the occasion, why not dress the part? Dust off your tea dress, style your hair in victory rolls, or pair high-waisted trousers with a classic fedora to immerse yourself in the nostalgia. It's all part of what makes the Lytham 1940s Weekend one of the most memorable festivals on the Lancashire calendar.
Blackpool Illuminations – 4th September 2026 – 3rd January 2027
Among the most iconic Lancashire events, the Blackpool Illuminations have been dazzling visitors for generations. Stretching for six miles along the famous Blackpool Promenade, this spectacular free light show features more than one million lights, illuminated displays and eye-catching installations, making it one of the UK’s best-loved annual attractions.
Whether you’re visiting with family, friends or as part of a weekend break, the Blackpool Illuminations offer an unforgettable evening on the Lancashire coast. Take a stroll along the promenade, enjoy the lively seafront atmosphere and discover why this famous event attracts millions of visitors each year. It’s one of the top things to do in Lancashire during the autumn months and a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.
As one of the county’s most popular events, it’s worth planning your visit in advance. Arriving earlier in the day or visiting on a weekday can help you avoid the busiest periods, giving you more time to enjoy Blackpool’s attractions before the illuminations come to life. As the evenings become cooler later in the season, warm clothing and comfortable footwear are recommended for making the most of your visit.
The illuminations are turned on at 8pm during early September, as sunset times shift in winter the lights are scheduled to turn on around 5pm. The turn off times vary depending on the month, day of the week, and local events. Before you travel, check the official Blackpool Illuminations website for the latest opening times, special events and visitor information to help you plan your trip.
Women’s Open – 29th July-2nd August 2026
One of the standout sporting Lancashire events, the AIG Women’s Open is one of the five major championships in women’s golf, bringing together the world’s best players to compete on some of the sport’s most iconic courses. With a history spanning almost 50 years, the tournament has become one of the most prestigious events on the golfing calendar. Hosted at the renowned Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, this marks the sixth time the championship has been held in Lytham, further cementing the town’s reputation as a world-class golfing destination.
Whether you’re a passionate golf fan or simply looking for exciting things to do in Lancashire, the AIG Women’s Open offers much more than championship golf. Alongside world-class sporting action, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, interactive golf challenges, family-friendly activities and a vibrant spectator village, making it a fantastic day out for all ages.
Set within 160 acres of beautiful Fylde countryside, Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club provides plenty of space for spectators to enjoy the action. With grandstand seating welcoming more than 50,000 visitors throughout the championship and excellent viewing opportunities across the course, you’ll have every chance to experience the excitement as the world’s top golfers compete for one of the biggest titles in women’s golf.
View the official website to see exact timings here.
Kite Festival - 4th & 5th September 2026
One of the most colourful Lancashire events of the year, the St Anne's International Kite Festival transforms the skies above St Annes Beach into a spectacular display of colour, creativity and family fun. Held on the beautiful Lancashire coast, this annual festival has been delighting visitors since it was revived in 2012, attracting thousands of people to the Fylde coast each year as one of the most popular free festivals in Lancashire.
Throughout the weekend, the beach comes alive with breathtaking kite displays, from giant animal-shaped inflatables and intricate artistic creations to synchronised stunt kite performances set to music. With professional kite flyers travelling from across the UK and beyond, it's a fantastic opportunity to witness incredible aerial displays at one of Lancashire's most scenic seaside locations.
Set on the award-winning sands of St Annes Beach, the festival offers plenty of space to relax and soak up the atmosphere. The beach's iconic Victorian pier, wide open shoreline and traditional seaside charm make it the perfect setting for a family day out. If you're planning a weekend on the Lancashire coast, it's the perfect opportunity to combine one of the county's favourite festivals with a relaxing stay at one of our nearby inns.
Places to stay in Lancashire
Choosing the right base is key when attending the county’s biggest festivals, concerts and annual celebrations. Our collection of Lancashire inns offers comfortable and convenient Lancashire event accommodation, with characterful places to stay close to many of the region’s most popular event venues and attractions. Whether you’re visiting for a live music festival, a major sporting event, or a family day out, our inns provide the perfect base to relax, dine and make the most of your time exploring Lancashire.
The information in this article was accurate at the time of writing. We recommend checking official sources for the most current and complete information, as details may change after publication.