Hot ideas from Lancashire for those with a bit of time on their hands

For those working in the city centres and looking for some inspiration for keeping their restless brood busy and happy this summer then visitlancashire.com has the answer.

Whether it’s a traditional trip sea-side trip to the bright lights of Blackpool, a countryside picnic in the Pennine hills or a fantastic event or attraction you want to enjoy - Lancashire has the lot and this award-winning website is jam-packed with great suggestions for short break ideas and fun days out for all the family.

Highlighting the amazing and diverse range of events that are taking place in Lancashire and Blackpool over the coming months, (from now until the end of October 2010), visitlancashire.com features a digital guide that gives all the inspiration and guidance you need to plan your trip as well as a great selection of special offers and discounts available too. Plus, there is a monthly competition with some fantastic prizes to be won.

There’s a vast choice of hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, farmhouse accommodation and camping and caravan parks for you to choose from and all the information you need to make a booking.

So, here’s a quick snapshot of some great family-friendly events taking place this summer – full details on visitlancashire.com:

The Dukes presents…’Peter Pan’ in Williamson Park – running until 7th August 2010

Step through the gates of Lancaster’s Williamson Park and fly, with Peter and Wendy, into Neverland. J M Barrie’s tale of enchantment, magic and bravery; of pirates and fairies, sweethearts and sword fights will fill the whole family with delight.

Rossendale Tour Buzz, from 22nd July 2010 for six weeks over the school summer holidays

Visitor attractions in Rossendale will be buzzing this summer thanks to the Rossendale Tour Buzz. The bright red vintage bus will be an experience in itself, providing a hop-on, hop-off service throughout the day to unlock the very best of Rossendale’s unique character.

The vintage bus will meet visitors arriving in Rawtenstall on the East Lancashire Railway and take them on a fun and engaging experience to 14 of the top attractions in the borough including the Halo (one of the stunning Panoptican landmark sculptures), Fitzpatrick’s Temperance Bar (Britain’s last original temperance bar), four museums and Lee Quarry (part of the Pennine Lancashire Adrenaline Gateway and where you’ll fine over 8km of technical mountain bike trails including 2km of challenging Black trails and a skills development area). First public service will commence on Thursday 22 July and run for six weeks over the school summer holidays. On Thursdays the bus will travel the ‘East’ route taking in Rawtenstall, Lamberts Mill Shop, The Boo at Waterfoot, Lee Quarry, the Russian Tea Room in Bacup and the Fudge Village in Whitworth.

On Sundays, the bus will cover the ‘West’ route from Rawtenstall taking visitors to the Weavers Cottage, Lamberts Mill Shop, Rossendale Museum, Helmshore (for the farmers’ market on the first Sunday of the month, Musbury Fabrics Mill Shop and the Helmshore Textile Museum), Winfield’s (for big mill shopping) and Haslingden (for the Halo).

Tickets will cost just £2 for adults, £1 for children under 16 with a family ticket costing £5. Every passenger using the bus will receive a colourful map of Rossendale’s attractions with the bus timetable and a set of vouchers worth at least £15 to use at the various attractions.

Morecambe Sandcastle Festival, Saturday 31st July – 1st August 2010

The Sandcastle Festival is unique to the North of England and families and friends are urged to enter the competition to see who can wow the judges by building the biggest and best sandcastle. There will be loads of great prizes up for grabs including a top prize for the winning team. For inspiration, the theme this year is ‘the East’ and there will be camels on display and professional artists will create sand sculptures shaped like pyramids and other amazing displays.

Throughout the weekend, a variety of family activities and beach games are on offer, as well as music from a traditional brass band. All activities are free to join in so bring all your family and friends for a great beach party weekend. If you are interested in taking part in the sandcastle competition, you must register beforehand.

Blackpool’s Annual Airshow - Red Arrows, 8th August 2010

Come and experience the spectacular Blackpool Annual Airshow. Starting at 4.15pm with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and ending with the spectacular Red Arrows at 5.15pm. In between there will be lots to see including the Breitling Wingwalkers, Gerald Cooper CAP 232, Hunter, and Auto Gyro. The best viewpoint will be on the Promenade close to Central Pier.

Nigel Haworth’s Fantastic Food Show at Ewood Park, Blackburn for Pennine Lancashire Festival of Food & Culture, 8th August 2010 (with the Festival running until 18th September 2010)

He’s the undisputed champion of North West food…a renowned Michelin Star chef…and the winner of BBC2’s Great British Menu. Now Nigel Haworth is turning his talents to an amazing food experience and day out for the whole family. The Fantastic Food Show launches this year at Ewood Park, Blackburn, the perfect venue for a mouth-watering menu of demonstrations, tastings and opportunities to buy fabulous produce from Nigel’s local food heroes. If you love food, you’ll love the very first Fantastic Food Show and entry is just £3 for adults and FREE for children.

Meet celebrity chefs, enjoy regional dish demonstrations, taste the best local produce from one of Britain’s best food destinations and buy from Lancashire’s fabulous artisan suppliers. Plus, there will be plenty of activities for the children as well as competitions to win great food experience prizes.

The Fantastic Food Show launches the prestigious Pennine Lancashire Festival of Food and Culture. Taking place amidst glorious countryside, heritage locations and bustling market towns the festival runs from August 8th to September 18th across six districts of Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale. From gourmet short breaks, culinary canal cruises, medieval markets and steam train lunches, ale trails, heritage teas, fantastic food shows and even a gastronomic ‘War of the Roses’ this festival really has something for everyone.

Clitheroe Castle, Norman Encampment Weekend and Food & Craft Market

14th & 15th August, 2010 – FREE

Re-live the bygone and turbulent times of the award-winning Clitheroe Castle when the Normans once again set up camp under the shelter of this 12th Century Norman Keep, for a weekend of entertainment for all the family. The fun starts on Saturday with a Ribble Valley fine food and crafts inspired market at the heart of the town. Give in to the tempting treats and then venture forth to the castle fields for battle!

UDO World Street Dance Championships 2010, Blackpool, 27-29 August 2010

UDO Live presents four amazing shows over the weekend featuring Alexandra Burk, Chipmunk, Diversity, Olly Murs and Vice, and more. See the world’s top dancers and dance teams/crews from USA, Asia, Europe and Africa compete in this premier dance event.

Tractor Pulling Championships, Great Eccleston Showground, 28th & 29th August 2010

The world’s most powerful motorsport, lots of noise and a real fun experience! Held at Great Eccleston Showground, there is a Floodlit Pull on Saturday evening and an afternoon Pull on Sunday.Tractor Pulling competitions take place on a 100 metre track, and involve the machines pulling a weight transfer sledge. A weight transfer sledge basically gets heavier to pull as it is pulled down the track. This is achieved by increasing the weight on the pan of the sledge by moving the weight box from the rear to the front of the sledge as the sledge is pulled forward. The winner of the competition is the machine that can pull the sledge the furthest.

Parkicipate, Worden Park, Leyland, Sunday 29th and Monday 30th August 2010 – 12 noon till 5pm

Family bank holiday fun is coming to Worden Park for the annual Parkicipate festival in August. The free two day event organised in partnership with the South Ribble Arts Forum, will see craft stalls, arts workshops, story-telling and circus skills on offer for children and the young at heart.

Blackpool Illuminations Celebrity Switch On, Friday 3rd September 2010

Join us on Friday 3rd September at in the Switch On Arena for the highlight of Blackpool’s year when the Illuminations switch will be thrown to set the town ablaze with light for the 66 nights of the Blackpool Illuminations. The arena will open from 4.00pm with entertainment from 6.00pm.