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Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

With pantomime season is just around the corner at Oldham Coliseum Theatre. The theatre has lined up a talented cast of familiar faces for this year’s famous festive spectacular, Jack and the Beanstalk, who will be putting the extra sparkle into Christmas in Oldham. Announced earlier this year, pantomime favourite Richard J Fletcher will be making his first outing as Pantomime Dame on the Coliseum stage after 11 years as Oldham’s beloved high-flying, heel-kicking Pantomime Comic.

Richard commented: “Being an Oldhamer, the Coliseum panto was a big part of my childhood, I couldn’t imagine spending Christmas anywhere else. It’s an honour to be asked to play the Dame”

Richard is praised year on year for his boundless energy and skilful enticement of audience participation, both on and off stage. At 2018’s cast visit to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in nearby Royton he had patients and staff in fits of laughter as they shouted out his catchphrase from Cinderella.
With Richard stepping into the extravagant wardrobe of the Dame the theatre is thrilled to announce that Sam Glen will be playing the Pantomime Comic in Jack and the Beanstalk, the titular role of Jack.

Sam will be familiar to Coliseum audiences from his previous role as Billy in the theatre’s hit production of The Kitchen Sink. Recently returned from a hit run of Letter to Boddah at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Sam is also a previous member of Oldham Theatre Workshop and appeared on BBC1’s Take That musical audition programme, Let it Shine with Gary Barlow.
Last year’s Cinderella Shorelle Hepkin returns to play Jill marking her third Christmas season at the Coliseum. Alongside her pantomime prowess, Shorelle may be familiar to audiences as Kay Lawrence in CBBC’s BAFTA nominated teen drama Wolf Blood, in which she appeared in all four seasons.

Mitesh Soni returns to the Coliseum for his second pantomime season following his performance as Baron Boothby Mothwallet in Cinderella. Mitesh has recently completed a season performing in Twelfth Night, Henry V and The Borrowers as Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre in Chester. In Jack and the Beanstalk he will be playing perhaps the most famous pantomime character of all time, the Pantomime Cow. Previously seen at the Coliseum in a heart-rendering performance as Abbie Williams in the Northern Soul Award-nominated musical Bread & Roses, Sophie Mercell will be playing Grotton. Sophie’s other theatre credits include The Ugly Duckling:

Christmas Special at Hull Truck Theatre and Let Me Play The Lion Too at Barbican, London.

Another familiar face from hit Coliseum musicals, Jenny Platt returns to the Coliseum this Christmas to play Mavis Moorside and Good Fairy Greenfield. Jenny played leading lady Mandi in the Coliseum’s musical ode to Oldham Athletic, Meat Pie, Sausage Roll, in Spring 2017. Soap fans will also recognise her from her previous role as a barmaid in the Rovers Return, as she played Violet Wilson in Coronation Street from 2004 – 2008. Last seen at the Coliseum in 2010’s production of Sleeping Beauty Patrick Bridgman returns to Oldham to play Jill’s father, Lord Thickpenny Grabbmuch. Patrick appeared in five Coliseum pantomimes between 2006 – 2010. His recent theatre credits include Oliver Twist at Hull Truck Theatre and Hymn to Love at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s nationally renowned pantomime has been putting the extra sparkle into the festive season for generations; with all the ingredients for fantastic family fun: hit songs, silliness, a sprinkling of fairy dust and a generous helping of It’s Behind You! With two fairies, a magic hen, a GIANT and a pantomime cow, Jack and the Beanstalk is the perfect Christmas treat for kids and not-so-grown-up grown-ups.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Oldham Coliseum Theatre from Saturday 16 November 2019 – Saturday 11 January 2020. This year’s pantomime is sponsored by George Hill Timber and Building Supplies, Jigsaw Group and N Brown Group. Jack and the Beanstalk’s Educational Partner is Oldham Hulme Grammar School.

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

PAW Patrol fans will be able to meet their favourite characters this summer – as Blackburn hosts the world’s first PAW Patrol brick trail, built and presented by BRICKLIVE.

The stunning spectacle, featuring 21 of your favourite characters and buildings from the hit Nick Jr show, will be built by BRICKLIVE from brightly coloured toy bricks and placed around the town centre between 23 August and 1 September. Are you all ears? Characters Chase, Marshall, Skye and the gang will be hosted by venues around the town – which will be rebranded ‘Brickburn’ to celebrate the trail. Blackburn will be the first place in the world to host the official PAW Patrol brick models, with the pups ranging in size from 75cm to 120cm high. Model builders are on a roll ahead of this summer’s trail, and the mighty models will be unveiled on 23 August.

The trail, organised by Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID), will also feature a 2m tall Lookout Tower using over 65,000 bricks; and a selfie-zone of Marshall’s Fire Truck using a whopping 160,000 bricks. Competitions related to the trail will be running during the 10-day installation. Families will be able to explore the town and find all the models using the Brickburn trail map and children will also be able to take part in a number of free workshops and interactive building activities. Across the town, a programme of Brickburn fringe events will also be developed by Blackburn BID businesses, including interactive brick and PAW Patrol themed activities. Details to be announced soon.

Catherine Price, Blackburn BID Manager, said: “The Brickburn PAW Patrol brick trail is an opportunity for Blackburn to come together and celebrate everyone’s favourite childhood bricks. From little ones to big kids, Brickburn will have something for all fans of these iconic building bricks. “We hope families take advantage of this free event and explore Blackburn town centre as they visit each PAW Patrol character on the trail. The fringe events will keep the whole family busy and with workshops free for all, we hope to ignite imaginations across Blackburn.” Brickburn’s PAW Patrol BRICKLIVE trail will take place from 23 August – 1 September across Blackburn centre. More details on the trail, interactive zone and fringe programme will be released in due course.

People can keep up with the latest Brickburn news by searching #Brickburn on Twitter and Instagram, or join the Blackburn BID Facebook page for event details and updates.

© 2019 Spin Master. Viacom International Inc. Copyright © Brick Live Group Limited. All rights reserved. Brick Live Group Limited is an independent producer of BRICKLIVE and is not associated with The LEGO Group. LEGO® is a trademark of LEGO Juris A/S.

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

It’s blast-off time for an out-of-this-world adventure at Manchester libraries as this year’s Summer Reading Challenge ‘Space Chase’ gets underway.
All children aged 4-11 years can take part in the fun and join in for free by asking about it at their local library. All those taking part get a special pack to launch them off on their reading challenge, as well as a few free gifts along the way – including the chance to enter prize draws to win some fantastic prizes.

The summer reading challenge is simple to do – children just have to read any six library books of their own choice or from the Space Chase collection of books and pick up a special sticker each time they finish one. When they’ve completed the challenge they get rewarded with a fabulous medal and entered into the grand prize draw.

There will be lots of other fun things to do during the challenge at libraries across the city with over 160 free family craft and activity sessions planned. Tiny tots will also be able to get involved through a separate mini-challenge of their very own. The Summer Reading Challenge is delivered in association with The Reading Agency and is the UK’s biggest annual reading promotion for children.

Between 2016 and 2018 over 26,000 children took part in the Summer Reading Challenge in Manchester libraries, and it’s hoped that a record-breaking number of children will take part this year. The challenge comes hot on the heels of the citywide Readathon held in June that saw 36,000 local children sign up to take part in the mammoth fortnight-long charity reading session to raise money for books to go in the library at Manchester Children’s Hospital. Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Executive Member for Skills, Culture and Leisure, said:

“We know that children in Manchester love reading and we’re determined to get even more children involved than before in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Get down to your local library, grab some books, and get involved – it’s going to be out of this world!”

For more details on the Summer Reading Challenge and a full list of activities taking place in Manchester libraries over the summer visit: manchester.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

“There are 57 varieties of guided walks for the 2019 Pendle Walking Festival, announced Tom Partridge, Pendle Council’s Countryside Access Officer. “And this year we are delighted to see more women volunteering to lead walks than ever before.”

Walks being led by women include an easy three miler exploring Nelson’s industrial heritage along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal with Andrea Smith from Barrowford. And a tough 13 mile stage of The Pendle Way under Kelbrook Moor will be led by local rambler Kath Edmundson, from Earby.
An eight mile Colne Water walk led by Hungarian Marianna Borbely who lives in Wigan will climb Knarrs Hill and descend to Wycoller.

Walkers will get the chance to explore Wycoller’s atmospheric ruined hall, the inspiration for Ferndean Manor in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. A gentle-paced five mile walk with Helen Thompson will explore Water Meetings.

This Iron Age site is the place where Pendle Water gathered from Pendle Hill meets Blacko Water, with views of intriguing Blacko Tower.
Jennifer Little from Colne, a walk leader for the last eight festivals, said: “It’s an opportunity to meet people from further affield including walkers from abroad.”

Helen Thompson, who lives in Clitheroe and works for The Ribble Rivers Trust, will be leading a walk for the first time. She said: “I’ve enjoyed getting to know Pendle better and I’ve been really inspired by the views on my walk.”

Tom, who organises the annual walking event said: “Our festival is one of the largest free walking festivals in the UK and takes the strain out of map reading and route- finding. “Enjoy breath taking views around every corner as you follow our friendly and experienced guides. “Many of our walk leaders have taken part in our Pendle Walking Festival for years and are keen to share their knowledge of the area, including Pendle’s fascinating history,” he added.

“And 53 out of the 57 walks are completely free of charge. “Take a look at our programme at www.visitpendle.com/walks or pick up a copy from the Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford or from the Visit Pendle info point at Boundary Mill in Colne,” he said.

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council said: “We’re so proud of Pendle and this year’s Walking Festival focuses on the people and places which make our area unique. “We are grateful to our walks leaders for offering a warm welcome and a special insight into our history. Mike Williams, Pendle’s Tourism Officer said: “Pendle is a fantastic place to explore and enjoy some of the most stunning countryside views in the north of England including Pendle Hill, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“Our wild and wonderful landscape has inspired generations of free thinkers over hundreds of years. “And this year we have a number of walks which introduce our area’s radical thinkers,” he said. They include 17th century mathematician Sir Jonas Moore – the father of time – who established Greenwich Mean Time.

The classic climb up Pendle Hill with Tom Partridge will follow in the footsteps of George Fox whose famous vision on Pendle Hill in 1652 led him to found the Quaker movement. “Not forgetting the Sabden Chartists and walks which explore the dramatic landscape of the Pendle Witches of 1612,” added, Mike.

Council Leader, Councillor Iqbal added: “As well as being good for the health and wellbeing of our local residents and visitors, walking is also serious business in Pendle. “Over 2.7 million day and overnight visitors bring over £119 million into Pendle’s economy each year and our network of 100s of miles of footpaths are a big attraction.

“Latest figures from Visit Lancashire show that overnight visitors brought nearly £32 million into Pendle in 2017. This shows that our visitor economy is healthy and growing,” he said.

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

Aughton Wood Park, a brand-new development of 30 homes on Hornby Road, Caton, is unveiling its beautiful show home at an open house event this weekend.

Taking place on Saturday 22 June, from 10am-4pm, the event will give prospective buyers the opportunity to look around the new development and inspect the beautifully appointed and spacious properties.

Aughton Wood Park has been built by Mulbury on behalf of Redwing Living. The properties are a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes and come in five different styles. 

The development offers customers a prime location in Caton, with views across the Lune Valley benefiting from picturesque surroundings whilst being within easy reach of Lancaster town centre. Aughton Wood Park perfectly combines the tranquillity of countryside living with the convivence of being close to towns and cities.

Properties are available for sale and prices start from £165,000. There are also a number of homes available for shared ownership.

Redwing Living is urging interested prospective buyers to register their interest by calling 0344 7360062. For more information visit awp-caton.co.uk/

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

The National Festival of Making has just revealed its food and drink line-up for 2019 and it’s enough to make your stomach rumble!

Vendors from right across the North West will turn out to Blackburn’s biggest event of the year over the weekend of 15 and 16 June. With top food and drink being the essential ingredient of any award-winning event, festival organisers have signed up renowned culinary producers to tickle the taste buds of its 40,000 visitors. From pear drop liqueur to Hanky Panky Pancakes and delicious homemade pies, there’ll be something to suit almost every palate and the Taste Lancashire marquee will be back for a second year too.

The line-up includes:
Shirley’s Pies – tasty, homemade, traditional pies
Ginger’s Comfort Emporium – piles and piles of decadent puddings
Hanky Panky Pancakes – syrup smothered, stacked pancakes
Sleazy Tiger – South Indian thalis, street food the way it’s eaten in Kerala
Wah Wahs – deep fried Mexican churros, hot chocolate and spicy treats
Pie Mezzanae – the famous Lancashire-baked pies with surprising twists
Belgian Waffle Tuk – does what it says on the tin – delicious Belgian waffles!
Chicken Little – crispy, tender chicken pieces served from a cute tuk tuk
Burger and Lobster Brothers – doing what they do very well, this is the place for burgers and lobster
Deli Delite – festival regulars bringing the spice with their curries and wraps
Nasi Lemak Manchester – absolutely irresistible, authentic Malaysian dishes to savour
Wignalls Yallo – Rapeseed oil from Standish Hall Farm
Batch Gin – multi award winning gin made in Burnley
The Bee Centre – honey products from Lancashire bees
Bowland Food Hall at Holmes Mill – a selection of what’s on offer regularly at the popular foodie destination
Bowland Brewery – described as ales of outstanding natural beauty, brewed in the picturesque heart of Lancashire
Cuckoo Gin – gin made on a farm in Brindle
Calyx Drinks – soft drinks made from flowers in Burnley
Heritage Kitchen – chutneys, relishes and marmalades made in Bacup
Black Powder Gin – gin distilled at Preece Hall Estate, Preston
Mr Fitzpatricks – vintage cordials produced in Rossendale
Our Paula’s – flavoured butters produced in Chorley
Hoyle Bottom Spirits – producing Tinker Brook Gin
Nowt Poncy – low sugar/healthy cooking sauces from Rossendale
Panache Natural Flavour Infusions – producing flavour infusions, an ingredient popular with budding and expert mixologists
Love Cheesecakes – handcrafted cheesecakes from Poulton
Pretzel and Spelt, Bolton – Bavarian goodies and Alpine bakes from Bolton
Ripplehead Ices – a traditional ice cream van
The festival, sponsored by Blackburn with Darwen Council, scooped Best Non-Music Festival at the UK Festival Awards as well as Visit Lancashire’s Large Event of the Year.
Stretching right across the town centre, there’s fun for all the family with everything from workshops to a BBC stage, live music, works from national and international artists, a Maker’s Market, street food, performances, tours and talks.
For more information, visit: www.festivalofmaking.co.uk

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

A historically vacant area in a Greater Manchester shopping centre that was transformed into a hub of culture over the weekend saw an increased footfall of more than 2,000 people.

The upper floor of The Galleries shopping centre in Wigan town centre was completely re-imagined as part of Wigan Council’s launch of #TheFireWithin – a new manifesto outlining the borough’s focus on arts and culture over the next five years. On Saturday 11th May, 11am-4pm, six vacant units in The Galleries were opened to the public once more and were completely transformed from shells to bright, vibrant and open rooms with interactive displays, performances and exhibitions. Footfall figures show an increase of more than 2,000 people in comparison to the previous Saturday.

Wigan Council hosted the event in partnership with cultural organisations and internationally renowned artists Al Holmes and Al Taylor, who also live in the borough.

The social event is in line with the local authority’s plans to revitalise the shopping centre, connect new audiences to culture, showcase talent and create exciting, diverse units for the town centre.
Chief executive of the council, Alison McKenzie-Folan said: “On behalf of the council I’d like to thank everybody who came to #TheFireWithin Festival at the weekend.

“We worked really closely with Al and Al plus a range of different cultural organisations to host a fresh, creative and ground-breaking event to inspire people to engage with arts and culture in our town. “It’s been a great success and we now look forward to the next five years where we will explore the five themes outlined in our borough-wide manifesto, which was created in partnership with local people.

“Culture is a driver in reducing social isolation and in improving health and wellbeing. Increasing cultural activity, seeking investment and putting resource into cultural activity is a key priority for us. “This work will help to position Wigan Borough as a culturally thriving district in the North West and will provide fantastic economic benefits as we know that culture plays a big part in regenerating areas. “We do have a significant cultural offer in Wigan Borough but now The Fire Within has officially launched, we have something much more inclusive that will inspire residents and visitors alike to choose our town over cities like Manchester and Liverpool.
“And it’s already happening. Artists and groups are heading to our borough because we’re ready to be bold and ambitious.”

The event saw a headline performance from local band, LYNCHS, and further performances from WigLe Dance, singer Zack Carpenter, poet Louise Fazackerley, Wigan’s 50-piece orchestra, soundscape artist Overload and many more.

There were also a range of works open for viewing from the council’s archived items to local artist creations. Some of the works included a taxidermy display, a simulated total eclipse and a world exclusive exhibition of Theodore Major’s paintings that were created in the final year of his life surrounded by coal slagheaps.

Residents and shoppers were excited to see a buzz in the shopping centre, describing the event as ‘fantastic’ and explaining how they are ‘happy to see the shops so full and empty spaces being used for something so different.’ A number of high-profile movers and shakers in the cultural world have also expressed their support for the event and the council’s plan for the future. Sacha Lord, night time economy advisor for Greater Manchester came to the event. Afterwards he tweeted: “The Fire Within is fantastic. Go and support it. You can spend hours there and it’s free! Extra bonus the car park was free on a Saturday (others take note). Huge congrats.”

Stuart Maconie, Wiganer, broadcast presenter and journalist also attended. He tweeted: “This by Al and Al is the most inspirational and exciting thing to do with my home town in decades, go and find out more at The Galleries, Wigan.” Darren Henley OBE, chief executive of Arts Council England took to The Fire Within’s brand new emoji stage at the beginning of the event and spoke to attendees.

He said “I love the sense of ambition the sense of possibility and opportunity. Looking at some of the plans for the town centre, I thought, this is going to be brilliant, and then coming in here [The Galleries] and hearing all of the stories and all of the things you’re planning is absolutely brilliant.” He concluded by saying:

“The Arts Council will support this borough. We want to invest in Wigan.”
Al and Al, who managed the event and all of the performances said: “This has been an intense, immense and amazing process. We’ve worked really closely with the council to host this event and although we have led on installations across the world, this has to be one of the best installation teams we have worked with. “The process of making this show happen has been a dream and we have worked with people who have gone above and beyond their usual day job to make this happen. Everybody is an artist, including the taskforce who have been involved in this work and the council employees who have built the staging and transformed the space.”
The cultural manifesto was created following extensive consultation with residents through The Deal 2030 survey where local people had their say on what they want to see in the borough’s future.

The survey outcomes were clear in that residents wanted to take part in more social and cultural activities locally and they wanted to celebrate the borough’s heritage.

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

Blackpool’s Armed Forces Week is back with an uplifting programme of events and entertainment to honour the nation’s military personnel of the past, present and future. Armed Forces Week is Blackpool’s opportunity to say thank you to our heroes. Since 2006, we have been celebrating the event annually, and it now forms an integral part of VisitBlackpool’s events calendar.

From 24–30 June, Blackpool will come together to welcome serving military personnel, veterans and cadets, with a wide range of activities designed for them and their families, as well as the many thousands of people visiting the resort.

Here are some of the events!
Armed Forces Week Flag Raising Ceremony
24 June 2019 (10:00)
Blackpool Armed Forces Week officially begins with the raising of the Armed Forces Day Flag above the Town Hall. Free to attend so please come and join us.

Music for Heroes
24 June 2019 (18:00)
Blackpool says thank you to the Armed Forces with this musical extravaganza in Blackpool’s Grand Theatre. The theatre will host a night of free music, comedy and live performance with a full programme of entertainment. To get your free tickets now, book online or in person at the Blackpool Grand Theatre, or at the VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre on the Promenade. Please note a booking fee of £2 applies to all tickets.

Viva Vegas Variety Cabaret Showtime Afternoon
25 June 2019 (12:00)
Join us at Viva, Blackpool’s very own Vegas show venue for an afternoon of entertainment and variety followed by a quiz and bingo! Serving personnel and veterans get 25% off ticket prices – discounts apply so check for details. To claim the offer, quote AFW2019 when booking. To book, please call the Viva Box Office on 01253 297297 or call in!

Armed Forces Week Afternoon Tea Dance
26 June 2019 (10:00 – 17:00)
The Mighty Wurlitzer will play at an Armed Forces themed afternoon tea dance in the magnificent surroundings of Blackpool’s famous Tower Ballroom. Entry to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom is £9.95 and entry with Afternoon Tea is £17.00. Tickets are available from The Blackpool Tower Box Office and the event is open to all.

National Armed Forces Day
29 June 2019 (10:00 – 16:00)
Enjoy a full day of entertainment at Blackpool’s Stanley Park to celebrate Armed Forces Day. A number of vintage and modern day military vehicles will form a static display in the Italian Gardens, including the Lytham St Anne’s Spitfire Ground Display Team. A Royal Navy Wildcat Helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron will be in attendance, and you can cheer on local military cadet forces as they battle it out for the Armed Forces Week trophy in a series of challenges!

Come and see what other stands and displays are on offer including military associations, local military cadet units, decommissioned military items for all to view, with fun and games for all the family!

Armed Forces Day Military Concert
29 June 2019 (19:30)
Armed Forces Day is brought to a rousing finale with a full, live concert by the Band & Corps of Drums of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire) at the Norbreck Castle Hotel. Tickets are free, and are available from the Norbreck Castle Hotel and VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre.

Sunday Morning Service and Parade
30 June 2019 (From 10:30)
Blackpool comes together to honour and unite Britain’s Armed Forces past, present and future. Attending the service will be veteran’s associations, cadets, serving military as well as their friends, families and associates. Everyone is welcome to the service of appreciation that takes place within the grounds of Blackpool grade II listed War Memorial on Blackpool Promenade next to North Pier.

In addition to these events, the hugely popular “Going to the Flicks” event returns to the Odeon Cinema throughout the week, as local schoolchildren take part in the project to see a specially commissioned education film to show what happened in Blackpool during WWI and WWII. Current serving tri-service military personnel and veterans will bein attendance to participate in a Q&A.

On 27 June, Coral Island will play host, offering veterans and their families this generous invitation to dine out and enjoy a free carvery. Tickets are free but advance booking is essential. Proof of service required (MOD 90 or Veterans Badge, subject to availability). A £5.00 per person deposit is required and fully refundable upon arrival. Bookings are open from 10/06/2019 on 01253 922182.

On 28 June, the Service of Dedication at the Fylde Memorial Arboretum will take place to commemorate our Armed Forces and veterans while the evening sees what many veterans consider the highlight of the week, the Grand Gala Dinner at the Norbreck Castle Hotel. Following the formalities there will be a raffle and then entertainment from a top-class cabaret line-up and band. Tickets are £19.75 per person and to book, call 01253 352341.
The week ends with the annual Blackpool Taxi Pull on 30 June at the Blackpool Cenotaph on Blackpool Promenade near North Pier. The event sees local cabbies show off their strength to raise money for Armed Forces charities. Following this a barbeque will be held at the Guards Club for serving personnel and veterans of the Fylde Coast post service and parade. Admission to the Guards Club is free, with 50% discount on food for all uniformed regular service personnel.

Councillor Simon Blackburn, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Armed Forces Week is back for 2019 for another week-long of activities and events to celebrate our Armed Forces past, present and future.

“We invite visitors and residents alike to join in the celebrations for this annual event which gets bigger and better each year.”

The full programme for Armed Forces Week, and more details about individual events, news and tickets, go to www.visitblackpool.com/armedforces

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care, Lancs What's On

Save the date, Sunday 14th July, it’s the 28th annual Disability Awareness Day at Walton Hall Gardens, and it’s set to be a cracker. More than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s DAD, the world’s largest not-for-profit, voluntary-led, pan-disability exhibition, which will once again be hosted at Walton Hall Gardens. Organisers Warrington Disability Partnership is proud to announce their new joint principal sponsors, Expanse Learning Group and Harry Fairclough Construction.

A huge tented village will house over 220 exhibitors – including equipment suppliers; transport; holidays; leisure and employment providers; and support groups and services – is set to attract visitors to travel from all over the UK and beyond. Inclusive Arts is just one of the highlights, plus a free fully accessible Sports Zone with have-a-go events, and a main arena and children’s rides and entertainment.

Checkout the website for details on the free accessible Park and Ride service, plus a free bus service from Warrington Bus Interchange, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, scooter / wheelchair loans.

The big day on Sunday 14th July from 10am to 5pm – will be a fitting finale to a week comprising a variety of complementary daytime and evening events to savour, includingTuesday 9th July

6.15pm – 9.30pm Frogtastic in the Park – Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Featuring fantastic Tribute Artists ‘Robbie Williams / UB40 / The 80’s & Swing’ plus special guests including DJ’s from the famous Frogtastic Club Night. Come and enjoy a great evening of Live Music, Dance Floor and Licenced Bar, bring your own food. Advanced Tickets £6.00 call 07875 142233 or online at www.ldok.net/shop, £8 on the door.  

Wednesday 10th July

7pm – 10pm – “Ella’s Summer Time Special” – Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: The Ella Performance Group, one of the UK’s leading inclusive drama groups will be performing thrilling and entertaining songs from their recent productions. Adult tickets £8.00 and children’s tickets £5.00 from The Ella Team on 01928 713877 or Kate 01925 240064.

Thursday 11th July

6pm- 9.30pm – Children’s Party in the Park – Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Warrington Wolves Foundation & Warrington Disability Partnership present a fun filled evening for disabled children/young people, their families and friends. Sports, Arts, Dance, chill out and fun areas. Free admission: Contact Craig 01925 248894.

Friday 12th July

7.30pm – 11.30pm DAD Mega Quiz Night, Charity Auction with Hot Food

Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Teams of up to 8 people, hundreds of £’s worth of prizes, fun quiz, great food, licensed bar and a charity auction. Tickets £8.00 (includes hot food). Contact Kate on 01925 240064.

For more details on exhibiting or attending #DAD2019 and our ‘DAD Week’ events, please contact Warrington Disability Partnership on 01925 240064 or visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

GARDENING enthusiasts keen to see some of the country’s top floral exhibitors and trade stands are being urged to get their tickets for this year’s Chorley Flower Show in advance at chorleyflowershow.com​
People can save up to 20 per cent on the ticket prices by buying in advance for the Chorley Council-run show, which this year is being sponsored by Book in Style – an independent travel agent based in the North West, with shops across the region.

The spectacular Chorley Flower Show, which scooped a prestigious Lancashire Tourism Award for ‘Tourism Event of the Year, will return to Astley Park for the fifth year on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July.
Rebecca Huddleston, Chorley Council’s Director of Policy and Governance, said: “Chorley Flower Show continues to grow in popularity year on year and we would encourage people to get their tickets as soon as possible to make sure they don’t miss out on the advance rate, which offers up to 20 per cent off.

“After four successful years behind us, which included winning event of the year at the Lancashire Tourism Awards, the show is now firmly on the horticultural map with people travelling from far and wide to see the top-quality exhibitors in the unique setting of Astley Park.
“The support for the show has been phenomenal both locally and regionally and this year we’re delighted to welcome Book In Style as our main sponsor.”

Highlights of this year’s two-day show include:
• Displays from the country’s top exhibitors with many gold-medal winners from the top RHS shows,
• Gardening celebrities and experts sharing their knowledge and experience in the gardening theatre
• Trade stands offering the best in gardening products and furniture
• A spectacular 110m amateur marquee creating a blaze of colour
• The show hosts regional competitions for the North West Sweet Pea Society and the Rose Society UK
• A chance to see the historic Astley Hall decked out in floral displays
• Plenty of family entertainment, including live music from local artists and a chance to walk on our floating bridge
• Delicious food vendors selling local produce, afternoon teas, picnic food and more.

“If you enjoy gardening or like plants and flowers then it is definitely worth attending if you’ve not been before,” said Ms Huddleston. “We have lots of the elements of the big RHS shows but the tickets are more affordable, and we offer free parking too, which we know is really important to visitors.
“There is a real friendly atmosphere and we pride ourselves on giving people a fantastic day out.”

Andrew McKenna, General Manager at Book In Style, added: “Book in Style is really excited to be supporting the 2019 Chorley Flower Show. As a local, independent travel business we always look to support local events and we’re delighted that our team will be there on both days with our flower-themed stand to meet visitors and talk about holidays, travel and gardening.”

More information and tickets are available at chorleyflowershow.com with advance tickets from £10 for adults and £1.50 for children plus booking fee.