A look ahead to the month's best things to see and do in Lancashire and beyond
Until October 8
Brief Encounter
Brief Encounter at Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake is a playful take on Noel Coward’s classic movie (filmed at Carnforth, of course). This version features joyous musical numbers and physical comedy, while maintaining the truly classic romance of the original. Theatrebythelake.com
September 30-October 16
Southport Comedy Festival
Ed Byrne, Milton Jones, Jo Caulfield, Al Murray, Reginald D Hunter, Maisie Adam and Chris McCausland are among the star names who will be performing at Southport Comedy Festival. The gigs are all staged in a heated marquee in Victoria Park. southportcomedyfestival.com
September 30-October 1
Grandad Anansi
Grandad Anansi is a new children’s show for Black History Month. It’s a celebration of the love between generations and the joy of storytelling. Written for children aged 4-9, it shines a light on Jamaican culture and the Windrush generation. Premiering at Z-Arts Manchester, the tour will also visit The Met, Bury (October 11), Oldham Library (October 12), Eccleston Library, St Helens (October 13), Chester Lane Library, St Helens (October 14) and The Grand, Clitheroe (October 18). z-arts.org
October 1, 15, and 28
The World Fireworks Championship
Sparks are sure to fly at event that is guaranteed to go with a bang when the world’s finest fireworks teams show what they can do. The World Fireworks Championship on the promenade at Blackpool always provides spectacular entertainment for the whole family. visitblackpool.com
October 4-6
Twopence to Cross the Mersey
The first major UK tour of Helen Forrester’s Twopence to Cross the Mersey reaches Blackpool Grand Theatre. The story is set in the early 1930s in the midst of the Great Depression and tells the captivating biographical story of Helen’s difficult early years and was published in 1974 to critical acclaim, later becoming a bestseller and establishing her as a major writer. blackpoolgrand.co.uk
October 6-8
Swan Lake
English National Ballet bring classic family favourite Swan Lake to Manchester’s Palace Theatre. Choreographed by Derek Deane, the production features some of the most iconic scenes in ballet and will be performed to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. Audiences will be captivated by the romance of Prince Siegfried’s love for the Swan Queen Odette and the drama of their battle against the evil sorcerer Rothbart. palacetheatremanchester.net
October 7-10
Word Fest
A galaxy of stars will be appear at Word Fest at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, including Lenny Henry, Paul O’Grady and Anton Du Beke who will be talking about their new books. Also on the bill are events with authors Milly Johnson, Saul David and Scott Mitchell and Michael Morpugo will present War Horse live in concert. The festival is co-produced by the Winter Gardens Blackpool and Kirkham’s independent bookstore Book Bean & Ice Cream. wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
October 8
Steeleye Span
Pioneers of folk-rock, Steeleye Span changed the face of folk music forever in the early 70s, and they’re still touring. The Below The Salt tour comes to Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester on October 8 (0161 907 5200, Rncm.ac.uk) and King George’s Hall, Blackburn on October 10 (01254 582579, bwdvenues.com).
October 10 to December 30
Sex Pistols photographic exhibition
Iconic images of the Sex Pistols’ first Manchester concert, at the Lesser Free Trade Hall on June 4, 1976, are being shown at the city's Central Library. The gig was a catalyst for the Manchester music scene that followed, with members of Joy Division, The Smiths and Simply Red all in the audience. manchester.gov.uk/centrallibrary
October 11
Fairport Convention
Now in their 55th year, British folk rockers Fairport Convention kick-off their autumn tour at Oswaldtwistle’s Civic Arts Centre and Theatre with a set including tracks from albums old and new, including their latest album, Shuffle & Go, which came out in 2020. civicartscentre.co.uk
October 11-15
The Color Purple
Acclaimed musical The Color Purple comes to The Lowry at Salford as part of a national tour. Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer prize winning novel, this stage version received great reviews when it was first performed in 2019. Its evocative score is inspired by jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues music. thelowry.com
October 13-16
Lancaster Music Festival
The 12th Lancaster Music Festival, one of the country’s largest urban music festivals, will feature more than 400 performances by more than 200 acts covering all musical tastes from classical to heavy rock and punk. Music will be performed in shops, pubs, cafes, museums, the castle and even on board a maintenance boat on Lancaster Canal. lancastermusicfestival.com
October 13-16
Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair
The 15th award-winning Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Manchester’s Victoria Baths is the place to find crafted items from designer makers at the top of their game as well as the best of what’s new. There will be independent, professional makers including jewellers, ceramicists, furniture-makers, textile and glass artists, metalsmiths and printmakers, all handpicked by a panel of craft experts to ensure the best in handmade design and craftmanship. craftscouncil.org.uk/whats-on
October 14-16
Lakes International Comic Art Festival
The tenth anniversary Lakes International Comic Art Festival will take place at venues around Bowness and will feature interviews, presentations, workshops and live draws with some of the world’s leading comic creators. Lots of events will be free and there will be plenty to entertain comic fans of all ages. Windermere Jetty Museum will host Yellow Submarine - Bill Morrison’s Odyssey Through Pepperland, showing sketches and artwork from Morrison’s 2018 graphic novel celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Beatles film Yellow Submarine. comicartfestival.com
