Anna Izza

Dr Rick Peterson will take Bowland back to the Stone Age with this year’s 12th Lord of Bowland Lecture on the evening of Tuesday 3rd October 2023. Since 2011, archaeologists from the University of Central Lancashire have been excavating around New Laund Hill at Whitewell in the heart of the Forest of Bowland. With the […]

Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor brought a sprinkling of stardust to Blackpool’s Golden Mile when she switched on the famous Blackpool Illuminations. Sophie, one of the nation’s best-loved pop stars, performed a medley of her favourite songs including her classic hit, Murder On The Dancefloor, before pulling the switch to trigger a four-month Illuminations season. She now […]

Formed in 1973 to save the historic gem Blackpool Grand Theatre from demolition, the first ‘Friends’ were literally hands-on painting dressing rooms, repairing holes to the ceiling, and getting the theatre into better shape. Critical funds were raised in many ways over the coming years, including midnight matinees; all part of the bid to save […]

After the resounding success of their debut restaurant within Preston Market Hall, which opened in April 2022, Tipsy Chef Street Food have launched a second venue in Preston city centre.  This marks a significant milestone for owner, Jay Oates, who only 16 months ago started on his first venture and captivated food enthusiasts with his […]

Whalley-based shoe company LANX, in collaboration with Cotton Traders, has unveiled a limited edition England rugby shirt, in time for the Rugby Union World Cup. With a red rose representing England and Lancashire, the shirt is already proving extremely popular with fans across the county and beyond. LANX founder Marco Vaghetti explains: ‘The LANX rugby shirt has […]

Bowland Inns & Hotels secures planning permission for change of use to create a luxury hotel, retreat and spa, and exclusive-use weddings and events venue. The historic grade II listed building, on the outskirts of the delightful Lune Valley village of Wennington, was acquired from Lancashire County Council as the former school closed in the […]

The social event of the year for businesses who are ‘Lancashire and proud’ will return this November – with a brand new headline sponsor. Lancashire Business Day 2023 will take place in the Lounge 1968 at Accrington Stanley FC on Friday 24 November. And Padiham-based +24 has stepped up to the role of headline sponsor. […]

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, a charity dedicated to young people, prominently providing over 60 hours of services when schools are closed. With over 4,500 members benefiting, their provision takes place at an state of the art centre in Blackburn, our satellite site in Darwen and within the community, open to ages 5- 19, with […]

It was revealed today (August 10) that internationally-renowned artists Dr Chila Kumari Singh Burman, MBE, and Bruce Alfred have designed two spectacular installations for the 2023 Illuminations display. The tableaux will be unveiled to the public when the Illuminations are launched on Friday 1 September for a four-month season. Both have been built by the […]

Every year the Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) asks you to nominate individuals who go above and beyond for equine welfare. Nominations are now open to anyone who wishes to commend and recognise people that are passionate about improving the lives of equines that have suffered from cruelty and neglect. A special awards ceremony […]

From beach huts to fish ‘n’ chips, seafront proms to piers, the Seaside Heritage Network’s Top 20 Bucket and Spade List sums up the very best of British holiday fun. Votes have been pouring in from all around the coast to slash the list down to a top 10. On 11 September the winners will […]

Whalley-based independent footwear brand LANX shoes is enjoying a packed calendar of events this year, appearing at 45 shows, fairs and festivals throughout the summer months. Founder Marco Vaghetti explains: ‘When LANX first started out six years ago, it was on market stalls and pop-up shopping events across the North West. I have fond memories […]