Churches in Lancashire will be running a wide variety of activities to keep all ages busy during the summer holiday season

From quizzes to picnics, opportunities to get together for a cup of tea and a chat or a bit of fun for adults and children, there’s plenty to choose from, in a choice of settings…rural, semi -rural and urban. The following selection, from all compass points, is listed in approximate chronological order and also with postcodes to make participation even easier:

Liberty Church at Mereside in Blackpool (FY4 4RT) bring back ‘Green Picnics’ for the school holidays! Every Wednesday until August 24 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Bring a picnic on the green in front of the shops on Langdale Road. Everyone is welcome and of course all depends on the weather!

St Bartholomew’s Church in Chipping (PR3 2QH) organizes its annual garden party in the gardens of the Vicarage of St Bartholomew on Saturday August 6th. This will be the first garden party for the new parish priest, Reverend Wilma Colley. The party starts at 2 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

St Oswald’s Church in Preesall runs ‘stay and play services’ for young children this summer on August 6 and 20. games and crafts. Older siblings and of course parents/guardians are also welcome! More information from Naomi Barraclough on [email protected]

Mondays in August are ‘Mega Mondays’ at St James’s Church, Clitheroe (BB7 1AH). On August 8, 15 and 22, themed entertainment will be offered to families. There will be inflatables, crafts, a scavenger hunt, Lego, baby and toddler areas and lunch. Events run from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On Saturday 13th August there will be an afternoon of music at Colne Christ Church (BB8 7HF) performed by an accomplished young local pianist, Ethan Little. Ethan will perform a medley of musical film tunes as well as other personal pieces. It’s a 40s dress theme, which is optional. Tickets £15 including refreshments! Phone Janet on 07763514407 to book your ticket.

The United Benefit of Mitton, Hurst Green and Ribchester is hosting three special parish events in August. To pay locally, please contact Reverend Canon Brian McConkey on 07973 740981. Friday 12th August is the Hurst Green Big Quiz at ABC Memorial Hall (BB7 9QB); tickets £8 including pie and pea supper. Teams can consist of up to eight people. Doors (and bar) open at 7 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. departure. On Thursday, August 18, there is a wine tasting evening at Bashall Eaves Party Hall (BB7 3DA) costing £20 with Tom from Whalley Wine Shop. Then on Friday, August 16, harpist Lucy Nolan will be performing at Ribchester Village Hall (PR3 3XS) tickets £15. Lucy Nolan is an internationally renowned harpist. The recital will begin at 7:30 p.m., with doors open from 7 p.m.

On Saturday August 27, the Bishop of Burnley, Rt Rev. Philip North and Fr Mike Print from St George’s to Chorley undertake a sponsored walk from Whalley Abbey (BB7 9TN) to St George’s. The walk starts in Whalley at 9am and is a fundraising event for the church. All are welcome to join the trek. There’s a celebratory hot pot dinner after.

All Hallows Church in Mitton (BB7 9PH) hosts its popular “Stalls on the Green” event on August 29, Bank Holiday Monday; on the common ground near Great Mitton Hall. This is a fundraising event for the Church with stalls selling cakes, preserves, plants and bric-a-brac. Stands open from 9:30 am on the Green, or in the Church if the weather is exceptionally wet! Refreshments are also available.

All Saints Church at Appley Bridge (WN6 9DT) organizes two ‘Back To School Welcome Back Coffee Mornings’ on September 5 and 6 between 9am and 10am. The morning coffees are organized by the primary school of the Friends of All Saints who adjoins the church, and will offer hot drinks, pastries and a friendly welcome for all, especially the new parents of the welcome class. This is an opportunity to catch up on summer vacation, learn more about the school community and get to know each other better.

Lancaster Priory Church (LA1 1YZ) holds its Song Festival during the week of September 10 to 18, a full program of concerts, recitals, services and the opportunity to come and sing! More information about the program at www.lancasterpriory.org

St Mary’s Church on Borwick Lane, Borwick (LA6 1JP) operates an Open Door Café every third Thursday of the month. People are invited to come and enjoy a cup of tea, a cake and above all a friendly conversation! There are no fees, just pay what you want. Everyone is welcome.

The Taste Café at St Laurence’s Church in the center of Chorley is now open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday. It’s a ‘pay what you can’ cafe offering homemade cakes, coffee, tea, soup and a roll. Everyone welcome (PR7 1EB).

Every Thursday at St Peter’s Church in Burnley (BB12 2DL) there is a chance for a chinwag and to learn more about the Christian faith at a “Coffee and Christianity” event. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the event runs from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The fabulous Lancashire Jubilee Tapestry ia monumental 18 meter tapestry to commemorate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee currently on display at Blackburn Cathedral (BB1 5AA) until late autumn. It brings to life the story of Her Majesty’s reign and its impact on the people of Lancashire through a unique soundscape. The tapestry can be seen when the cathedral is open, i.e. during the day every day, but services will also be held at different locations. See www.blackburncathedral.com for more exact times.