Looking for something to do in Lancaster or the surrounding area this month? Here is just a selection of events that I’ve found from some of our amazing venues and programmes that might just be of interest. From live music to comedy, to workshops in order to give things a go for yourself, there is something for everyone!
If you would like your event to be featured on future lists, just let me know! Email: bryony@thenorthishlass.co.uk or send me a message on Instagram or Facebook @thenorthishlass
Limitless is an inclusive theatre workshop for everybody aged 4 years and over. We encourage people who are Disabled, neurodiverse and/or autistic, their siblings, family members and anybody who loves performing and play!
Step into a world where cinematic music history is brought to life. This year, The Great British Film Orchestra proudly embarks on a spectacular UK-wide tour, presenting The Music of John Williams vs Hans Zimmer – an orchestral duel between two titans whose scores have defined generations of storytelling.
Lancaster Footlights is halfway through it’s run of Enchanted April, based on the classic novel by Elizabeth Von Arnim, and I absolutely urge you to go and see it. There are still three performances left on 19/03, 20/03, and 21/03, and you can get tickets here.
I went along on Friday night and was swept away to the 1920s Italian Riviera and paradisio! When two married women decide that they need more from their lives and, along with two ladies, escape post-war London for the Mediterranean coast of Italy, they are surprised to find that their lives, when viewed through the lens of ‘sunshine and wisteria,’ perhaps have more to offer them than they previously thought…
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The whole ensemble cast were absolutely brilliant and funny; whilst Maire Robinson shone in the linchpin role of Lottie Wilton. I was amazed by the sheer number of lines (and quite long monologues!) she had to deliver, and she seemed to do it with relative ease!
“I enjoyed it so much if I was able to make a second night, I would happily watch it again.” – Happy Theatregoer
I would like to congratulate the director, Sarah Ludford, and the whole crew for pulling together a wonderful and heart-warming performance in such a short space of time (9 or so weeks!). It really was a truly lovely piece of theatre!
If you’re one of the millions of people (40m+ at the time of writing) who has watched Bridgerton Season Four in the last few weeks, and fallen for deeply for the whole whimsy (and not altogether accurate) Regency vibe of the show, you might be looking for places to visit that match that vibe, and where you can imagine yourself as a star of the show. Here’s just a selection of places around the North that you can visit and pretend that you’re Violet about take tea (*wink*); that you’re Eloise with her nose in a book and scorning suitors; or that you’re one of the new season debutantes, looking to fall head-over-heels in love with an eligible suitor… just make sure you stay with your chaperone and don’t become the subject of this season’s scandal!
Castle Howard, Yorkshire
Castle Howard
Castle Howard doesn’t just match Bridgerton vibes, it is Bridgerton vibes, as the location was used in Season One as a stand in for “Clyveden House” – the country residence of the Duke and Duchess of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dyvenor. The temple of the four winds in the grounds was used for a notably spicy scene in the pouring rain, whilst the library, the archbishop’s bedroom (pictured below), Turquoise Room, and Long Gallery were used for other scenes as the Duke and Duchess settle into married life.
In one interview I’ve seen with Regé he makes a joke about how – when filming spicier scenes – there is what is known as a “closed set,” where those only essential for the scene to be filmed are allowed to be present. Essential cast and crew… and Fiona. Fiona being the luckless (or lucky?) house warden who had been assigned to make sure that the furniture was properly cared for, and things didn’t get out of hand. In the interview Regé laughs as he recalls how this poor embarrassed woman is stood there, looking out for this incredible eighteenth century bed, whilst he was romping about in his birthday suit! That would have been a rather strange day at the office!
The house itself is a Baroque architectural masterpiece that took nearly a hundred years to complete. One can immediately imagine themselves as a Duke or Duchess, sweeping through the magnificently conserved hallways and receiving rooms, whilst planning the next ball that is to take place; one that will also show off the best of the collection, and centre the most stunning pieces. The collection itself at Castle Howard is incredible, with artists such as Canaletto, Titian, Thomas Gainsborough, Pannini, and Reynolds represented (along with many others).
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Howick Hall, Northumberland
Rear aspect of Howick Hall
I visited Howick Hall and Gardens last year, and it’s an absolutely delightful location to sink into the Bridgerton mindset; reading books in the garden by the pond, and drinking cups of Earl Grey tea (the house was the former residence of Lord John Grey, for whom the blend was made specifically). I think Eloise would be extremely happy at Howick, away from the pressures of the Ton, and where she might be able to focus on her writing, or plotting how to avoid the marriage mart for yet another season. On the other hand, Hyacinth would feel that this was too far from the action!
Whilst Howick is undoubtedly smaller than some of the more sprawling Baroque and Georgian palaces on this list, it is also very imaginably as one of the character’s country retreats; a place where they could find some peace and quiet after the madness of the social season. If not Eloise, I could imagine Sophie and Benedict finding much happiness at a place like Howick and, knowing Benedict, he would probably refer to it as “his cottage.”
Address: Howick Hall & Gardens, Northumberland, NE66 3LB Ticket Information
LEvens Hall, Cumbria
Whilst Levens Hall is actually late Elizabethan, and therefore far predates the time of Bridgerton, you could very easily imagine this Hall, and it’s magnificent topiary gardens, as a country house of a very old family of the ton, where they invite select friends and acquaintances to admire the beauty of the setting.
The topiary gardens would be the centrepiece of a ball, with lights illuminating the pathways, and music leading guests to different aspects and viewpoints within the gardens – whilst always being wary of a unchaperoned debutante accidentally finding herself alone with a gentleman – how scandalous that would be!
Photo Credit – Olivia Brabbs and the Harewood House Trust
Harewood House is one of the most gorgeous 18th Century houses in the country, and we’re lucky enough to have it here in the North. We can wander with wonder around the incredible halls, view the paintings by British and International masters, and imagine what it would be like to actually be in an episode of Bridgerton.
Photo Credit – Tom Archer and the Harewood House Trust
This is the gallery at Harewood House. Couldn’t you just imagine what it would be like to host a ball in this magnificent room? This room was one of the last to be finished in the 1790s (coincidentally closest to the Regency period of all the rooms at Harewood House). The room was furnished by Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Chippendale Junior, the much sought after furniture masters of eighteenth century England.
“The room’s magnificent ceiling is today considered one of Robert Adam’s masterpieces, and is decorated with 16 paintings by the Italian interior painter Biagio Rebecca. They depict a pantheon of Roman gods and the four seasons.” – Harewood House Trust
As you can probably tell, I missed the 1st and 2nd because – like a numpty – I forgot to press the “schedule” button on this piece. Oh well! Despite my little fumble, there is still lots going on in and around Lancaster and a little further afield in March. This calendar is merely a selection of what is out there. In all honesty, you could be doing something every day (or multiple somethings!) if you wanted to, there is that much on. So take a look, find out what tickles your fancy and head along to check it out and support our local venues, artists, heritage sites, and more!
When?
What?
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3rd
Stories at The Storey (Open Mic night for Poetry, Storytelling etc.)
The rugged beauty of North Yorkshire took a firmly starring role in the latest adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, released Feb 13th this year, and the parts of the county are expecting to see a related tourism uptick, as visitors come to see the filming locations and to get a bit of that Cathy/Heathcliff vibe so wonderfully provided by the moody moors and dales highlighted in the film. The film was directed by Emerald Fennell (previously Saltburn, Promising Young Woman), and stars Jacob Elordie (Saltburn, Priscilla, Frankenstein, Euphoria), Margot Robbie (Wolf of Wall Street, Barbie), Martin Clunes, Hong Chau, and many others.
The film crew relocated to the county in the early months of 2025 to do the location shooting, utilising several picturesque backdrops for various scenes, and also taking over Simonstone Hall Hotel near Hawes as a base for the cast and crew. The owner of the hotel, Jake Dinsdale, has noted that they have already seen an uptick in international visitors wanting to come and get a little taste of Wuthering Heights world.
Simonstone Hall Hotel, Hawes from their “Press Images” album
“Yesterday afternoon set in misty and cold. I had half a mind to spend it by my study fire, instead of wading through heath and mud to Wuthering Heights.” – Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë
Whilst the original Brontë novel, and the subsequent Brontë country is centered on West Yorkshire; specifically an area near Bradford, and the village of Haworth where the Brontë sisters lived, it was North Yorkshire that predominantly shone in the latest film adaptation. The Yorkshire Dales National Park was utilised a lot for outside locations, when stars Robbie (Cathy) and Elordie (Heathcliff) ventured into the wilds for the more atmospheric shots, complete with moody mist and fine drizzle.
Jamie Davies on Unsplash
Picturesque Swaledale was used for key scenes in the movie, especially utilising the area around Langthwaite and the Old Gang Smelt Mill (now a ruin). The rugged industrial buildings, falling into desolation against the rugged and remote background, provided the ultimate mood setting for the action to take place against. Other locations used were the village of Low Row, Booze Moor, and Langthwaite.
The Yorkshire Dales NP Senior Historic Advisor, Sarah Whiteley, consulted on the film and was on location for the days of shooting within the park. One thing she clarifies, however, is that whilst these locations are accessible, they are remote, on private land (with footpaths across) and in some of the higher moorland areas of the park. Therefore visitors should ensure that they are properly prepared for adverse weather conditions and properly equipped with walking gear before attempting to visit the locations. The landscapes and ruins are also of historical significance and should be treated with the respect deserved. As the saying goes “take only pictures, leave only footprints,” and ensure that these locations can be enjoyed by visitors for generations to come.
“Yorkshire traffic jam” Illiya Vjestica on Unsplash
Now, the director of this adaptation (Emerald Fennell) has been quick to point out that this film is not meant to be a faithful retelling of the Emily Brontë classic, and many book aficionados have been making lists of things that don’t match up between the one and the other. Fennell has said that the film is more about conveying the feeling and memory she got when she read Wuthering Heights for the first time as a teenager, hence the reason she chose to put the title “Wuthering Heights” in inverted commas. It’s meant to be a version, a different take, a slant. It was never meant to be a remake of what has come before. What we can all agree on, however, is her excellent choice in having Yorkshire take centre stage for some of the film’s pivotal moments, with the dramatic backdrops of the Dales adding beauty and emotion into the fabric of the film.
Even if it isn’t the newest “Wuthering Heights” film that convinces you to head back to North Yorkshire (and to be honest, do we really need convincing?), the rugged beauty of the North Yorkshire Dales National Park is always waiting, whichever season you choose, with magnificent scenery and places to visit throughout the year.
Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone @ Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
The most well known one of this list, and one on which Alnwick Castle has cemented itself firmly into global consciousness. The outside of Alnwick Castle Bailey and the lawns is the location for the famous “flying lesson” scene in the first Harry Potter movie when Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) discovers his talents on a broomstick, and the hapless Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) loses control of his broom and comes back to earth with a bump. The scene also included favourite characters such as Hermione (Emma Watson), Ron (Rupert Grint), Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), Professor McGonagall (the late, great, Maggie Smith) and Madam Hooch (Zoe Wannamaker).
If you want to experience some of the magic for yourself, you can take broomstick lessons at Alnwick Castle, where you’ll learn how to hold your broom, accelerate, brake, and turn around corners. Unfortunately, for safety reasons, the flying charm has been removed from visitor’s brooms.
This isn’t the only time that Alnwick Castle was used in the first two movies. The grounds around the Castle were used for exterior shots (notably when Harry and Ron crash into the Whomping Willow in the second film), and the Lion Gate was used an entrance/exit for Hogwarts Students on their way to and from the grounds and the path down to Hagrid’s Hut.
The Witcher @ Fountains Abbey, N. yorks
The Abbey was a major filming location for Season Two of the Netflix show, The Witcher. According to the abbey website, more than 250 crew members moved in for two months(!) in order to film the scenes for the high fantasy show. The nave was used for a dramatic night ritual scene, followed by a horseback rescue; a scene which involved a lot of fire. Many safety precautions and tricky filming tactics were needed, both to protect the cast and crew, but also to protect the UNESCO world heritage site. On a calmer side, the Georgian water gardens were used as palace grounds for members of the court to walk and scheme along the way.
Game of Thrones @ Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland
Game of Thrones didn’t just use Hadrian’s Wall as a filming location because it fit the books, the location was in fact the inspiration for what appeared in the books. George R. R. Martin writes about a land divided by a wall of ice, guarded by a hardy and dwindling band of sworn soldiers. “Civilisation” (or so they think) is found south of the wall, whilst North of the Wall is full of untold dangers and wild people beyond the law. Sound familiar?
Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
As such, it was a total no-brainer when it came to using Hadrian’s Wall as the location for The North in Game of Thrones, and the location where the viewer is first introduced to Eddard Stark (Sean Bean), Robb Stark (Richard Madden), and Jon Snow (Kit Harington) in Episode one of Season One.
Game of Thrones was one of those TV Shows that made me wonder how one gets into location scouting for a production company or film shoot. Seems like a wonderful job to me…
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Peaky Blinders @ Ashton Memorial, Lancashire
My home town was all abuzz when we learned that Peaky Blinders, the TV show sensation predominately filmed at the Black Country Museum, was coming to film in one of the most famous buildings in Lancaster.
The production moved in for a week or so, and used the iconic Ashton Memorial as the location for an evening soiree that quickly descends into chaos due to the presence of Oswald Mosley’s fascist Black Shirts.
The exteriors of both Carlisle Castle and Bamburgh Castle were used as locations for the notorious Wentworth Prison in Season One of the historical fantasy Outlander. Both of these castles provided the backdrop for Black Jack Randall’s lair in the Scottish Highlands, from which he terrorises the surrounding area and nurses his obsession of Jamie Fraser.
Regardless of the fact that neither of these castles ever had major prisons in them (outside of the dank dungeons favoured by medieval lords who liked shoving hapless people in them from time to time), they both certainly provide a foreboding and intimidating backdrop for the show.
Perhaps the most famous literary export from Northumberland, L.J. Ross currently lives and writes out of the market town of Hexham, and the DCI Ryan Series (beginning with Holy Island) is her most well known series. There are twenty-two currently in the series and more are planned for later in 2026. All the novels have titles of local places or historical sites; Sycamore Gap, Penshaw, Cragside etc.
I notice there is also a book entitled Reivers, and it just says “coming soon” – I wonder whether that’s going to be about Border Reivers/Jacobites etc. If it is, that’s right up my street! I love historical fiction and would devour that in an instant.
2. Guns In The North, P. F. Chisholm (ROBERT CAREY MYSTERIES)
Okay, so this one is a bit of a cheat. This book is set in Northumberland and Cumbria. When Robert Carey, grandson of Mary Boleyn and therefore a cousin to Queen Elizabeth I, embarrasses himself at court, he is sent to the edge of England to work in a job no-one really wants, and regain the favour of his cousin and Queen. Stationed in Carlisle, in what he assumes are the culture-less and lawless border regions (only one of those is partially true!) Carey soon becomes embroiled in a murder mystery that quickly blossoms into a plot around clan and family loyalties, and even treason against the crown itself.
Guns In the North is the name of the first compendium that was released, containing the first three novels; A Famine of Horses, A Season of Knives, and A Surfeit of Guns.
It’s honestly one of my favourite trilogies I’ve read, and I devoured this first compendium in the space of less than a week. As it stands, there are currently nine or ten books in the series, and it is unfinished… hopefully we’ll get the ending soon!
3. The Crow Trap, Ann Cleeves (VERA STANHOPE SERIES)
Played by the indomitable Brenda Blethyn in the ITV Adaptation of the well known novels, the Vera series puts the rough-edged detective up against the wilds of Northumberland as she seeks to solve crimes. There are eleven novels in the Vera series, with other short stories and novellas available as well. Ann has said the latest novel will be the last in the Vera series, with Brenda Blethyn also retiring from playing the titular character on television. Despite updates to the series coming to a close, the legacy of Vera will live on for many new readers to explore and enjoy for years to come!
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4. Vindolanda, Adrian Goldsworthy
Set in AD 98, twenty years before Hadrian begins to build his wall, and Vindolanda is on the edge of the empire, in a constant struggle to maintain control against the native tribes of Britain. It falls to Flavius Ferox, a Briton and Roman centurion, to attempt to keep the peace.
Adrian Goldsworthy is a Roman historian, working at various universities after graduating from the University of Oxford, before turning to writing and publishing full time. He has written several books, both fiction and nonfiction, about Roman Britain.
Vindolanda from above
5. The Secrets of the Rose, Nicola Cornick
Another historical fiction novel (of sorts), this one is set in the Coastal town of Bamburgh, where a present day author is writing the story of Grace Darling, but instead finds herself drawn to the story of another local woman, Dorothy Forster, who’s story emerges at the time of the first Jacobite Rebellion in 1715. Dorothy is caught up in the drama of the rebellion when she learns her two brothers are involved, and her family might be the holders of a talisman the Rose, which both sides believe could be the key to winning the conflict.
Whisper it quietly, but it’s nearly 2026. I know! Where did 2025 go to?! How does it feel like it’s gone so quickly? Anyway, with the new year nearly upon us, it’s often a time when people are thinking about new and exciting things they might like to do. Well… allow me to suggest a few hobbies or volunteering options you might like to take a look at as 2026 rolls in.
Volunteer for the National Trust or English Heritage
Two of our largest UK charitable institutions rely extensively on the help of their volunteers in order to keep their historic houses, beautiful gardens, and expansive wild spaces across the North open to the public. If you’re able to, volunteering for one of these institutions can be incredibly rewarding – my dad used to volunteer as a warden at UNESCO World Heritage Site Fountains Abbey (jointly run/owned by the National Trust and English Heritage), and spent hours up there, walking around (with our Labrador!) and helping guests. If looking after heritage (and potentially spending more time outside, if that’s a resolution you’re thinking about!) and being a part of telling the story of a place and its people, is something you’d be interested in, there are hundreds of properties and locations across the North at which to potentially volunteer. Check out the National Trust or English Heritage volunteering websites for more information.
There’s also many many many other amazingly charitable institutions that would love your help, if giving up a few hours of your time is something you think you might be able to achieve in the New Year. From the RSPB to the RNLI, these charities rely on their incredible volunteers to keep them going – so check out whichever cause you’re passionate about, and get involved!
Get involved with a local theatre company
Ever dreamed about treading the boards? Well, maybe 2026 is there year to try it! There are theatre companies in many towns and villages, and they’re always looking for new people to help stage shows – either to be in them, or to make them happen backstage. Just in my local area and the immediate vicinity there’s Lancaster Footlights (based at The Grand), MAODS (Morecambe Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society), LADOS (Lancaster Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society), Morecambe Warblers… the list goes on! If you’re interested in theatre, singing, dance, or getting involved backstage, then I guarantee there will be a company, charity, or organisation near you that will welcome you to their throng. And remember, if actually being on stage isn’t your thing, there are so many roles available backstage – from costume, to props, to chaperoning, to producing, to set building and painting – your skills are needed and very welcomed!
Get fitter with Parkrun or a community running/walking group
If it’s your resolution to try and do a bit more exercise in the new year, why not have a go at joining something like Parkrun (found in nearly every town and city across the UK these days, with 1381 locations!) where you can be part of a community to help support those goals? Even if you go along by yourself, you can feel as if there’s plenty of other people there with the same goal as you – to get outside and to do a bit of exercise. If Parkrun doesn’t sound like your thing, then how about looking for a community walking or hiking club? With a little bit of digging around Facebook, or dodging adverts on Google, you could find a group of likeminded people who will help you get out and about in your local area and further afield, making your goals more interesting, and more attainable in 2026.
Explore The North!
How about making your New Year’s Resolution this year all about exploring your local area, and finding the hidden gems, amazing places, and great local businesses that can be found there? I know that this is definitely going to be mine in 2026 – I want to find even more places across this beautiful area of the country and shout about it. We’ve got so much on our doorstep, whether you live in Morecambe or Malton, Ambleside or Alnwick, so go and explore what your local area has to offer. Perhaps make it a challenge? Try and find fifty places within fifty miles that you can visit, either by yourself or with family and friends, to really discover how beautiful and varied your local area can be!
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It’s often said that we don’t explore what is on our doorstep; that we go on trips and days out, often travelling miles, but we don’t really go out and see the things we could actually walk to.
So, that being said, here are some things you can do in Lancaster if you’ve lived here for years, that I bet most of you haven’t done yet!
Go To Lancaster Museum
Go on, be honest, have you ever actually been inside Lancaster Museum (next to the Library/near TK Maxx)? If the answer to that question is no, you absolutely should. The history of our city is much bigger than its somewhat diminutive size would suggest. From a Roman settlement, to being wrapped up in witch trials, to the less-than-storied participation in the Atlantic Slave Trade (did you know Lancaster was the third biggest port in the eighteenth century after Liverpool and Bristol? It was only because the Lune silted up that the trade drifted elsewhere). Lancaster Museum is spread out over two floors and is full of interesting information about the history of our city, very worth a visit!
Tour Lancaster Castle
If you’ve never been on a guided tour of Lancaster Castle, then it is well worth it. It only took me about eight years of living in the city before I actually got around to it!
Tours are usually done in groups of ten or less, so you get an excellent experience of being able to hear the guide/ask questions as the group moves around the open areas of the castle. The castle has over eight hundred years of history, from the high medieval gate house, Elizabethan additions (built for defensive reasons during the scare of the Spanish Armada), the history of the witch trials, the Georgian jail cells (try going in one – it’s scary and dark!), the Lancaster regiments participation in the wars of the twentieth century, before the castle was given over for use as HM Prison.
There’s also the courtroom to have a look around, as long as it isn’t in session. It’s the oldest working courtroom in Europe, and as someone who has been on a jury in there – it’s quite an interesting place to be! Not the most comfortable ever, but still…
The tour itself takes a couple of hours, and is well worth it to learn a little bit more about one of the most incredible buildings in our city.
Visit the Butterfly House
This is definitely one for the late spring/summer when the butterflies have had a chance to emerge from their chrysalises and put on a colourful display. The butterfly house can be found in Williamson Park, which is a wonderful place to have a wander around – whatever the weather/season!
Head to a Festival
Lancaster has any number of street/city festivals throughout the year – from Dino Fest, to Chinese New Year, Light Up Lancaster, Christmas in Lancaster, Italian Festival, the Jazz Festival, and (when it happens – hopefully in 2026!) Lancaster Music Festival. There’s a lot going on throughout the year in Lancaster, and often there’s something to check out in the city on the weekends. Often these events have lots of free aspects to them, whether it’s watching a live band, or a light show, so if you’re looking for activities that are kinder on your wallet, check when the festivals are scheduled and head along!
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As Christmas comes ever close and the Theatre becomes a hive of activity once again with not one, not two, but THREE pantomimes (Footlights, Schools’, and Adult), I thought I’d take a look at the historic venue that they will be taking place in. Having “trod the boards” in this historic theatre, I can say that it is a wonderful place to perform, and I can’t wait to get the chance to do so again.
Lancaster Grand Theatre is a Grade II listed building built in 1782, and has been a mainstay of Lancaster’s cultural scene since then. Originally just called “The Theatre” and part of the Northern Circuit of theatres, where touring groups and players would make the rounds with their shows. The Grand is now the only surviving venue in it’s original state. The Grand Theatre is the third oldest working theatre in Britain, and it has been in near continuous use since it was built, apart from the odd year here and there when it has been dark. Pretty good going for a theatre approaching it’s venerable 250th birthday!
In the first summer it opened, the theatre put on Hamlet, with Lady Macbeth being played by Sarah Siddons, a relation of one of the men who opened the theatre. Other performers included Ira Aldridge, who was the first Black British actor to appear on a UK stage.
There is a pervasive theatre myth that the ghost of Sarah Siddons haunts the venue. I mean, what would a theatre be without a good ghost story and a residential spirit? As someone who has spent quite a bit of time there, I have yet to meet her, although if I do, I do hope she’s friendly. After all, this was a place she loved to be! Hopefully she would appreciate everything the volunteers and players do to keep The Grand going and vibrant.
Ira Aldridge (1807?-1867) in the character of Othello
Theatre performances at the theatre declined through the 1830s and 1840s, but it was reopened in 1849 as a music hall with a focus on classical music, as well as having a space for a museum for the Natural History Society, and was increasingly used for lectures. Charles Dickens appeared twice in 1860s, reading from A Christmas Carol and The Pickwick Papers.
In 1897 the theatre was modified, including a new stage, by architect Frank Matcham, but the work of this architect was lost in 1908 when the building was badly damaged by fire. It reopened the same year, after significant restoration, as The Grand Theatre. In it’s currently form it seats 457 over two levels and is owned by Lancaster Footlights, an amateur dramatic group, who have been performing since the 1920s, but bought the theatre in 1951 for £7,000 to save it from demolition in the remodelling of the Canal Quarter in the city. This “remodelling” involved mass demolition of streets of old housing, in order to rebuild for “healthier,” more spaced out, housing.
Tours of the theatre that explore it’s history, both older and more recent, are available throughout the year, hosted by extremely knowledgeable volunteer tour guides. Check out Lancaster Grand’s website for more information of when you can visit and take a tour.
There is also very exciting things planned for the theatre’s future, and a major fundraising operation is ongoing to raise money for an extension to make a new foyer, and to make the building more accessible for all.
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