5 things to do this week in Central Lancashire & Fylde Coast inc a free festival

Preston

First up in Preston, The Lancashire Science Festival returns to the University of Central Lancashire on Saturday, May 17.

This is a biennial celebration of all things science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM), which aims to enthuse, inform and inspire the next generation, with a spectacular showcase of the wonders of STEM.

Running between 9am and 4pm, Lancashire Science Festival is free to attend but you must book a ticket online.

A small number workshops do however cost £1.50 with all proceeds going to the University’s Harris Bursary Fund.

Chorley

The comedian Tom Lawrinson is then bringing his new show ‘Buried Alive (and loving it)’ to the Chorley Theatre on Friday, May 16.

Everything is awful but that's okay, argues Tom in his ridiculously entertaining show about family and growing up in a Spanish subterranean cave.

Buried Alive (and loving it) promises to be for siblings who shared a rubbish childhood and comedy fans alike.

The show starts at 8pm and tickets are still available, costing £16

Blackpool

Over on the Fylde Coast, Pig Heart Boy is on at the Blackpool Grand Theatre between Wednesday, May 14 and Friday, May 16.

This is a bold and beautiful stage adaptation of the 1997 novel from multi-award winning writer Malorie Blackman OBE.

Pig Heart Boy explores the thought-provoking themes of childhood illness, identity and the profound choices we make to survive.

Tickets start from £15.50 with group and concession rates available.

Also in Blackpool, the Blackpool Dance Festival starts on Saturday, May 17 and continues until Tuesday, May 20.

Taking place at the Winter Gardens and covering a period of thirteen days, the May Blackpool Dance Festival is by far the largest of the five festivals held in Blackpool.

The festival covers Ballroom and Latin American dancing, incorporating the British Open Championships for adult amateur and professional couples, plus formation teams.

Tickets are £45.75.

Lytham St Annes

Finally, in Lytham St Annes, Fairhaven Lake is hosting a Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, May 17.

This charity boat race raises money for the Blues Skies Charity at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Running between 10am and 4pm, the event sold out last year so be quick if you want to take part in the race this year.

Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a newcomer eager to experience the thrill for the first time, the festival promises to be an unforgettable adventure that will make your heart beat like a drum.

It’s up to 17 people in a boat with registration costing £425 per team (£25pp) and the minimum sponsorship required by boat is £850 (£50pp).