EAST Lancashire looks set for a bumper bank holiday weekend and while the Met Office doesn’t exactly promise sunshine, it has said that the weather is set to be ‘mostly dry’.

Blackburn’s Beer Festival kicks off the fun on Friday at 6pm at Blackburn Rugby Club.

A tasty selection of 60 real ales will be on tap for people to test as well as a variety of lagers and ciders. Tickets are £5 and the proceeds will go towards Blackburn Youth Zone so customers will be doing their bit for the community’s youngsters with each sip.

In Burnley, Friday will see the opening night of the Burnley International Rock and Blues festival with the return of British singer, pianist and guitarist Mike Sanchez, who has come to Burnley with his band since the first ever festival in 1988.

Venues across town will be getting involved and hosting live music until late on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Crown in Redearth Street in Darwen is also hosting its first beer, sausage and cider festival on Saturday to celebrate its first year anniversary.

For the more creative, the Platform Gallery in Clitheroe will host a craft exhibition from Saturday, featuring the work of makers from across the North West Elsewhere in the Ribble Valley, The Aspinall Arms in Hurst Green will host a family fun day on Sunday to celebrate its grand re-opening.

And for the history buffs, Great Harwood History Society will showcase the items and documents that it has aquired in Churchfield House from 10am until 4pm on Sunday and Monday.

There will also be an opportunity to seek advice on searching for your Great Harwood roots. Catherine Duckworth, will be hold drop-in sessions from 2pm.