TEMPERATURES are set to rise this weekend in time for a bumper few days of activities across East Lancashire.

The mercury will reach 17C on Saturday after a wash-out over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The rain clouds are set to disappear and be replaced by sunshine over Saturday and Sunday with just the one short shower expected on Sunday afternoon.

The weekend’s main event is the return of the annual Boo's Puppet Festival in Rossendale.

The free Waterfoot event will feature an adaptation of Handa's Surprise, a behind the scenes comedy with Wolfie, star of Red Riding Hood plus Eggy and Peggy, a fairy tale feast with a soundtrack.

There will also be a number of free performances, workshops and crazy walkabout creatures plus a family friendly cafe.

A War of the Roses weekend will take place at Hoghton Tower giving people the chance to immerse themselves in the 15th century.

For the whole weekend, the tower will be transformed with living history displays of craftsmen, soldiers and everyday life from the era of Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen, and Richard III. There will be showcases of the firepower of the 15th century, archery, hand guns and cannon demonstrations and talks about each weapon.

The Haworth Art Gallery in Accrington will be hosting an exhibition by the town’s camera club on Saturday, with the doors opening at noon.

Sunday will see a fun day being staged at Huntley’s Farm in the Ribble Valley for the opening of Mellor Dog School, from 11am to 4pm.

A farmers’ market will take place at Helmshore Textile Museum from 9am to 2pm.

Jimmy Cricket’s Madcap Music Hall will be staged at the Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn, from 2.30pm.

The annual Band In The Park event in Padiham Memorial Park will also be staged on Sunday. It will feature the Accrington Pals Band from 2pm to 4pm.

And an exhibition is to be staged by the Model Railway Club in Darwen on Saturday. The show will raise money for the East Lancashire Hospice and will take place at the Masonic Hall in Hawkshaw Avenue from 10am to 4pm.