EAST Lancashire is gearing up for a fun weekend with community events set to draw thousands of revellers.

Thousands of visitors are set to visit Nelson town centre for the return of the annual Nelson Food and Drink Festival on Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

There will be dozens of stalls, a vast array of food and drink stands to sample, live samba dancing and an appearance from football freestyler John Farnworth.

In Blackburn, the music festival - Restricted Forest Part 2 - is set to return for the second year running. Fans of house, techno and old school will be able to party in Witton Park, Blackburn from 1pm to midnight.

The Kindness Caravan will be parked up in Blackburn Town Centre on Saturday from 11am to 3pm.

Sam Brady, failed Buddhist Monk and comedian, will invite people into the Kindness Caravan to tell him all about your thoughts on being kind.

The Best of British Wildlife Photography Awards exhibition is set to take centre stage at Towneley Hall, Burnley over the weekend.

The exhibition will feature a display of stunning wildlife from across the country.

The Community Solutions Summer Fayre will take place at Elmfield Hall, on Gatty Park in Accrington from 11am to 4pm.

The free family event will include a toy stall, a raffle, face painting, a penalty shoot out a bouncy castle and a heritage table.

Pendle Leisure Trust and Up & Active will be holding a Sports Day for all the family from 10am to 12pm at Seedhill Athletics and Fitness Centre, Nelson.

Party-goers will be interested in heading to the derelict Holy Trinity Church, on Mount Pleasant, Blackburn for a Top of the Pops-themed Confession festival on Saturday from 4pm to midnight.

On Sunday, Whalley and District Lions are set to hold a monthly Coffee Morning at Whalley Methodist Church from 10am to 12pm.