THE year 2018 is now coming to an end after a memorable 12 months which has included World Cup hysteria, two Royal weddings and Brexit drama.

As we approach 2019 the Lancashire Telegraph has decided to look at some exciting New Year's events, which will take place across East Lancashire. They include winter walks, shows at the theatre and fancy dress parties.

1) The Firepit, Rawtenstall

"This is the greatest show!" - that's what guests at The Firepit in Rawtenstall will be singing on New Year's Eve as bosses host a fancy dress party based off the 2017 film musical, The Greatest Showman.

It will not only include people dressed up as Hugh Jackman's character, Phineas Barnum, but also a dinner, live music entertainment and a DJ set, from 11pm to 5am, with party tunes to dance the night away.

The event will start from 6pm and is strictly ticket only, which can be purchased online via the Station Court restaurant's website.

2) Blackburn's Empire Theatre

The swashbuckling adventure Peter Pan is usually flying to Neverland but has been based in Blackburn over the last 30 days. One of the final showings of Peter Pan: The Pantomime will be performed on New Year's Eve at Blackburn Empire Theatre, on Aqueduct Road. People can still purchase tickets for the production online, which will cost £10 for a child and £14 for an adult.

3) The Bridgewater, Darwen

A glam masquerade ball will be held in the recently refurbished Darwen pub, The Bridgewater. Free masks will be given to guests on a first come first served basis with drinks deals on offer throughout the night. A DJ will also be performing a live set from 10pm and guests have been told to warm their dancing shoes on the floor of the Church Street pub, which invested £100,000 in a makeover three months ago.

4) East Lancashire cinemas

Whether you want to head to Vue cinema in Accrington and Blackburn or Reel cinema in Burnley, there are still plenty of exciting films to watch as 2018 comes to a close. Some recent releases have included the Disney sequel, Mary Poppins Returns while actor Benedict Cumberbatch voices the Grinch in the new 2018 remake of Dr. Suess' story. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly team up again to play in the Sherlock Holmes spoof, Holmes and Watson. Other movies include Ralph Breaks the Internet and Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse.

5) Darwen Tower

Darwen Tower has been named as one of the 10 great winter walks in the UK, according to The Guardian newspaper. People can embark on the four-mile stroll with great views of the West Pennines or walk onto the moors and up to Darwen Tower. With the mildly warm climate and with snow yet to fall this winter (and let's hope it doesn't) it might be a fantastic idea to take a walk on the wild side.

6) Clitheroe Castle

Christmas might have finished but the festive period isn't quite done yet as the final hunt is on for Santa's lost presents. The Clitheroe Castle event has been taking place for the last 30 days but the last one is set for New Year's Eve. The aim is to find Santa's lost presents in the museum and participants are in with a chance to win a free bag of goodies from the museum shop. A winner will be announced after today's final event.

7) Black Dog, Oswaldtwistle

Named as runners up in the dog friendly awards this year, bosses at The Black Dog, Oswaldtwistle are hosting another New Year's bash. They were one of 1900 pubs to enter the competition and it's not 'barking' mad to think this is a good end of year party to celebrate their achievement. Landlady Emma Kearney and husband Colin Manford will be hosting a karaoke and live DJ set. It is also free entry for anyone who wants to attend, with last admission at 11.30pm.

8) Blind Tiger, Rawtenstall

For people who want to travel back to the 1980s and relive soundtracks from artists such as Wham, David Bowie, Elton John and Kool and the Gang, this might be the event for you. Rawtenstall's Blind Tiger will be hosting a New Year's Eve 80's kitchen party featuring DJ John Leather. The wide range of music performed at the free event will also include movie soundtracks from The Blues Brothers, Goonies, Footloose, Dirty Dancing and Karate Kid.

9) The Crown, Darwen

The party celebrations start from 7pm on Redearth Road this New Year as The Crown hosts its New Year's Eve bash. There will be several party games and free shots are even on offer. A DJ will also be hosting a live set and it's free for anyone to attend - no tickets needed.

10) Bees Knees, Blackburn

One of the most popular venues in Blackburn town centre will be hosting a big party to celebrate the New Year. There will be plenty of cheap drinks deals on offer and a live DJ set from 9pm to 3am.