People travelling by train across East Lancashire over this Bank Holiday weekend should plan ahead as train strikes are set to disrupt plans.

There are some great events to entertain the family this weekend, with 11 taking place across Lancashire but the strikes are expected to cause chaos, as 20,000 RMT union members strike as part of a dispute over pay.

The latest RMT union will take place tomorrow (August 26), but services are also likely to be affected for the whole period between Friday, August 25 and Monday, August 28.

Events taking place on Saturday:

1. The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival, Colne (August 25-27)

The event which host some of the world’s top rhythm and blues musicians and performers is set to fall on the strike day so plan ahead to avoid missing the one of a kind UK festival.

2. St Anne’s on the Sea Music Festival, St Anne’s (August 25-28)

Twenty bands will take to the Main Stage at Ashton Gardens under the marquee with the additional Pavilion Stage providing more choice. Saturday#s theme is pop and party so if you were planning on using train services to get to the seaside town then you’ll need alternative plans.

3. Quayfest II, Lancaster (August 25-28)

The Saturday will see a street performance from Batala Lancaster, a local samba band, which will move down the Quay from its starting point at Millenium Bridge. If you were initially planning on taking the train down on the Saturday, you might want to reconsider and travel down today. The Wagon and Horses nearby has a number of rooms to book.

4. Amazing Accrington Soapbox Challenge, Accrington (August 26)

The popular event attracted over 15,000 people to the town last year and was a huge success so make sure you don’t miss out on an entertaining day because of travel disruptions.

5. Rockfest, Blackburn (August 26)

This year the bands playing include Liberty Slaves, Assassin, Unknown Refuge, Redhead, Northern Alibi and a host DJ. The Hampton by Hilton Blackburn is nearby so if you were planning on getting the last train home, booking a room might save you the headache of organising alternative transport.

6. Lowther Pavilion World Food & Drink Festival, Lytham (August 26-28)

There will be a huge range of stalls, free family entertainment and more at the Lowther Pavilion Gardens so make sure you don’t miss out.

7. Monster Takeover, Affinity Lancashire, Fleetwood (August 26-28)

Affinity Lancashire is set to be invaded by giant Monsters over the August Bank Holiday weekend with a monsters meet up and crafts on the Saturday. There isn’t a train station in Fleetwood so plans for this event are less likely to be disrupted but plan ahead to avoid traffic chaos.

Northern chief operating officer Tricia Williams said: “We know these RMT strikes will cause disruption to the general public. Whilst this is only a one-day strike, it falls right in the middle of the busy August bank holiday weekend and will impact people trying to get to major events taking place across region, including Manchester United and Everton football fixtures, York Races, Leeds Festival, Creamfields and Manchester Pride.

“The RMT is still refusing to put the latest pay offer negotiated on behalf of train operators to a vote by their members and it is unfortunate that these strikes continue for their second summer.”

Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar advises families and friends to plan drives in advance. He said: “With so many people often having plans to travel over the bank holiday, it’s always good to prepare ahead of the journey to make travelling easier.

“Avoiding peak times by setting off earlier or in the evenings can help drivers to avoid the worst of traffic. By planning ahead of the trip it can ensure drivers choose less congested routes which may drive up fuel consumption. And, using the Sat Nav will help drivers stay aware of any delays, diversions and get the latest traffic updates.

“The most important thing when getting around over the bank holiday weekend is that drivers and their vehicles are prepared for their journey.”