Two Lancashire activities are among the finalists in the Group Leisure & Travel Awards and you can vote for your favourite now.

The Blackpool Illuminations feature in the Best Event For Groups category while the East Lancashire Railway features in the Best Group Dining Experience category.

Explaining the categories, the Group Leisure & Travel Awards said: “We all know that enjoying a dining experience together as a group can be extremely memorable, but it’s not always easy to find places that cater well for larger parties.

“It could be a themed restaurant, hotel, resort, attraction or cruise line that has really delivered when it comes to group dining. Whether an unusual location, gourmet fare, good-value, or simply a great meal with fantastic service, vote for it in this category.”

It added that the Best Event For Groups category “applies to any events in the UK and overseas” and voters should “think about what has stood out for you” when casting their votes.

Two Lancashire experiences up for awards

The Blackpool Illuminations is a popular annual event which is praised well on Tripadvisor with a rating of 4/5 from 4,019 reviews.

One person said: “Great evening out with the kids, lights are still amazing and plenty else to do while you walk along. Just a bit cold!!”

Another said: “Went all the way through start to finish on illuminated tram train well worth it plenty still same but some great new ones as you get past the tower. Highly recommended”.

If you’re looking for something to do, the East Lancs Railway could be just the thing for you and your family.

Introducing the dining experience, its website says: “Join us on the East Lancashire Railway for a lunch, afternoon or evening of Dining with Distinction, as we transport you back to a time of effortless elegance, style, sophistication and superb first class service on our historic steam engines.

“It’s some of the best fine dining in Manchester, with food to rival the best restaurants in Lancashire.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

The East Lancashire Railway has a 4.5/5 rating on Tripadvisor from 2,189 reviews.

One visitor said: “We have had a great time at the East Lancashire Railway today. Its a national treasure in my opinion. It must take a massive amount of organisation and hard work to make the whole experience so very enjoyable. Thank you to all of them. We hope to return soon.”

Another commented: “I booked the Lancastrian Lunch for my parents, Aunt and Uncle - they had such a wonderful day that they asked me to leave a review. They came home absolutely buzzing with what a fabulous time they had, from the lovely food to the friendly and welcoming staff - they truly couldn’t recommend enough!

“The staff were brilliant, the train looked beautiful and the food was outstanding.”

You can see all the Awards categories and vote for your favourites via the website.

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How to vote for your favourite

Whether you’d like to vote for the Blackpool Illuminations or you think the East Lancashire Railway is deserving of an award, here’s how you can get voting.

It’s important to note the deadline for voting is Sunday, April 28 and you’ll need to click the ‘Submit Voting’ button once you’ve selected your options.

There are lots of categories but you only need to vote in the ones you’d like to.