Whether you like music, cars or astronomy, the coastal town of Barrow has an event this summer that will be sure to entertain, and with much of it free to attend it need not break the budget either.


Locals and visitors alike are welcomed to the town throughout the summer and well into autumn, with the events aimed at all ages from children to pensioners and everyone in between.
Unity Festival on July 27, Queer 5 Alive on September 28 and Silver Sunday on October 6 all celebrate diversity and inclusion with live entertainment, activities and food and drink as the town comes together to celebrate all walks of life.
Competitive types can put together a team and take part in Barrow Soapbox Derby on August 17. For spectators, this wacky event sees home crafted carts race along a 350ft course through the town centre in the hope of being crowned champion – fastest first.
BarrowFull’s Playcations see a host of regular mini festivals come to town from late July to mid-August. These are free to attend and offer everything from dancing, film animation, giant board games and graffiti workshops to live music, including members of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, plus jam sessions and creative crafts.

The events take place at locations across the town on July 30 and August 1, 3, 6, 8 and 10.
Later in the year, musical fun returns to town from October 9-12. Barrow’s Music Festival sees a programme of live performances taking place across the town day and night, with special sessions to inspire youngsters.
Celebrate heritage at Barrow Festival of Built Heritage, where on September 6 and 7, various locations will hold tours, workshops, demonstrations and talks to educate and inform on the history of the town and its traditional building techniques.
If looking to the sky and stars sounds more appealing then on October 21, the planets, stars and beyond play centre stage at The Forum, with free science activities provided by BAE Systems.
As autumn takes hold, the seasonal Autumn Fest provides fun for all including pumpkin patches, creative workshops, carving and live entertainment on October 26, meanwhile on Halloween (October 31) spooky train rides through Barrow Park offer up fun for those brave enough to venture…
Finally, don’t forget to put a date in the diary for November 23 and celebrate the start of the festive season with Barrow Christmas Lights Switch On.
For full event listings and further information visit www.visitlakedistrict.com