Lancaster has you covered with a diverse selection of cultural activities
However you like to take time out, Lancaster has you covered with a wide range of cultural activities.
From theatre, comedy, music, cinema and exhibitions to classical concerts and festivals, Lancaster has a great deal to offer in terms of arts and culture, with many events hosted on Bailrigg campus and many more hosted in and around the City of Lancaster.
We are Lancaster Arts and we make exciting contemporary performance, art and music happen with cutting edge artists from across the world, and you!
Lancaster Arts
We have over 160 student societies, offering a choice ranging from the Acapella Society to American Football, Comedy Institute, or African Caribbean Society. We also have a range of staff societies too. Our societies are a great way to meet new people, follow your interests, try new things, and find a community to be a part of at Lancaster. Get involved or come along and spectate.
Student societiesThe Great Hall is Lancaster's main performance space, and plays host to everything from concerts to graduation ceremonies.
The Nuffield Theatre brings professional and world-renowned contemporary performance and theatre to the Bailrigg campus.
Lancaster’s Peter Scott Gallery presents a varied programme of temporary exhibitions and associated talks.
The library building is at the heart of the campus. It is open to members of the University and for public access.
Explore the art and ideas of John Ruskin, writer, artist, and radical thinker. The Ruskin is temporarily closed for refurbishment, while our doors are closed, exhibitions and events take place off-site and online.
Fans of independent film and theatre can enjoy comedy and theatrical tours at fantastic venues. You can also catch all major box-office releases at the city's Vue Cinema.
Catch a variety of professional live theatre, including outdoor performances, alongside mainstream and cultural cinema screenings.
The oldest society on campus and the only on-campus cinema, run by students for students.
Lancaster's Grand Theatre hosts major tours and offers live entertainment ranging from comedy by top comics to drama, dance, music, and family events.
Our students can access BFI Player for free. You can enjoy hundreds of films, workshops, and masterclasses.
Third year BA (Hons) students at Lancaster University showcase their hard work in the Final Degree Show each year.
Degree Show
The annual inter-varsity competition between the students of Lancaster and York universities. Roses is one of the biggest events of the year!
Campus in the City is an initiative by Lancaster University to bring local people, academics and students together through exciting, fun and educational activities for all ages.
Transforming the streets, gardens and historical venues of Lancaster for one weekend every year is Light Up Lancaster, a spectacular free-of-charge festival celebrating work by local and international artists.
The Lancaster International Lecture Series is an exciting collaboration between the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Litfest (Lancaster Literature Festival).
The Confucius Institute aims to share an understanding of China and Mandarin Chinese to the North West. They offer Mandarin language classes and a variety of cultural classes to students, staff, the local community, local schools and businesses.
Lancaster University is always a proud supporter of Lancaster and Morecambe Pride.
Including thought-provoking lectures, immersive performances, panel events, dramatic readings, and captivating talks from well-known speakers and Lancaster academics.
There's big festival energy right on your doorstep. Make the most of your weekends with the region's largest open-air music festival, Highest Point, or try something different at the kitsch-filled Vintage by the Sea in nearby Morecambe.
Throughout the year, Lancaster hosts a number of lively festivals. Lancaster Music Festival, Highest Point and the Jazz Festival are particularly popular, filling the streets with live music and dance.
Other festivals, such as the annual Literature Festival, Light up Lancaster light festival, and Lancaster Chinese New Year Festival, make the city a fun and vibrant place to live.
Fans of independent film and theatre have the choice of fantastic venues that play host to major comedy and theatrical tours. Catch an indie film or original production at The Dukes or a major tour at the Grand Theatre. You can also catch all major box-office releases at the city's Vue Cinema.
Take a guided tour of Lancaster's historic castle and discover 1,000 years of history. Lancaster is also home to a number of museums and galleries, such as Arteria: Gallery 23, Lancaster City Museum and Lancaster Maritime Museum.
Take a guided tour of Lancaster's historic castle and discover 1,000 years of history.
Lancaster is home to several museums and galleries, such as Arteria: Gallery 23, Lancaster City Museum and Lancaster Maritime Museum.
The Regional Heritage Centre promotes and celebrates the rich social and cultural heritage of Northwest England by engaging with the regional community.
The latest spine photography exhibit is titled Take time to enjoy nature.
This exhibition has been co-created with staff and students to showcase the wonderful wildlife that can be seen here at Lancaster and at our partnerships overseas. Thank you to everyone who submitted photographs.
Take time to enjoy nature exhibitMore News
