Lancaster has a great deal to offer in terms of arts and culture with many events hosted on campus in the Lancaster Arts centre, and many more hosted in and around the City of Lancaster itself.

Lancaster Arts

Lancaster Arts host regular performances from leading names from the world of theatre, comedy, music and dance. Lancaster Arts also includes the Peter Scott Gallery for art exhibitions as well as informal talks and workshops.

Music

Lancaster is home to a vibrant music scene, with many pubs hosting regular live music and open mic nights throughout the year. There is also the annual Lancaster Music Festival which takes place in October each year with hundreds of acts performing at over 40 locations across the City.

Theatre and cinema

The Dukes in Lancaster hosts a mixture of modern films and big screen theatre productions and events in its Artists Hub. Also one not to miss is the annual Play in the Park - where you (the audience) travel through the park to each scene.

There is also a Vue cinema in the centre of Lancaster, and if travelling off campus is too much for you, we even have our very own campus cinema, Take 2.

Arts events

Lancaster Arts City hosts details on a wide range of arts-related events hosted in and around Lancaster, including events at partners including the Dukes and the Storey, which often hosts art exhibitions.

You will also find a range of arts-based festivals organised throughout the year. Lancaster Words for example a literary festival organised by the University’s Department of English Literature and Creative Writing. While Litfest is a separate event that also takes place in Lancaster with a March Festival and a mini Autumn Festival too.

Away from literature, you can also look forward to the annual ‘Light Up Lancaster’ festival of light and art - in 2024 this has expanded to include an Explore Week (21-25 October) run in conjunction with the university, and a main festival, 7-9 November.

Other things to see and do

The local Visitor Information website can be found here, and includes information about lots of things to see and do, including

• Outdoor attractions,
• Nature and countryside,
• Local events,
• Shopping and relaxation,
• Places to eat and drink,

There are also several nature reserves and wildlife spots not too far out of the City, including RSPB Leighton Moss.