DESPITE the summer drawing to a close, there are lots of things to do this weekend to make sure you make the most of it this bank holiday weekend.

The Great British Food Festival will kick things off at Stonyhurst College, with thousands of people expected to walk through its doors to sample a whole variety of goods.

There will be an artisan market, lots of chef demonstrations, an eating challenge area, a ‘cake-off’ competition and craft stalls.

There will be something for all the family including foraging walks, kids cookery classes, live music and bars.

Tickets are currently £8.10 for adults and £3.33 for children, with a family ticket, of two adults and three children, priced at £23.40.

The event will be open from 10am to 5pm each day.

The Darwen 1940’s day will return this weekend after it was rained off a fortnight ago.

The stalls and marquees, as well as a climbing wall, a living war museum, military vehicles, a tea dance, face painting, balloon modelling and more will come back and a full celebration is expected to take place in the town centre on Saturday.

Organiser, Samantha Taylor, said she was devastated about having to delay the event, but did not want to risk the stalls and marquees being blown about in the wind and rain.

Colne is readying itself to welcome approximately 20,000 music lovers to the town for the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival over the course of Bank Holiday Weekend.

For safety reasons, a few roads will be closed during the weekend, from 10am to 2am.

Albert Road will be closed from the Crown Hotel to the Duke of Lancaster as it merges onto Church Street.

New Market Street will be closed from just before the Hippodrome up to the main road.

New Market Street will also be closed on Friday afternoon.

Naomi Crewe, Colne Town Council’s events and facilities manager, said: “We’re hugely looking forward to this year’s event, especially as it’s the 30th anniversary for the festival.

“With so many free-to-enjoy events, plus on-street entertainment, wonderful food, a special festival ale, new venues, including the introduction of the Waterhouse Bar at the Town Hall, plus free face painting and more for children, this promises to be a special event for people of the local area. “And, we hear the weather will be kind to us, with a forecast of a sunny 20-plus degrees on Saturday.”

A summer science club is taking place at Helmshore Mills Textile Museum in Helmshore Road, Helmshore on Saturday.

Youngsters aged seven to 13 are welcome to take part in the event, which features learning about a variety of topics including chemical reactions, electrical circuits, the power water and more.

The event is free but a parent or guardian is required to stay with the child during the sessions.

Pre-booking is required as space is limited, sessions start at 10:30am and run until 12:30pm.

Anyone interested can call01706 226459 or email helmshoremuseum@lancashire.gov.uk.

Performing arts venue, The Boo, is having a community day at its centre in Bacup Road, Waterfoot on Saturday.

A venue spokesman said: “Head down to The Boo for an afternoon of food, music and craft, as we open our doors to celebrate our local communities in Waterfoot.

“Live music, games, crafts and culinary delights, it’s a great opportunity to meet other residents and form new friendships.

“We’ll also be running tours of our unique building throughout the day. No pre-booking needed just come along on the day.”

The event will take place from noon to 5pm.