Come to Nelson for a taste of Lancashire

Potted shrimps from Morecambe, organic cheese from Chipping, sausages from Accrington and fudge from Preston are just some of the tasty treats on offer.

Chef's from the Sparrow Hawk in Fence will be giving three cookery demonstrations using locally sourced produce.

And Nelson's own Slater's Ice Creams will have a town centre stall too.

The county's largest Lancashire Day celebrations will take place in Nelson town centre this Saturday (27 November) from 11am.

As well as all the Lancashire food on offer, there'll be music from Nelson Brass Band.

And no celebration of Lancashire life would be complete without some traditional clog dancing.

You can join in traditional street games - such as whip and top - outside the library at 1pm and 2pm and 2.30pm.

Pop inside the library to research your Lancashire family history - 'Who Do You Think You Are?' style.

At 3pm librarians will be leading a Nelson town centre history walk - you don't have to book; just turn up at the library to join in.

In the town centre, there's even the chance to try out some Lancashire arts and crafts including making jewellery, beeswax candles and stained glass gifts.

His Worship The Mayor of Pendle, Councillor Tony Beckett, said:

"Lancashire Day is an important local event which celebrates the rich history of our county.

"In Nelson it's going to be a truly marvellous event.

"I'm so proud that we host the county's largest Lancashire Day celebrations that I've invited along many other Mayors and civic heads from across Lancashire."

Around 13 other Mayors and civic heads are expected on Saturday.

The Lancashire Day event will be opened at 11am by the High Sheriff of Lancashire, Dennis G Mendoros OBE, DL, FRAeS.

Then the Town Crier, who is also the Mayor of Pendle - Councillor Tony Beckett - will read the official Lancashire Day proclamation.

He'll read it again every hour on the hour until 3pm.

For children there'll be a wide choice of funfair rides, as well as free skating on a special town centre ice rink. 

And keeping families entertained from 3pm is street entertainer Dan Collins.

He'll be around in the town centre with his Suitcase Circus right up until the switch-on of the Christmas lights at 6.30pm.

Councillor Nadeem Younis, Chair of Nelson Area Committee, which contributed funding for the ice rink, said:

"We're looking forward to welcoming lots of visitors to celebrate all the great things about Lancashire"

Nelson Brass Band will be playing Christmas carols in the town centre right up until the lights switch-on - why not come and sing along?

For more information on Nelson's Lancashire Day celebrations and the Christmas lights switch-on, go to http://www.visitpendle.com/.

And for more information on Lancashire Day, go to the Friends of Real Lancashire website: http://www.forl.co.uk/.