What’s On in the Ribble Valley

Festivals, Markets, and Seasonal Celebrations

There is always a reason to celebrate in the Valley. From our world-renowned food festivals and agricultural shows to intimate live music in historic pubs, our calendar is packed year-round.

Plan your visit around these iconic local events.

🏛️ Cultural & Seasonal Highlights

St Paul’s Church Arts & Craft Fair

The Experience: A Saturday showcase of local craftsmanship. Ideal for those looking to discover unique handmade goods and support Ribble Valley artisans.
Date & Time: Saturday, 28th March 2026 | 10:30 – 15:00
Location: St Paul’s Church, Low Moor
Visitor Essentials: Perfect for a weekend stroll; combine this with a visit to the nearby Clitheroe town center for lunch.

Hidden Hoards & Fascinating Finds Exhibition

The Experience: Walk through thousands of years of Lancashire history. Highlights include a 4,000-year-old gold armlet and the famous Waddington Hoard.
Date: Ongoing throughout March 2026
Location: Clitheroe Castle Museum (BB7 1AZ)
Visitor Essentials: The museum is located at the top of the castle grounds, offering panoramic views of the valley. Paid parking is available at the foot of the hill.

🍺 Major Festivals & Weekenders

17th Clitheroe Beer Festival

The Experience: A cornerstone of the local social calendar featuring a massive selection of real ales and ciders in a historic hall setting.
Dates: 15th May – 16th May 2026
Time: 11:00 – 23:00 daily
Location: Assembly Hall of St. Michael and St. John’s, Clitheroe (BB7 1AD)
Visitor Essentials: Located centrally near the Clitheroe Interchange; using public transport (bus or rail) is highly recommended for attendees.

SeekOut Festival

The Experience: An immersive multi-day arts and music festival set in the forest. Expect a blend of family-friendly workshops, live music, and a community-focused atmosphere.
Dates: 24th July – 26th July 2026
Location: Gisburn Forest (exact forest sites vary by stage)
Visitor Essentials: This is a rural outdoor event. Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are essential, even in July. Check for camping availability in advance.

Ribble Valley Scooter Rally & Music Festival

26th September to the 28th September 2026 ( Friday to Sunday )

The Ribble Valley Scooter Rally & Music Festival is one of the most lively annual events in Clitheroe, bringing together scooter enthusiasts, live music, and a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Combining classic scooter culture with a weekend of entertainment, the event attracts visitors from across Lancashire and beyond.

A full weekend celebrating vintage scooter culture, classic 60s Mod fashion, and live music across the town.

Expect everything from R&B to Ska, with over 70 performances taking place in more than 20 venues, alongside Saturday trade stalls and a lively ride-in event.

From Friday through to Sunday, Clitheroe comes alive with Mod-inspired music and atmosphere.

On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of vintage scooters make their way from Ribchester into Clitheroe, arriving in a standout ride-in at around 1:30pm.

Visitors are encouraged to get involved—dress the part and soak up the spirit of the 1960s.’

🧺 Regular Market & Community Events

Clitheroe Market: Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. A traditional market located in the heart of town, perfect for picking up local Lancashire produce.
Tranquil Tuesdays: Every Tuesday morning at Ribblesdale Pool. Designed for those seeking a quieter, more relaxed swimming experience.
Clitheroe Repair Café: Held monthly (check specific dates at the venue). Bring your broken appliances, jewelry, or clothing to be fixed by local volunteers—a great way to save money and reduce waste. – Venue Address: Clitheroe United Reformed Church, Moor Lane, Clitheroe BB7 1AZ. Operating Hours: The café typically runs on the third Saturday of every month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (excluding August and December).

🗓️ 2026 Headline Events

Mark your calendars for the biggest dates in the Ribble Valley diary.

June Jazz Weekend (June 5th – 7th): While the main Jazz & Blues Festival takes a short break, don’t miss this compact, high-energy weekend of live music across Clitheroe.
The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show (July 3rd – 5th): A massive celebration of country life at Salesbury Hall. Expect livestock displays, stunt shows, and the finest local crafts.
Clitheroe Food Festival (Saturday, August 8th): The “Glastonbury of Food.” Join over 25,000 visitors for a day of incredible local produce, street food, and live entertainment.
Summer Steam Saturdays (August): Perfect for families—head to the Ribble Steam Railway for heritage train rides and museum discovery.

🛍️ Weekly & Monthly Markets

The heart of our market towns beat loudest on these days:

Clitheroe Market: Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. A traditional market since the 12th century.
Whalley Monthly Artisan Market: Usually the last Sunday of the month, featuring local makers and bakers.
The Platform Gallery Exhibitions: Rotating contemporary craft exhibitions in Clitheroe’s former railway station.

🎨 Arts, Music & Culture

The Grand Venue: Check their schedule for national touring bands, comedians, and cinema screenings.
Pub Quizzes & Live Sessions: Many of our local gastropubs host acoustic nights and quiz evenings mid-week.
Walking Festivals: Keep an eye out for seasonal guided walks through the Forest of Bowland.