'Hugely busy' weekend of free interactive events

Robot races, sword fighting and knitting a giant football scarf are among a host of activities taking place in Lancashire this weekend.

Libraries and buildings are becoming "fun palaces" in an annual programme of events using arts, crafts, science, technology and digital skills.

Last year more than 8,500 people attended the events across the county.

Free events are being planned at 16 of Lancashire's libraries along with Clitheroe Castle Museum, Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham and Lancashire Archives in Preston.

Ingol library is welcoming Preston North End Community and Education Trust who will get visitors to start work knitting a giant scarf in the club's colours.

The library's knitting group will be available to help those who cannot knit.

Plans are in place for the scarf to be carried around the pitch at Deepdale stadium next year.

Another of the events is a Sense and Sensibility dance demonstration by Preston Folk Dance Club.

Ingol library officer Jennifer Ray said: "Because we’re a library I tried to link it around a Jane Austen book.

"The dancers are coming in period costume to do a demonstration and then other members can guide everyone else who wants to join in."

Lancaster library's planned events include a crystal growing session with the chemistry department from Lancaster University and the chance to add to artwork of a map showing what Lancaster looked like in the 1600s.

David Webster, the library officer at Lancaster Library, said: "It's always hugely busy, there's something for everyone. There's no charge and everything is interactive."

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