Introduction
Studying for your degree is important but it’s also important to have a healthy balance of work and play.
Luckily for you, Lancaster is jam packed with parties, theatre and activities to keep you busy in your down time.
Now that it’s time for the uni year to kick off again, we’ve got a huge lineup of events this semester and beyond.
With every venue from Kanteena to The Grand hosting some sort of party or show this year, you’re not going to be left at a loose end.
Here we’ll be detailing everything from parties, to comedy, to university events throughout the year.
We’ll be updating this calendar throughout the school year so save it, share it and make sure you don’t lose it if you want to stay in the loop.
Hopefully you’re all settled into your student accommodation so for now, we can get on to the fun part!
September
Disco Inferno 14th-16th September
The Lancaster Grand presents the ultimate disco night of 2022, just in time for Fresher’s. Find some flares, some sequins and put on your dancing shoes because you won’t want to miss this one.
Just don’t mention it to your parents or they won’t want to leave.
October
Freshers Week Party 1st October
As always, we’ve got fresher’s week kicking off the 22/23 year. Three nights of partying with Foam parties, UV parties, fancy dress and huge prizes to be won. One wristband gets you access to all three events, plus a free Boohoo hoodie.
No tickets on the door so get your wristband before they sell out to avoid disappointment.
Call Me Maybe Kanteena 2010s Party 7th October
Coming in like a wrecking ball we’ve got Call Me Maybe, the number one party for all things 2010s.
Expect to hear: One Direction / Miley Cyrus / Taylor Swift / Katy Perry / Drake / Justin Bieber / Ariana Grande / Ava Max / Ed Sheeran / Sia / Macklemore & Ryan Lewis / Rihanna / Demi Lovato / Little Mix / Selena Gomez / Carly Rae Jepsen / Halsey / Billie Eilish / Avril Lavigne / Adele and many more!
Charity Kilo Vintage Sale 8th October
Keeping things wholesome in the middle of the freshers' fun (and keeping you clothed) is the ‘Worth The Weight’ vintage fair - The UK’s largest vintage kilo sale.
They’ll be bringing along 9 tonnes of hand-picked vintage wear at just £20 a kilo!
Lancaster Music Festival - 13th-16th October
Spanning 3 days, with 200+ artists performing across 50 venues, the Lancaster music festival has something for everyone. Whether it’s classical, country, rock or punk you’ll be sure to find something you love, or maybe even something new to try.
Undergraduate open day 15th October
Join us at Lancaster university to see the school and what it’s all about.
Lancaster University runs regular open days so check out their events page for other dates.
Sugarhouse Presents: Lottery Winners 15th October
As one of the headline acts of the Lancaster Music Festival, the Lottery Winners bring their blend of indie, pop and punk to one of the biggest party venues of Lancaster, Sugarhouse.
So Fetch Kanteena 2000s Party 21st October
The mean girls out there know that Fridays are for jeans or track pants, but this Friday is all about the biggest hits of the noughties.
Think Britney Spears to Avril Lavigne. McFly to Usher. Rihanna to Gwen Stefani. Justin Timberlake to Busted. Beyonce to Amy Winehouse.
Witches & Wizards School of Excellence 27th October
Join the witches and Wizards of Kanteena for a day off magic. Find out whether you’ve got what it takes to join the wizarding world, mixing potions and mastering spells.
Ritual Noise Trick or Treat Hallowe’en Party at Kanteena 28th October
Mixing things up for the biggest night of the uni social calendar is Ritual Noise. A celebration of all things alt electronic (with some spooky twists). If you like bass, industrial techno sounds and the occult, this is the place to spend halloween.
Black parade - 00's emo anthems at Kanteena 28th October
Kanteena will also be hosting the ultimate emo anthems halloween party, just downstairs from Ritual noise. Think My Chemical Romance, Panic! At the Disco, Paramore and beyond.
Annual Halloween Event ‘Eat, Drink, and Be Scary’ at Wyreside Lakes 28th October
Situated in the beautiful setting of the Wyreside lakes, this halloween ball will be one to remember.
It’s free to attend with games and prizes to be won all evening.
November
Light up Lancaster 4th and 5th November
The light up festival brings a brand new interactive art piece to Lancaster Castle. Featuring a 10 minute state of the art light display, beamed onto the side of the castle, with an accompanying soundtrack and choir.
You can even get involved and apply to be part of the choir.
Lindy by the Lune 11th- 13th November
Get ready for 2 days of jiving, jitterbugging and charleston-ing. Hosted by the Lancaster Swing Dance Society, Lindy by the Lune is open and welcoming to dancers of all abilities.
Chris Singleton: How to be a Better Human 18th November
Chris Singleton is a comedian and writer bringing his latest show - How to be a Better Human - to Lancaster. Here he talks about losing his Father and his wife, how grief has affected him but also how it can shape you in a positive way.
December
Get your fill of Christmas cheer before the term break at the Lancaster Christmas Markets.
Hosted at Lancaster Brewery join us for a festive feast, drinks and gifts over 3 days.
With dozens of stalls there’ll be something for everyone.
And, since Christmas is the time of giving, there’ll be a host of stalls selling gifts including some of our favourite charities.
January
315 Winter 5k 7th January
For the fitness freaks out there 3-1-5 will be hosting their (slightly colder) 5k race.
Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac Legacy 13th January
Discover the life and career of the legendary Fleetwood Mac in Lancaster’s home of theatre, the Grand. With award-winning musicians covering all of Fleetwood’s greatest hits
February
Ginny Lemon & Sister Sister: You Keep Me Hangin’ On Tour 1st February
Get ready to slay the night away with Drag Race UK season 2 stars Ginny Lemon & Sister Sister. Everyone’s favourite least favourite queens bring their sellout show to the Grand.
Lost in Music - 10th February
Come to the Manchester Grand for an evening of celebrating all things 70s. The era that gave us disco, Abba and tie dye comes back to Lancaster so shake off your disco ball and shine your platforms because it’s going to be a big one.
March
Beans on Toast at Kanteena 5th March
Outlaw folk act Beans on Toast comes to Kanteena as part of his UK tour. Expect high energy and high optimism folk music celebrating life and love.
Introduction to clowning 26th March
Ever wondered what you’d look like with a red nose and size 20 feet? Well Introduction to clowning will give you the opportunity to explore your playful, comedic side and find out whether you’ve got what it takes to work the big top.
April
Northern Live - Do I Love You? 06th April
Keeping the Faith to the original sounds of the underground movement that started on the dance floors in the North and eventually swept the nation. Northern Live brings you the sounds of the British working class through the 60s and 70s.
Big Jump Sky Dive 29th April
Thrill seekers and losers of bets unite! Take to the skies (and then rapidly to the ground) all in the name of charity with the Big Jump Sky Dive. After reaching a height of 10,000ft you’ll make the 120mph trip back down to the ground. Not scary at all.
May
Highest Point Festival 11th-14th May
After the success of last year’s festival, highest point festival returns for 3 days of music at Williamson park. Last time they brought us Rick Astley, Rudimental and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man so this year’s lineup is sure to impress.