Summer in Bury: Things To Do During the School Holidays

23 July 2026|3.6 min|

From foodie favourites and family workshops to heritage adventures, live music and creative activities, there’s plenty happening in Bury this summer.

Whether you’re looking for free family activities, a day out with the kids, somewhere to enjoy great food and drink, or entertainment across the August Bank Holiday, Bury town centre has something for everyone.

Plan your summer visit and discover what’s happening across Bury.


Bury BID Food & Drink Festival

Friday 24 – Sunday 26 July

Summer gets off to a delicious start as the Bury BID Food & Drink Festival returns to the town centre.

Enjoy a weekend celebrating the best of food, drink and hospitality, with independent producers, street food, live entertainment and family-friendly activities across Bury.

Festival highlights include:

  • Food and drink traders
  • Flavours from around the world
  • Live music and entertainment
  • Artisan stalls
  • Local bars, cafés and restaurants
  • Family-friendly activities

Friday night: Beers & Bands on Bank Street

Friday 24 July | 6pm–9.30pm

Start the weekend with an evening of live music, great atmosphere and local hospitality as Bank Street comes alive.

Festival weekend

Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 July | 10am–4pm

Explore the festival, visit Bury Market, discover independent businesses and enjoy everything the town centre has to offer.

Make a day of it in Bury this summer.

Find out more ->


The Rock’s Blooming Potting Shed

From Wednesday 22 July

Discover the beautiful Blooming Potting Shed in St John’s Square this summer.

This colourful floral installation provides the perfect backdrop before families can get creative with a series of FREE nature-themed workshops.

Free workshops include:

 – Design Your Own Ceramic Bird Feeder
 – Decorate Fun Wellington Boot Planters
 – Craft Wooden Wind Chimes
 – Make a Porcelain Hedgehog Feeder
 – Decorate Butterfly & Bee Ceramic Feeders

Workshop dates: Wednesdays from 29 July
Time: 11am–3pm
Location: St John’s Square

Sessions run every 30 minutes:

  • First session: 11am
  • Final session: 2.30pm

Each workshop lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Good to know:

  • Free, first come first served
  • Maximum 20 participants per session
  • Suitable for children aged 3+
  • Children must be supervised by an adult

Find out more ->


Get Creative at Bury Art Museum

Keep young minds busy this summer with creative workshops at Bury Art Museum.

Model Workshop

Saturday 25 July

A chance to design, create and experiment with Gunpla model making workshop.
10am – 4pm

Kids Craft Workshops

Thursday 30 July

Enjoy a fun-filled creative session perfect for young artists.

While you’re visiting, explore the museum’s exhibitions and discover more of Bury’s cultural history.


Discover History at The Fusilier Museum

Step back in time this summer at The Fusilier Museum.

Explore fascinating stories from the Lancashire Fusiliers and discover the collections that bring local history to life.

With family-friendly activities and events taking place throughout the holidays, it’s a great destination for curious minds and a brilliant rainy-day activity.

Find out more ->


Family Adventures at East Lancashire Railway

Climb aboard for a summer full of family adventures with the East Lancashire Railway.

From magical character experiences to themed adventures, there’s something for everyone.

Enjoy heritage railway journeys, live entertainment and activities at Bury Transport Museum.

Summer highlights include:

Day Out With Thomas
18–19 July

K-Pop Party
31 July

The Dino Adventure
7 August

Villain Academy
13 August

Goldilocks & Friends Teddy Bear Adventure
21 August

Peppa Pig
22 August

Wonderland Adventure
23 August

A great way to make memories and experience Bury from a different perspective.

Find out more ->


Glaston-Bury

Monday 31 August

Finish the summer holidays with one of Bury’s biggest annual celebrations.

Glaston-Bury brings live music, entertainment and festival atmosphere to the town centre for the August Bank Holiday.

Enjoy performances across venues, discover local talent and soak up the atmosphere as Bury comes alive with music.

Expect:

Live performances
Local artists and bands
Food and drink from town centre venues
A fantastic festival atmosphere

A brilliant way to round off summer in Bury.

Find out more ->


Make a Day of It in Bury

There’s plenty more to discover while you’re here.

✔ Browse the stalls at Bury Market
✔ Explore independent shops
✔ Enjoy cafés, restaurants and bars
✔ Visit attractions across the town centre
✔ Combine events with shopping and eating out

From festivals and family activities to heritage adventures and live entertainment, Bury is the perfect place to spend your summer.

Find out more ->