The Great Hall
The Great Hall is Lancaster's main performance space, and plays host to everything from concerts to graduation ceremonies.
Cultural Lancaster
Lancaster has you covered with a diverse selection of cultural activities
However you like to take time out, Lancaster has you covered with a wide range of cultural activities.
From theatre, comedy, music, cinema and exhibitions to classical concerts and festivals, Lancaster has a great deal to offer in terms of arts and culture, with many events hosted on Bailrigg campus and many more hosted in and around the City of Lancaster.
Lancaster Arts: where ideas, creativity and people connect
We are Lancaster Arts and we make exciting contemporary performance, art and music happen with cutting edge artists from across the world, and you!
Lancaster Arts
Societies
We have over 160 student societies, offering you a choice from Acapella Society to K-Pop to Comedy Institute or Film Society. We also have a range of staff societies too. Our societies are a great way to meet new people, follow your interests, try new things, and find a community to be a part of at Lancaster. Get involved or come along and spectate.
Student societiesGalleries, libraries, museums and event spaces
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The Nuffield Theatre
The Nuffield Theatre brings professional and world-renowned contemporary performance and theatre to the Bailrigg campus.
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Peter Scott Gallery
Lancaster’s Peter Scott Gallery presents a varied programme of temporary exhibitions and associated talks.
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Lancaster University Library
The library building is at the heart of the campus. It is open to members of the University and for public access.
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The Ruskin
Explore the art and ideas of John Ruskin, writer, artist, and radical thinker. The Ruskin is temporarily closed for refurbishment, while our doors are closed, exhibitions and events take place off-site and online.
Film and theatre
Fans of independent film and theatre can enjoy comedy and theatrical tours at fantastic venues. You can also catch all major box-office releases at the city's Vue Cinema.
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The Dukes
Catch a variety of professional live theatre, including outdoor performances, alongside mainstream and cultural cinema screenings.
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Take 2 Cinema
The oldest society on campus and the only on-campus cinema, run by students for students.
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The Grand Theatre
Lancaster's Grand Theatre hosts major tours and offers live entertainment ranging from comedy by top comics to drama, dance, music, and family events.
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British Film Institute (BFI)
Our students can access BFI Player for free. You can enjoy hundreds of films, workshops, and masterclasses.
Lancaster University Degree Show
Third year BA (Hons) students at Lancaster University showcase their hard work in the Final Degree Show each year.
Degree Show
Festivals and cultural events
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Annual Roses event
The annual inter-varsity competition between the students of Lancaster and York universities. Roses is one of the biggest events of the year!
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Campus in the City
Campus in the City is an initiative by Lancaster University to bring local people, academics and students together through exciting, fun and educational activities for all ages.
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Light Up Lancaster
Transforming the streets, gardens and historical venues of Lancaster for one weekend every year is Light Up Lancaster, a spectacular free-of-charge festival celebrating work by local and international artists.
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Lancaster Words
Lancaster Words is a biannual festival celebrating the written and spoken word.
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Confucius Institute
The Confucius Institute offer language and culture courses from Chinese ink landscape painting to calligraphy and Tai Chi. Students, local schools, communities and businesses are all welcome.
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Lancaster Pride
Lancaster University is always a proud supporter of Lancaster and Morecambe Pride.
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Free Public Lecture Series
Including thought-provoking lectures, immersive performances, panel events, dramatic readings, and captivating talks from well-known speakers and Lancaster academics.
Big weekends
There's big festival energy right on your doorstep. Make the most of your weekends with the region's largest open-air music festival, Highest Point, or try something different at the kitsch-filled Vintage by the Sea in nearby Morecambe.
Music and festivals
Throughout the year, Lancaster hosts a number of lively festivals. Lancaster Music Festival, Highest Point and the Jazz Festival are particularly popular, filling the streets with live music and dance.
Arts festivals
Other festivals, such as the annual Literature Festival, Light up Lancaster light festival, and Lancaster Chinese New Year Festival, make the city a fun and vibrant place to live.
Theatre and film
Fans of independent film and theatre have the choice of fantastic venues that play host to major comedy and theatrical tours. Catch an indie film or original production at The Dukes or a major tour at the Grand Theatre. You can also catch all major box-office releases at the city's Vue Cinema.
Museums and galleries
Take a guided tour of Lancaster's historic castle and discover 1,000 years of history. Lancaster is also home to a number of museums and galleries, such as Arteria: Gallery 23, Lancaster City Museum and Lancaster Maritime Museum.
Heritage
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Lancaster Castle
Take a guided tour of Lancaster's historic castle and discover 1,000 years of history.
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Lancaster Museums
Lancaster is home to several museums and galleries, such as Arteria: Gallery 23, Lancaster City Museum and Lancaster Maritime Museum.
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Regional Heritage Centre
The Regional Heritage Centre promotes and celebrates the rich social and cultural heritage of Northwest England by engaging with the regional community.
Spine photography exhibit
Titled "60 Years of Lancaster University", the new exhibit showcases photos that celebrate the history and growth of the institution over the last six decades.
Spine photography exhibit archive
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