THOUSANDS of people across the county are set to celebrate all things Lancastrian later this week as part of the annual Lancashire Day.

The red rose flag will be hoisted above town halls and proclamations read out on their steps as events are held from the Fylde Coast to Earby and from Carnforth to Widnes.

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Lancashire Day marks the date in 1295 when the first elected representatives from the county were called to Westminster by King Edward I to attend what later became known as ‘The Model Parliament’.

In East Lancashire special events will be staged all day on Thursday including at Accrington Town Hall where a proclamation will be read out by the town crier from 10.30am which will be followed by the raising of the Lancashire flag.

Market stalls, live music and dancing will be staged in Nelson town centre from 11am to mark the day ahead of the Christmas light switch on.

Historically accurate street ballads, mill songs and music hall monologues will be performed this year at Queen Street Mill Textile Museum in Harle Syke, Burnley, from noon and a proclamation will be read out in Market Place, Clitheroe, from noon by the town crier.

Great Harwood will be honouring the day from noon where the civic society will provide Lancashire bites at Churchfield House in Church Street.

Residents can also celebrate the day by wearing a red rose and joining in drinking the Loyal Toast to The Queen, Duke of Lancaster at 9pm.

A ‘Lancashire Get Together’ will be held at Bacup Library from 10.30am to 2.30pm on Wednesday where there will be Lancashire-themed quiz and a showcase of local history.

A celebration will also be held at Helmshore Mill in Holcombe Road, Rossendale, from noon to 3pm on Thursday.

Visitors will be invited to practice their Lancashire accent as well as enjoy a traditional fair.

Poet Dean Fraser will take to the stage be at Brockholes Nature Reserve from 2pm to 3.30pm when tales will be told inspired by about historic and contemporary Lancashire.

County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, cabinet member for cultural services, said: “There are lots of interesting events taking place that celebrate different aspects of our wonderful county including stories, songs and poems, as well as food tasting and even a demonstration of clog dancing.

“It’s an opportunity to find out more about the county’s history and heritage, while celebrating some of the many things that make the county such a great place.”

As part of the historic day, Marketing Lancashire has launched a hashtag ‘#WhereLifeFeelsGood’ in order to try and raise the profile of events that will be staged.

Ruth Connor, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, said “More people than ever are sharing their travel experiences or days-out through social media channels, making locations all over the world much more accessible.

“In 2013 we reached more than 13 million people through our Lancashire Day activities and this year we would like to go even further.

“There are so many wonderful places, life-enhancing activities, inspiring views and delicious things to enjoy in Lancashire; this campaign will provide the world with an insight into why life really does feel good in Lancashire and hopefully inspire more people to visit and experience our famous hospitality for themselves.”

Curated by the Friends of Real Lancashire, Lancashire Day was first observed in 1996 and is open to celebration from everywhere within the county palatine.

Check out Friday’s Lancashire Telegraph for pictures of the events.