With temperatures rising and holidays looming, families across Scotland are looking for fun and affordable days out this summer.
Whether you are a music lover, history buff or just want to get out into the great outdoors there is something for everyone in Lanarkshire to help keep you occupied over the holiday period.
To kick off the summer holidays, Summerlee - the Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, will stage its very first Victorian Fun Day on Sunday 19 July (10.00am – 4.00pm). Admission is free and this fantastic family event offers the opportunity to enjoy a traditional fun-fair, Punch & Judy Shows, tram rides, steam engines and craft activities.
For equine lovers the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride will hold their annual Heavy Horse Show on Sunday July 19 (10.00am – 5.00pm). Get up close and see Clydesdale horses, Highland and Shetland ponies, donkeys and other heavy horse breeds at one of Scotland's largest heavy horse shows. As well as show classes, displays, agility courses there will also be the chance to watch tail dressing workshops. Entry is £6 for adults, £5 for concessions and children under 12 free.
If history is more your thing look no further than the Lanark Medieval Festival which will take place at Lanark Racecourse between 22 August until August 23 (10.00am – 5.00pm). Discover history through the ages with more than 40 activities spanning over 1800 years of history. Attractions include archery, falconery displays, a historic market, medieval musicians, circus skills, workshops and jugglers. Entry for adults is £6, tickets for OAPS and advance tickets cost £5 and children under 16 get in for just £1. A family ticket (2 adults, up to 4 children) costs £14.
However if you are looking for something a little more challenging then get along to Strathclyde Country Park on Saturday August 29 to take part in this years Great Scottish Swim. The Great Scottish Swim is a brand new one-mile mass participation open water swim and it is the first event of its kind in the region. The swim is open to those of all abilities, from world champions and club swimmers to swimmers who want a new challenge or those who want to get fit whilst raising money for charity.
For something a little more relaxing the 2009 Strathaven Balloon Festival will take place from August 28 until August 30 in Strathaven's John Hastie Park. This is a great opportunity to see a fantastic display of hot air balloons, guaranteed to make an impression on those on the ground. The hot air balloons will fly in the early morning and in the evening. There will also be stalls and activities for children and a vintage vehicle rally and a diverse range of musical entertainment.
The very first Motherwell Music Festival will run from 13 August until 29 August. Coming back to their roots, Scotland’s alternative rock band the Teenage Fan Club - originally from Bellshill -will take to the stage at the Motherwell Concert Hall on Thursday August 20.
Amongst some of the other bands performing are The Complete Stone Roses who will play on Friday August 21 and MacFloyd who will also entertain the crowds on Saturday August 22.
To round off the summer activities, New Lanark World Heritage Site will also host its popular Victorian Fair on Sunday September 6. This annual event is set to be bigger and better this year of the Homecoming. There'll be fantastic family entertainment including live music, singing, dancing, and street theatre. Enjoy the antics of clowns, magicians and Can Can dancers, plus there'll be many crafts stalls to look round too.
Stephen Balfour from Lanarkshire’s Tourism Marketing Partnership said: “We are really excited about the great events which are set to take place in Lanarkshire this summer. This year’s calendar looks set to be bigger and better than ever.
“If you are travelling further a field or live within Lanarkshire there is something for everyone, whether you are into music, history or are looking to get out and about and take in some of Lanarkshire’s stunning scenery. We are really looking forward to welcoming visitors to the area to enjoy some of the great spectacles which Lanarkshire has in store this summer.”