Ferry traders organise talent show

So they have now formed their own business group, called Beside the Seaside, to increase footfall and customers in the area of The Esplanade, which overlooks the River Wyre estuary.

Despite the pleasant location, the terrace of shops is around half a mile from the main town centre and the varied array of businesses there say passing trade is often limited.

To encourage trade, the group has organised an event, The Esplanade’s Got Talent, and is inviting performers to sign up for the show.

It will take place along The Esplanade, between the Ferry Cafe and the Craig McOmish’s Fleetwood Beach Kiosk, over the weekend of Saturday April 30 and Sunday May 1, between 10am and 4pm.

One of the founders of the group is Lee Preston-Stefani, who has been the manager of the Harbour Lights Amusements for more than 20 years.

Lee said: “Sometimes we can feel a bit isolated here because of our location.

“We are slightly out of the way and even on big days like Tram Sunday and Fleetwood Carnival, we are not really at the centre of the action.

“There are some excellent shops here so have decided to help ourselves by bringing more people in and may hold events on a monthly basis.”

The terrace of businesses includes the Ferry Cafe, Quay Cuts Barbers, Glazey Days pottery, Kerry Reilly Photography, Jobs Toys and The Tattooed Arms tattooist, while Craig McOmish at the nearby ice cream kiosk has joined the group as well.

The traders have been helped by Fleetwood businessman Paul Haslam.

Anyone who wants to take part in the The Esplanade’s Got Talent can pick up a form at Northern Lights, or visit the Beside the Seaside website.