'We want young farmers to let off steam' - Blackpool braced for boisterous annual social event

Hundreds of young farmers are leaving their wellies at home to enjoy their annual bank holiday beano in Blackpool.

The celebration has been a regular date in the diary for the agricultural industry for many years. However, for the last few years it has not been officially sanctioned by the Federation of Young Farmers following episodes of anti-social and drunken behaviour in the 2017.

Originally known as the National Federation of Young Farmers AGM, it was cancelled in 2018, depriving more than 8,000 agricultural workers of a boozy seaside weekend. But in 2019 an unofficial 'DIY AGM' was created on Facebook and the traditional revelry continues to the present day.

A spokesman for the group said: "The aim of the new young farmers community is to uphold the reputation of young farmers, raise money for charities and provide an unrivalled social occasion for young farmers to let off steam."

This weekend's event will see young farmers partying in multiple venues in the resort, including Trilogy and PopWorld with special drinks officers and DJs. And the DIY event has been better received by local businesses than the notorious official AGM.

Bars and restaurants say the bank holiday visit is a welcome boot to Blackpool's night time economy. However, in 2019, the arrival of the unofficial AGM was received with trepidation. In 2017 there had been fights, vandalism and even the theft of a disabled child's bike.

NFYFC's then chair Lynsey Martin apologised for the behaviour of some of its members saying she was 'really sad and disappointed and ashamed' after watching a video showing young farmers stopping traffic on a busy road, kicking cars and abusing locals.

She added that ’the actions of a few have tarnished the reputation of so many’ and said the following year's celebration was on hold after consultation with the police.