Lytham Festival kicks off TONIGHT - Teddy Swims, Pet Shop Boys, Pitbull and more set to rock the Fylde Coast

The wait is finally over as the festival gets underway tonight, Wednesday July 1, bringing a dazzling array of musical talent to the Lancashire coast.

The five-day extravaganza, running until Sunday July 5, is set to be bigger and better than ever, celebrating a decade and a half of incredible live music.

From chart-topping legends to global superstars, here’s your ultimate guide to what’s happening and how to make the most of it.

WHO’S ON – NIGHT BY NIGHT

Wednesday, July 1: Vocal star Teddy Swims headlines the opening night. Support comes from breakout vocalist and songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith and multi-instrumentalist Jordan Rakei.

Thursday, July 2: Seven-time Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and musician Alanis Morissette tops the bill on Thursday, supported by Skunk Anansie, guitar indie-pop band Pale Waves and Mercury-nominated The Big Moon.

Friday, July 3: International multi-award-winning superstar Michael Bublé is on headline duty on Friday. He is joined by singer-songwriter Ronan Keating, pop duo Appleton and Lancashire’s very own superstar DJ Graham Liver.

Saturday, July 4: Pet Shop Boys arrive on Saturday, in what’s a local show for Chris Lowe – one half of the most successful duo in UK music history – who originally hails from Blackpool. They’ll be supported by Scissor Sisters and Radio 1 DJ Dave Pearce.

Sunday, July 5: The closing night will see the first ever rap star to headline Lytham Festival when Pitbull takes to the stage.

He will be joined by special guest rapper and record producer Lil Jon, while Cuban-American rapper DJ Laz is set to open the show.

YOUR FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS:

GATES, PARKING AND FINISH TIMES

All gates open at 5pm each day. Official festival parking opens from 3pm. Entertainment is due to finish by 11pm Thursday to Saturday, and by 10.30pm on Sunday.

Show times are always subject to change. Festivalgoers are advised to arrive early and organisers encourage customers to download the official Lytham Festival app to keep up to date.

GETTING THERE: SHUTTLES, DROP-OFF AND BOOKING AHEAD

Ticket holders are advised to book travel in advance.

Shuttle buses run on routes between Preston and Lytham, and between Blackpool and Lytham. These can be booked in advance, along with official festival parking, Park and Ride and Big Green Coaches.

The official drop off/pick up zone is at Lowther Gardens, West Beach FY8 5QG.

TICKETS: MOBILE ENTRY AND APPS

If you’ve bought through Ticketmaster, tickets are Mobile Entry – meaning your phone is your ticket.

Before leaving for the festival, download your tickets to the Lytham Festival App.

For tickets bought via SEE, Bundle and AXS, customers are advised to check they download their tickets ahead of arriving at the festival.

BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE:

There will be an interpreter at every concert.

ACCESSIBILITY AND FACILITIES

Medical and welfare support is on hand throughout the event

POLICE GUIDANCE FOR A SAFE EVENT

Lancashire Police will have a visible presence across the festival, with support from specialist teams such as the Mounted Branch.

Superintendent James Black, Lancashire Police’s operations manager for the Blackpool and Fylde area, said: “We are excited to be supporting another brilliant Lytham Festival and to welcome visitors to our wonderful Fylde Coast.

“We have been working hard, alongside partners including Cuffe and Taylor, Fylde Council and other emergency services to ensure this event runs without issue.

“To make this happen, those attending the festival have an important role to play and we have a few reminders to share:

• Do not drive home after the event if you have been drinking– we have officers conducing roadside drug and alcohol tests to help keep Fylde’s roads safe;
• Drink responsibly and know your limits – make sure to also look out for friends who might have had too much to drink;
• Look after your valuables – mobile phones, cameras and wallets can all be stolen in large crowds, so ensure these are safely stored;
• Criminal activity of any type will not be tolerated – we have an increased police presence over the duration of the festival, including officers in plain clothes.”

Supt Black added: “This festival is all about joy, music, and being together and we’re here to protect that. If at any point you feel unsafe, please come and find us. We’re here to help, and you are never on your own.”

What to Bring (and Leave at Home)

Bags larger than A4 are not allowed and all bags are subject to search, so pack light to avoid delays.

Umbrellas, chairs, large cameras, recording kit, perfume or aftershave, glass or alcohol are not permitted.

Free water is available inside the venue, and you may bring one sealed water bottle (500ml max) and one empty reusable bottle per person.

Food and drink must be bought onsite unless you have a medical exemption with a doctor’s note. All food, bars and merchandise stalls are cashless—bring a card or contactless payment method.

Merchandise

Official festival and artist merchandise will be available for purchase inside the venue. For more information, ticket availability and updates, visit lythamfestival.com