Major changes for big day

Lytham Club Day committee has announced it has joined forces with Lytham Hall to host a special series of events at the historic Fylde site – with the Grade I-listed Georgian manor and its grounds being used to bring back a family-
focused afternoon and evening of entertainment.

Organisers want a family feel for the event on June 28, which in recent years has seen police target under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour.

Andrea Swindlehurst, festival co-ordinator, said: “As usual, the club day parade will go through the town, but instead of the Rose Queen being crowned at Lowther Pavilion, it will now take place at Lytham Hall.

“The afternoon will include a series of activities, including traditional stalls, donkey rides and sports sessions provided by AFC Fylde.

“People can bring picnics or buy from the stalls. In the evening, we will have entertainment, including a steel band and Gaelic band.”

Families can park at Serco in Ballam Road and catch heritage buses to the hall.

The special celebrations mark 120 years since Lytham Club Day was founded in its present form, and the decision to move the afternoon festivities follows a crackdown on bad behaviour by police.

Last year, officers boarded buses at South Shore in Blackpool to stop alcohol being taken into the town, while a booze ban was put on customers buying from shops.

Insp Mark Thackeray-Scott, Fylde’s new head of police, added: “In the past, there have been concerns about alcohol consumption, but things have improved over the years.

“This is another step to bring it back to being a family event.”

The lead-up to club day will include a heritage exhibition at the hall, featuring a collection of photographs and memorabilia from past events, while June 29 will see a church service at the hall, to celebrate the new Rose Queen, Isobel Russell.

Call Andrea on 07815 167562 for more information.