Lytham Club Day parade cancelled for second year due to Covid-19

The Lytham Club Day committee has announced with a heavy heart its decision to cancel this year's annual celebration due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Lytham Club Day 2019Lytham Club Day 2019
Lytham Club Day 2019

The Rose Queen Festival, which was supposed to take place in June, has been axed for the second year running as there can be 'no certainties' about the state of coronavirus in the UK in the near future.

The historic festival had only been cancelled previously due to the First and Second World Wars.

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Club Day chairman Andrea Swindlehurst said: "We are keenly aware that, based on current advice, should we hold our usual parade and crowning ceremony we will be calling thousands of people to gather together without any sure way of ensuring their safety from Covid-19. If you have ever been on Westby Street whilst the parade is waiting to start, you will know how many people congregate within a small area and therefore a greater risk. It is because of that fact, coupled with the uncertainty at a time when we need to plan, that we have decided not to hold the parade or crowning ceremony again this year.

"We know this will be a blow to everyone at a time when we need something to look forward to, but we cannot leave our planning any later for a greater time of certainty, nor can we ask the Lytham community to carry on regardless in preparing for the day only to cancel nearer the time. I think we need to be clear now and not delay any further.

"However, that said, whilst we are cancelling the main elements of Club Day we will mark the day in a way that can be organised in less time with the benefit of up to date Government advice, and I personally think the bunting should go up.

"I know last year we promised that Club Day would be back bigger and better this year but I don’t think anyone could have foreseen how this last 12 months has panned out."

Lytham's current Rose Queen, Aisha Berry, will continue to hold the title and attend any official duties such as Remembrance Sunday.

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