Lytham's Wartime Weekend called off for second year

The event traditionally attracts tens of thousands of visitors and was due to be held this year on August 14 and 15.

But organisers Fylde Council have said lingering concerns over possible risk of Covid infection in large crowds less than two months after the planned removal of restrictions have prompted “the difficult decision” to cancel.

A statement from the council said: “While we understand the dates of the event would have been some time after stage four of the Government’s Covid Recovery Plan, there is still uncertainty around running large events in the summer with the formal approval only scheduled to be given in June.

“The Lytham 1940s Wartime Weekend is an event that is free to visit without the ability for the organisers to restrict large numbers attending both on Lytham Green and in the town centre.

“As such, maintaining social distancing both at the event, in the town centre and in the many marquees over the weekend would be extremely challenging.

“We appreciate we have not shared many details regarding whether the event will go ahead or not over recent weeks and months, but after much deliberation, it has been decided that timescales unfortunately would not allow the event to be planned properly.”

Tim Dixon, Fylde Council’s tourism and leisure manager, said: “We will always place public safety as our number one priority and with this in mind feel that cancelling the event, even in the position of Covid cases currently falling is the right thing to do given the uncertainties about hosting large scale events in the summer.”

“We have the full support of the event committee and we look forward to beginning planning for 2022 shortly.

“We look forward to welcoming you back to Lytham on August 20 and 21, 2022 for what we are sure will be a fantastic event.”

It is thanks to our loyal readers that we can continue to provide the trusted news, analysis and insight that matters to you. For unlimited access to our unrivalled local reporting, you can take out a subscription here and help support the work of our dedicated team of reporters.

Support us and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe