Raising of the flag kicks off events

A flag-raising ceremony to mark St George's Day took place on Lytham Green.
A piper plays as the flag is unfurled. PIC BY ROB LOCK
23-4-2014 — A flag-raising ceremony to mark St George's Day took place on Lytham Green. A piper plays as the flag is unfurled. PIC BY ROB LOCK 23-4-2014

A full programme of events will take place today and across the weekend in Lytham following the raising of the flag in the town this week.

The annual Lytham St George’s Day Festival is now in its sixth year.

Tomorrow, businesses in the town are being challenged to put on the “best display of Britishness” in a contest to be judged by Coun Susan Fazackerley ahead of a huge parade through the town.

There will be a prize of £250 for the winner, £100 for the runner-up and £50 for third place.

Today sees a St George’s Day lunch at Lytham Green before the daytime parade tomorrow.

And Saturday evening is what organisers say is the highlight of the weekend – the Black Tie Ball at Lytham Green – while Sunday will see the finale of the event with the 10k Run Lytham race, followed by a Family Fun Day in the town featuring a variety of stalls and shows.

All the proceeds from the race will go to the ABF Soldier’s Charity.

A spokesman for the festival said: “Events such as this and Lytham Proms can only help enhance the town’s image and raise that profile, so we hope the whole business community will come together and get behind the event.”

For tickets or information on how you can get involved in any of the events this weekend, visit www.april23.co.uk or call (01253) 667420.