Shops link up for Blackpool town centre fun day

Businesses on Blackpool’s Birley Street have organised the event to take place between 12noon and 4pm on Sunday.

As well as music from live bands, the sound system from the Brilliance arches will be in full use.

Circus skills, stalls, face-painting and bouncy castles will add to the entertainment.

Anna Wynne, of the West Coast Choc Cafe on Birley Street, said: “There are lots of independent businesses on Birley Street and we have decided to bring some life to the street and raise money for Trinity at the same time.

“We got in touch with the BID (business improvement district) and they are supporting us.

“Because of the traffic issues there hasn’t been able to be as many events in St John’s Square this year, so we thought why not have something here in Birley Street.

“All the businesses here thought it was a great idea.

“We’re also going to make full use of the arches. You can just plug your phone into them and the sound system is really good.

“Hopefully plenty of people will come along and make it a really great event.”

Stages will be installed along the street and bands from the Upbeat Rock Academy, which supports young musicians in the resort, will be providing entertainment.

The Brilliance arches, which are also a lighting installation, were put in place in 2009, funded by a £3.8m grant from the EU, the Government and the Northwest Regional Development Agency.