For as long as I can remember every year when St. George’s Day came around the same old conversations took place. We should be proud of our heritage. Why don’t we celebrate like the Irish celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? It should be a national holiday.
These were just some of the favourite dinner table suggestions. Unfortunately, like many other things in life, it was only ever talk. Despite lots of enthusiasm and support for the idea nothing ever happened.
Last year we decided to do something about it and held the first Lytham St Annes St George’s Day Festival. Despite the fact that we were in the middle of a very severe recession the Festival was a huge success and extremely well attended at all three events.
The Festival has three main aims:
- To make St Georges Day a National Holiday
- To raise money for charity, both nationally, regionally and locally
- To put Lytham St Annes and Lancashire on the national map
This is why I’m again urging businesses in the North West to give their staff the day off (its Friday this year!) and take a table at one of the two great events we’ve got planned, or simply encourage everyone to come to Lytham and celebrate.
So please join me this year and in the future by celebrating England, Englishness and all it stands for. Not only will your staff really appreciate your gesture but you will also be raising money for three great causes.
I look forward to seeing you there.
David Haythornthwaite
Festival President