CAMPAIGNER, politician and BBC foreign affairs legend Martin Bell is to be a guest speaker at the Lytham St Anne’s St George’s Day Festival.
Mr Bell, who spent decades as one of the UK’s top journalists and later became MP for Tatton in Cheshire, will speak at a corporate event, part of the three-day charity festival due to be held at Lytham Hall from April 23.
The festival organisers have pledged to raise £100,000 per year for charities including the Army Benevolent Fund and Derian House Children’s Hospice, and £1 million within five years.
It is hoped the festival will also raise the profile of a campaign to see St George’s Day become a public holiday – and are local companies are being urged to give staff the day off.
The organisers, who include patrons Lord Shuttleworth JP, Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire; and sporting legends Jimmy Armfield and Bill Beaumont, expect ‘tens of thousands’ of visitors to attend the events.
Mr Bell said: “The Army Benevolent Fund is such a worthy cause, helping countless soldiers and families live their lives, in many cases after unthinkable tragedy.
“I am delighted to be able to support the organisation through the Lytham St Anne’s St George’s Day Festival, and look forward to celebrating our patron saint in such a positive way.
“I hope this festival becomes an inspiration for others to take up the mantle and carry on the work started in Lytham.”
Mr Bell will speak on Thursday afternoon during a ticket only lunch; which follows the official launch of the festival – a flag raising ceremony at Charlie’s Mast, Lytham Green, and a march through the town centre to Lytham Hall accompanied by a military band.
John Coombes, leader of Fylde Borough Council, added: “We are honoured that Martin Bell has agreed to speak at the event on St George’s Day. It will no doubt be a real highlight of the three day festival, and I would urge anybody who wants to hear him to get in touch and reserve a place.
“The support of public figures like Martin goes a long way to helping this festival become a success.”
