For the 1st Annual Lytham St Annes St George's Day Festival has captured the interest and attention of the national media.

GMTV cameras were due to descend on the town this morning to film preparations for the big event starting today, Thursday, April 23, with the ceremonial raising of the Flag of St George on Lytham Green.

And its brainchild, Lytham businessman David Haythornthwaite, revealed to the Express this week that talks have already begun to make next year's festival even bigger and better.

Mr Haythornthwaite said: "We have already had talks with the Leader of Fylde Borough Council. They get a lot of stick, but they have been very supportive and not politically correct as a lot of councils on this issue have.

"And in principle it has been agreed for next year to hold the event on Lytham Green on a much larger scale in the centre of Lytham."
Of the national media interest, he said: "I think it is fantastic. We are going to be on local Granada and BBC TV, but seeing Lytham on national TV is going to put it on the map.

"I think it is fantastic and everybody has worked hard for that."

The festival was due to screened live on GMTV between 6.40am-7am today.

The whole town is buzzing about the three day event, which also includes a charity ball at Lytham Hall on Friday evening and a family fun day in the grounds of the hall throughout Saturday.

Former politician and leading journalist Martin Bell will officially open the festival and give a keynote address.

Some 10,000 visitors are expected to the attend the impressive event, boosting local trade and tourism - and its nominated charities.
Folk are eagerly awaiting the start of the celebrations.

Mother and daughter Vivien and Tracey Andrews were in Lytham with dog Digby - a French Basset Griffon Benden - yesterday.

Tracey, 40, of Ansdell, said: ""It makes a change they are celebrating something about England."

Vivien, 71, of Lytham, said: "I think it's a very good idea. Lots of shops are closing, so all the publicity will be good."