And shocked Festival organisers, who may have to pull the plug on the three-day patriotic showcase which last year attracted 5,000 people, have attacked objectors for their "selfish and elitist attitude".

Lytham St Annes Civic Society and Lytham Enterprise Group have sent a solicitors letter to Fylde Council questioning its right to stage large-scale events on the Green.

The challenge centres on the terms of a 1923 deed in which the Squire of Lytham John Talbot Clifton imposed a number of conditions on its use.

The two groups, with support from Defend Lytham, say that despite supporting the event they are trying to stop the council pushing ahead with plans to allow street trading in the area.

But festival President David Haythornthwaite, who this year moved the event to the Green from Lytham Hall, thinks this could lead to complete cancellation.

In a statement, the Lytham St Annes St George's Day Festival Committee said: "We are now unfortunately faced with the possibility that we may have to cancel this year's event and, in fact, any future events. We are very saddened by the selfish and elitist attitude of a small minority of people. Every single penny we raise is for charitable causes, most notably the Army Benevolent Fund which, amongst other valuable work, cares for our wounded soldiers returning from Afghanistan."

According to the 1923 deed, the Green was given as a gift to commemorate the amalgamation of the former district councils of St Annes and Lytham, subject to certain covenants.

Having taken advice from an experienced member of the Charity Bar, Lytham-based solicitors Coupe Bradbury asserts that the legal ownership of the green is limited to being that of a charity trustee and not an absolute owner. It says that staging commercial events is in breach of the Clifton's gift and the council should register Lytham Green as a charity.

Marion Coupe, Chair of Lytham St Annes Civic Society, said: "Lytham Green is a much loved and precious amenity. The Civic Society has never had a problem with one or two events a year being held on it. We are concerned however about the effects of deregulation, ie the staging of large numbers of commercial events, the closure of the Beach Road, and the arrival of street traders who will damage trade in Lytham. The unique character and openness of the Green will be lost."

If successful, the challenge could jeopardise other events held on the Green - including Lytham Proms starring Lesley Garrett on August 21.

But Lytham Proms organiser Peter Taylor told The Express that it was business as usual.

He said: "We are entirely committed to delivering an event that is in keeping with the surrounding area. We have already sold over 600 tickets for the event and attracted interest from the wider business community."

Fylde Borough Council is now seeking legal advice on the matter.
Coun Albert Pounder, cabinet member for economic wellbeing, said: "It's sad to say, but I can't help but think that there are some personal interests behind this attempt to stifle people's opportunity to enjoy and make the most of their local surroundings in a way which is sensitive to the quality and refinement that our residents expect.

"I am certain in my knowledge that Squire Clifton so deeded this land for the enjoyment of the residents of the borough and that is what it is being used for and I am quite sure that had he at the time realised how our world would change he would have incorporated in his deeds that the type of events that are taking place."