Countdown on for big St George's Day bash in Lytham

It all starts on Monday with the raising of the St George’s flag on Lytham Green at 11am – and then at least one event a day will follow ahead of the England’s Finest Fair festivities on the Green over the following weekend.

Some events have already sold out or are close to capacity – and Eric The Dragon has been helping with advance ticket sales for the many remaining features of the Festival at the hub in Lytham Piazza.

A choir competition on Tuesday evening will be followed by a business breakfast and an already sold out ladies’ evening on Wednesday.

Thursday will feature a golf tournament at St Annes Old Links, a tea dance and a comedy festival, while former Manchester United and England footballer Gary Neville will be guest speaker at next Friday’s Festival lunch.

The St George’s parade through Lytham will take place on Saturday, April 28, the Festival ball will follow that evening and the England’s Finest fair, featuring food, family fun and displays, will be on The Green on both Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29.

Meanwhile, Lowther Pavilion will stage a week of the best of British films and the final Sunday evening will feature a concert by the Band of the King’s Division.

Festival chairman Tim Lince said: “It’s all pointing towards our best festival yet.”

A charity target of £135,000 has been set after £101,000 was raised last year. Beneficiaries will be ABF The Soldier’s Charity, Trinity Hospice and Love Lowther fund.