The impact was immediate, with town centre footfall in August 2025 reaching over 277,000 visitors, the highest August figure on record and an 8% increase on the previous year, surpassing even pre-pandemic levels.

The £3.13 million refurbishment of the Square, delivered upon the town’s 150th anniversary, has welcomed a fantastic range of activities in its first twelve months. Free Yoga in the Square sessions, live Kite Festival entertainment and the St Annes Music Festival all took place within weeks of the Square’s completion. October’s Fylde Fest: In the Square and November’s much-loved Christmas lights switch-on showcased the space’s versatility, while Fylde Fest: Spring into Life brought residents back to enjoy the Square as the warmer months arrived. Monthly artisan markets in partnership with Crafty Vintage and the popular farmers market have become regular fixtures, and the Square even hosted crazy golf during the AIG Women’s Open.

St Annes Town Council has delivered its own wonderful programme with Sounds in the Square live music sessions, Sensations in the Square, and the popular Steps in the Square series featuring Zumba, Salsa and Line Dancing. The weekly biker meetup continues to be a firm favourite, drawing visitors to the Square and supporting our local cafés.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “It has been wonderful to see the Square become such a vibrant part of our community over the past year. From live music and dancing to markets and festivals, residents and visitors have truly embraced this fantastic space.

“This is exactly the kind of investment that makes a real difference to our town, and we look forward to welcoming even more people to enjoy everything the Square has to offer.”

Residents and visitors can look forward to an exciting programme of events continuing through the summer and into the autumn.

Upcoming events

• St Annes Artisan Market — Second Saturday of each month, continuing from Saturday 8 August.
• St Annes Kite Festival — Featuring a brand-new art trail from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September, bringing children’s artwork to life in local shop fronts, alongside live entertainment in the Square.
• Christmas Lights Switch On — Saturday 28 November.
• Sounds in the Square — Free live music every Wednesday, 1-2:30pm until 30 September.
• Steps in the Square — Free dance sessions every Tuesday, 12-1pm from 8 to 29 September.

Visitors can look forward to five flying arenas on the beach, including a special evening of illuminated kite flying on Friday, plus a fairground, food and drink stalls, and an artisan market showcasing local producers in the Promenade Gardens. One arena will sit outside the dog control zone, so four-legged friends can enjoy the action too. The event is free to attend and suitable for all ages, weather permitting.

The fun will also spread into the town centre, thanks to a colourful new art trail bringing 15 shop windows to life with kite designs created by pupils from Heyhouses Endowed C.E. Primary School, Mayfield Primary School and St Thomas’ Church of England Primary School. Community art studio Durose Studios has hand-painted the children’s artwork onto windows across St Annes, and families following the free self-guided trail can hunt for hidden letters for the chance to win a prize.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “There’s so much to look forward to this year, from illuminated kites lighting up the night sky to our brilliant new art trail bringing colour to the town centre.

“The Kite Festival is one of our most-loved events and a real showcase for everything Fylde has to offer, so I’d encourage everyone to come down, enjoy the spectacle on the beach, and take some time to explore the town centre too.”

The festival continues to grow in popularity each year, drawing thousands of visitors to the Fylde coast and giving a welcome boost to local businesses.

Find out more about the St Annes International Kite Festival here.

Earlier this month, the boating lake was drained which allowed it to be de-silted and enabled an investigation to determine the ongoing water loss issues. The works included inspection of more than a mile of joints within the concrete base and targeted repairs to those joints using methods similar to previous maintenance undertaken in earlier years. Approximately half a tonne of bitumen was used to strengthen and replenish deteriorated joints before the lake was refilled using seawater pumped from the beach.

While the repair works were completed successfully, the subsequent refill operation demonstrated that the underlying issue is more significant than originally anticipated. Despite being refilled, water levels reduced rapidly over the following week, indicating that water is not simply escaping through isolated joints but is likely seeping through wider areas of the ageing concrete structure itself. Engineering observations suggest that the lake’s nearly 100-year-old concrete base has become increasingly porous in places, allowing significant water loss.

This means that further short-term patch repairs are unlikely to resolve the problem. Repeating the recent refill exercise at the next available high tide window in August would therefore carry a significant cost and operational commitment, with little prospect of achieving a different outcome. For that reason, the Council has decided not to undertake another refill attempt at this stage.

To permanently address the issue would require a much more reliable and resilient engineering intervention, which would come at a substantial cost. Initial assessments indicate that options could include installation of a specialist liner system, sprayed waterproof membranes, comprehensive joint renewal, or other construction techniques designed to create a new watertight structure within the existing lake. Any long-term solution would also need to consider the provision of storage and maintenance facilities should boating activities be reintroduced in the future, alongside improvements to the lake’s water supply arrangements.

The original infrastructure used to top up the lake has become increasingly ineffective due to changes in beach levels over many decades. As part of any future scheme, the Council will therefore need to assess alternative methods of maintaining water levels and investigate whether additional measures, including overtopping or water management facilities, may be required.

The Council will now prepare a detailed options appraisal to establish the most appropriate long-term future for the site. This work will examine both the feasibility and cost of the water retention lining options for the boating lake, alongside alternative uses that could attract external investment and complement wider regeneration ambitions for St Annes seafront.

Keep up to date with the latest Fylde Council news by following us on social media or subscribing to our newsletter. Any new information will be posted directly through these channels, so if you are following us, you’ll be the first to know. 

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The Prize

One winner will receive a one-night stay for up to four people in a Bell Tent with wood-fired hot tub at Stanley Villa Farm.

The stay is valid until 31 October 2026, subject to availability, and excludes Fridays, Saturdays, and all school holiday dates. The prize is provided directly by Stanley Villa Farm and is subject to their own booking terms and conditions.

How to Enter

Entry period: Saturday 1 August to Monday 31 August 2026 (inclusive).

To enter, complete the Fylde Council Resident Survey at https://ow.ly/Wmn950XIo1J and provide your email address in the field at the bottom of the survey. Entries submitted outside of the entry period will not be accepted. Entries submitted without a contact email address will not be accepted.

Selection Process

All eligible entries will be entered into a prize draw. One winner will be selected at random after the entry period closes at 11:59pm on Monday 31 August 2026.

Winner Notification and Prize Collection

The winner will be contacted via the email address provided within 7 days of the draw taking place. The winner must respond within 7 days of notification, or their prize will be forfeited and an alternative winner chosen. Booking of the stay must be arranged directly with Stanley Villa Farm using the voucher provided. Prizes are non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and there is no cash alternative.

Eligibility and Conditions

1. Entrants must be residents of the UK and aged 18 or over.
2. This prize draw is not open to employees or family members of employees of Fylde Borough Council.
3. One entry per person. Duplicate entries will be disqualified.
4. The prize draw is free to enter; no purchase is necessary.
5. Late entries will not be accepted.
6. The winner agrees to have their first name shared across Fylde Council’s social media channels and Residents’ Newsletter upon collection of their prize.
7. Fylde Borough Council reserves the right to cancel or amend the prize draw if circumstances beyond its control require it.
8. The draw is final; no correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome.
9. The overnight stay is subject to Stanley Villa Farm’s own terms and conditions, including availability and any site rules. Fylde Council accepts no responsibility for changes to the prize outside of its control.
10. The stay must be booked and taken before 31 October 2026. The prize excludes Fridays, Saturdays, and all school holiday dates. No extensions will be granted.
11. Entry constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.

Data Protection

Your email address will be used solely for the administration of this prize draw and winner notification, in accordance with Fylde Council’s Privacy Policy. It will not be used for any other purpose without your consent.

Keep up to date with the latest Fylde Council news by following us on social media or subscribing to our newsletter. Any new information will be posted directly through these channels, so if you are following us, you’ll be the first to know. 

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When Places Leisure took over from the YMCA as an agent for Fylde Council in April, the decision was taken at this time to close the centre to allow essential maintenance work to take place.

Due to the age and condition of the building, investment and repair works had always been anticipated. However, as detailed surveys and investigations were undertaken to inform the planned programme of works, additional structural issues requiring immediate remediation were identified. As a result, the works are more extensive than originally expected, meaning the building will need to remain closed for an extended period while they are completed.

Specialist contractors and consultants have spent recent months assessing the building in detail and considered all options to reopen the facility safely whilst meeting the necessary insurance requirements. Their advice is clear: attempting to reopen the building with short-term fixes could cause further issues, prove costly, and lead to repeated partial or full closures. The effective way to deliver the modern leisure facility our community expects and deserves is to move directly into the full refurbishment programme.

This is a once‑in‑a‑generation investment that will transform the site into a modern, high-quality leisure destination in St Annes, including:

• A fully modernised pool environment designed for accessibility, sustainability and long-term community use
• A state-of-the-art first floor gym overlooking the sea, offering a bright, modern fitness space
• A contemporary studio for classes and group activities
• Spa facilities and an exciting indoor splash pad for families
• Modern new changing facilities, including improved accessible provision
• A welcoming café and vending area

The Government has now announced that Fylde Council will become part of a new authority in 2028 covering Fylde, Wyre and Blackpool. Many residents have understandably raised concerns about what this means for local investment. By pressing ahead with the full refurbishment now, Fylde has secured the project while decisions remain in local hands – reducing the risk of delay, maintaining momentum and protecting a valued community asset.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “I know how much this closure has affected residents, and I want to acknowledge that directly. We apologise for the disruption this has already caused and for the further wait it will now mean for people who use and love this facility. But this major multimillion pound investment will deliver a long-term future for St Annes Swimming Pool & Gym, providing the modern, high‑quality facilities our community deserves.

“Moving directly into full refurbishment is the safest and most efficient way to get this right, and we’re determined to deliver a superb leisure centre for St Annes while ensuring the project stays in local hands as we approach Local Government Reorganisation.”

Dan Walker, Business Development Director at Places Leisure, said: “”We remain committed to providing high-quality leisure facilities that are welcoming and accessible to everyone in the local community. Working in partnership with Fylde Council, we will ensure that the investment works at St Annes Swimming Pool & Gym are delivered efficiently and effectively. We are optimistic about the future and the positive impact these improvements will bring.”

Fylde Council will continue to work closely with Places Leisure to finalise the programme and will keep residents updated with insights and sneak previews as work progresses of the superb facility coming to St Annes.

Work on Kirkham Baths will not be affected by this programme – the two refurbishments are running concurrently. For the latest updates on both projects, visit https://new.fylde.gov.uk/swimming-in-fylde/.

The works will see paving lifted and re-laid across footway and frontage areas, planters and landscaping features carefully repaired and block paving between properties and planters reinstated, all designed to make the street safer and easier to navigate for everyone, whether popping to the shops or enjoying a stroll through the neighbourhood.

All businesses and properties on Orchard Road will remain fully accessible throughout the works and will continue to operate as normal, with no full road closures during the construction period, so residents can keep supporting their favourite local shops without any disruption.

To allow the team to carry out the works safely and efficiently, on-street parking along Orchard Road will be restricted, with temporary traffic management measures in place to keep everyone moving safely through the area. Visitors are encouraged to make use of nearby public car parks instead, with St Annes Square, Wood Street, North Promenade and, at weekends, the Town Hall car park all offering handy alternatives just a short walk from the shops and cafes.

The Orchard Road project forms part of the wider St Annes Improvement Projects, funded through the Council’s capital programme, and reflects our ongoing commitment to keeping St Annes looking its best while making sure it stays safe and accessible for all who use it.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “Orchard Road is a much-loved and well used part of St Annes, and it’s important that everyone can move around it with confidence. These repairs will put right issues that have built up over time, restoring the area to the high standard our residents rightly expect. We thank the community for their patience while we deliver these improvements.”

Residents can expect to see the difference these works make as they progress, with further updates along the way. Find more information about the St Annes Improvement Projects here.

The Community Projects Fund, which allocates £20,000 annually, has enabled transformative projects throughout Fylde, ranging from sports initiatives to environmental improvements and cultural preservation efforts.

Among the standout projects, St Annes Cricket Club has received £2,000 towards a solar panel installation, helping the club cut its carbon footprint while securing a more sustainable future. The Creators Hub CIC has also been awarded £2,000 for a new workbench, accessible toilet and storage space for costume making, supporting creative talent right here in Fylde. Meanwhile, When Broken We Rebuild has secured £1,500 to set up a much-needed miscarriage and baby loss support group, offering comfort and connection to families going through unimaginable loss, and Memory Café Kirkham has been awarded £1,500 towards refurbishing its venue, creating a warmer, more welcoming space for people living with memory difficulties and their carers.

Further awards include:

• CN Sports FC Panthers U12’s – £1,000 for football kit, building an inclusive team where every young player feels valued
• Elswick and Inskip Girls Under 8 Football Team – £1,000 for training kit and coats
• LSA YMCA Phoenix U11 Girls – £700 for winter training coats
• Weeton St Michael Parochial Church Council – £650 for a robot mower to support churchyard volunteers
• Atletico Warton – £620 for sporting equipment to meet growing demand
• Roots to Branches Forest School CIC – £300 for a shed for their children’s area
• Friends of Newton Community Park – £300 for new planters
• Grow Kirkham and Wesham Station – £300 for platform planting materials, timber, stones, plants and signage
• Shedquarters Weeton Barracks – £300 for a disc sander and hand tools to run their six-week woodworking course

Councillor Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: “It’s brilliant to see such a fantastic range of projects benefitting from this funding, from sports clubs and youth groups to environmental and wellbeing initiatives. Every one of these grants will make a genuine difference to the people involved, and it’s a privilege to support the incredible work our voluntary and community groups do.”

Local voluntary, community and faith groups interested in applying for future funding can find detailed information about eligibility criteria and the application process here.

Businesses across St Annes, Ansdell and Lytham have spent the past fortnight transforming their shopfronts into golf-themed showstoppers, and today the towns’ high streets are looking better than ever as excitement builds for the tournament.

The Mayor of Fylde, Councillor Richard Redcliffe, visited dressed businesses throughout the town centres to judge the competition, taking in everything from coastal-inspired creations to displays celebrating women in sport and Fylde’s proud history of hosting championship golf. Snailwell’s of Lytham’s display stood out for its intricate and detailed design that speaks to more than just golf – it captures the spirit of women’s golf as a whole, giving the piece a far greater resonance, earning it the top spot and a fantastic prize of four tickets to the AIG Women’s Open for their employees, which runs from Wednesday 29 July to Sunday 2 August.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “Congratulations to Snailwell’s of Lytham on a truly outstanding window display. It’s wonderful to see so many of our local businesses embracing the spirit of the AIG Women’s Open and helping to make our town centres look fantastic for the thousands of visitors we’re welcoming.

“This competition has brought real community pride to our high streets, and I’d like to thank every business that took part.”

The Mayor of Fylde, Councillor Richard Redcliffe, added: “It was a real pleasure to see so much creativity on display across St Annes, Ansdell and Lytham. The standard this year was exceptional, and picking a winner was no easy task.

“Our businesses have really captured the excitement of the AIG Women’s Open coming to our doorstep, and it’s been a genuine joy to see our high streets brought to life in this way. I’d encourage everyone to take a walk through our town centres and enjoy the displays for themselves.”

With the AIG Women’s Open teeing off this week, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the golf-themed displays across St Annes, Ansdell and Lytham throughout the tournament, adding to the buzz of what promises to be a truly memorable few days for Fylde.

For more information about the AIG Women’s Open, visit https://www.discoverfylde.co.uk/events/aig-womens-open/

The St Annes pop-up shop will be held at the YMCA on St Albans Road, made possible thanks to the continued support of iHOPE and the YMCA, who are working together to collect, sort and distribute quality preloved uniform to local families. The uniform will then move to the Kirkham United Reformed Church for the last two weeks of August, supported by the Trussell Trust, giving families across Kirkham the chance to access uniform for all local schools.

St Annes Pop-Up Shop

The YMCA, St Albans Road, St Annes, FY8 1XD, will host the pop-up shop on the following dates:

• Tuesday 4 August, 4-7pm
• Wednesday 5 August, 4-7pm
• Thursday 6 August, 4-7pm
• Friday 7 August, 4-7pm
• Monday 10 August, 4-7pm
• Tuesday 11 August, 4-7pm
• Wednesday 12 August, 4-7pm

Kirkham Pop-Up Shop

Kirkham United Reformed Church, 82 Poulton Street, Kirkham, PR4 2AH, will host the pop-up shop on the following dates:

• Monday 17 August, 1-4pm
• Tuesday 18 August, 1-4pm
• Thursday 20 August, 3-6pm
• Tuesday 25 August, 1-4pm
• Thursday 27 August 3-6pm
• Friday 28 August, 12-3pm

Members of the community are encouraged to donate new and gently used uniforms in good condition. Donation drop off points are as follows:

• Fylde Council, St Annes Town Hall – during opening hours
• YMCA on St Albans Road – during opening hours
• Saltcotes Community Centre – anytime

From lively festivals to peaceful park strolls, there’s something for everyone this summer without having to spend a fortune. Crazy golf comes to St Annes Square and Ashton Gardens from Wednesday 29 to Friday 31 July, 11am-3pm, celebrating the AIG Women’s Open coming to Royal Lytham & St Annes. The St Annes Artisan Market returns on Saturday 8 August in partnership with Crafty Vintage, followed by the ever-popular Fairhaven Dog Festival on Sunday 9 August.

History lovers can step back in time at the Lytham 1940s Weekend on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August, while every Thursday in August families can enjoy free Outdoor Adventures & Craft Sessions at Fairhaven from 1:30-3pm. Little ones can cool off at Splash for just £2 per child, with adults going free, and the summer rounds off with the much-loved St Annes Kite Festival from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September.

Beyond the events, Fylde’s beaches, parks and gardens remain free to enjoy all summer long. Pack a picnic and head to St Annes beach, explore Ashton Gardens or Lowther Gardens, or discover the newly refurbished Clifton Park.

Cllr Jayne Nixon said: “Summer in Fylde is such a special time, and we’re proud to offer families so many wonderful ways to spend it together without breaking the bank. Whether it’s dancing at the 1940s Weekend or simply enjoying a picnic on the beach, there really is something for everyone.”

For the full events calendar, visit https://www.discoverfylde.co.uk/events/