The historic Royal Lytham & St Annes course has hosted The Open 11 times, with the most recent in 2012 when Ernie Els lifted his second Claret Jug. It is one of golf’s most cherished venues, first hosting The Open in 1926 when Bobby Jones won the title. The course has welcomed the Championship on ten previous occasions, delivering a series of famous winners including Tony Jacklin, Tom Lehman, Gary Player, David Duval, and Seve Ballesteros, who claimed two Claret Jugs in 1979 and 1988.

Allan Oldfield, Chief Executive of Fylde Council, said: “Partners have worked tirelessly over the last few years to secure the return of the Championship to the Fylde Coast, finding solutions to several logistical challenges that have arisen due to the growth and expansion of this major world event. We are delighted that The R&A has made the decision to return to what is one of the best links golf courses in the world. The economic benefit this will bring to the Fylde and wider Lancashire region will be immense. Work is already underway to host the best Championship ever at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2028, and on many other occasions to come.”

Golf fans eager to register their interest in attending The 156^th Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes can do so at TheOpen.com, and can find travel and accommodation information through the Discover Fylde website or by contacting our team at touristinformation@fylde.gov.uk.

Royal Lytham & St Annes will also welcome the world’s best women’s golfers for the AIG Women’s Open from 29 July to 2 August this year. Tickets are still available at AIGWomensOpen.com.

Read the full announcement from The R&A here.

The Council’s representations state that the applicants have “failed to meaningfully engage with the Council” throughout the process and that the withdrawal of Morgon Offshore Wind Limited from the project creates significant delivery and enforcement risks. The Council has stated that it does not consider the DCO should be granted unless its proposed wording, deed of indemnity requirements and full package of mitigation measures are secured.

Separately, Fylde, Wyre and Lancashire Councils have jointly written to the Secretary of State requesting that any decision on the transmission assets be paused. The councils cite a Green-Book compliant economic review and a change in circumstances arising from Morgon Offshore Wind Limited’s withdrawal from its Crown Estate Agreement for Lease.

The economic review concludes that the proposed onshore transmission route could be up to £520 million more expensive than an alternative northern route via Rossall and Hillhouse. The review identifies potential national benefits associated with the alternative route, including 1,100 additional jobs and between £990 million and £1.7 billion in Gross Value Added, and states there are “no insurmountable environmental or ecological challenges” to the alternative route.

A spokesperson for Fylde Council said: “Given the significant change in circumstances and the economic evidence now available, we consider it essential that the Secretary of State has the opportunity to fully consider the implications before any decision is made.”

For the full documents mentioned, visit: Response to Request for Information, Joint Letter to the Secretary of State and Executive Summary. For more information relating to the Irish Sea Windfarms, visit our dedicated webpage.

The fund, which replaces the longstanding Household Support Fund, marks a significant step forward in how the Council and its partners support vulnerable households – moving beyond emergency crisis payments to focus on prevention, early intervention and building long-term resilience within our communities.

The £817,501 allocation, funded entirely through a government grant via Lancashire County Council, will provide crisis payments to households in immediate need, alongside affordable warmth initiatives, support for low-income households reliant on fuel oil, and the development of new community resilience hubs across the borough. These hubs will bring together advice on money, housing, energy and wellbeing, with outreach from Council services and trusted local organisations, all in one accessible place.

Fylde Council will continue to work alongside Citizens Advice, food networks and a wide range of voluntary, community and faith partners – building on a partnership model that has successfully delivered seven rounds of the Household Support Fund since 2021.

A Council spokesperson said: “This fund will make a real difference to families and individuals across Fylde who are facing financial hardship. We’re proud to be moving toward a model that doesn’t just respond to crisis but helps people build stability and resilience for the long-term. Our community resilience hubs will be a welcoming, practical source of help – and we’re looking forward to working with our fantastic network of partners to make them a reality.

Delivery of the fund will begin this year, with residents set to benefit from the new resilience hubs and extended support network throughout 2026/27 and beyond.

Councillor Vince Settle, who represents the Heyhouses ward, has been appointed Deputy Leader of the Council with effect from 13 May 2026, when the annual council meeting takes place.

The appointment follows the decision by current Deputy Leader, Councillor Richard Redcliffe, to step down from the role. Councillor Redcliffe, who has served as Deputy Leader since 2023, will be nominated as Mayor of the Borough of Fylde for 2026/27 at the annual council meeting in May.

The appointment was approved by Full Council at its meeting on Tuesday 14 April.

Morning visitors enjoyed browsing a fantastic selection of handmade crafts, unique homeware, artisan food and drink, one-of-a-kind gifts and innovative creations from emerging talent. The event was paused early in the afternoon due to strong winds, with public safety the priority, and the team thanks everyone for their understanding.

Organised in partnership between Fylde Council and Crafty Vintage – one of the North West’s most established and respected artisan market organisers – the event highlighted the perfect platform for small independent businesses to thrive. Crafty Vintage, founded over 15 years ago, has built a strong reputation for creating welcoming retail environments where makers, creators and start-ups can flourish, and has proudly supported over 1,000 independent traders across Lancashire and beyond.

A spokesperson for Fylde Council said: “We were thrilled to see so many people come out to support the first St Annes Artisan Market. The regeneration of St Annes Square has created a wonderful flexible events space, and this market is exactly the kind of community-focused event we envisioned when we invested in the transformation. We’re looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors back on the second Saturday of every month.”

Laura Johnson, Co-Founder of Crafty Vintage, said: “This partnership with Fylde Council is incredibly exciting. St Annes Square is the ideal setting for our monthly market – a vibrant hub where local makers and start-ups can shine. We’re committed to championing independent talent and delivering events that celebrate creativity while boosting the local economy and community spirit.”

The St Annes Artisan Market is set to become a firm favourite on the Fylde events calendar, running monthly on the second Saturday of each month from 10am to 4pm with free entry. Each event will feature a fresh rotation of stalls, giving shoppers the chance to discover and support a diverse range of talented makers, food producers, designers and start-ups. Whether you’re looking for something special, or simply someone who loves supporting independent talent, the market is your new monthly shopping destination.

The regeneration of St Annes Square, completed in 2025 following a £3.1 million investment from the Council, has created the perfect flexible events space to host exactly these kinds of community-focused gatherings and bring more life and footfall to the town centre.

2026 dates:

• Saturday 9 May
• Saturday 13 June
• Saturday 8 August
• Saturday 12 September
• Saturday 10 October
• Saturday 14 November

Please note: there will be no market in July due to St Annes Carnival.

Traders interested in applying for future markets can find out more at www.craftyvintage.com/traders

Six Council-owned sites have been entered, including the brand-new addition of Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Gardens in St Annes which makes its Green Flag debut this year, alongside the ever-popular Fairhaven Lake Gardens, Promenade Gardens, Ashton Gardens, Lowther Gardens and Lytham War Memorial Gardens. Rounding out the borough’s strongest ever showing is Elswick Village Hall and Garden, entered by Elswick Parish Council.

The Green Flag Award is the national benchmark for outstanding parks and green spaces, assessing everything from horticultural standards and environmental management to how well a space serves and connects its local community.

A spokesperson for Fylde Council said: “Our parks and gardens are at the heart of community life in Fylde – places where families make memories, nature flourishes and people come together. To have seven fantastic sites in the running, including Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Gardens entering for the very first time, fills me with enormous pride. We’ll be keeping everything crossed for the results this summer!”

Results will be announced in summer 2026 following judging this spring. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to get out and enjoy these brilliant green spaces on their doorstep.

Find a list of Fylde Council-managed parks and green spaces here.

As the spring sunshine broke through the early clouds, families, friends and visitors from all across the region flocked to the town’s exciting new event space to enjoy a fabulous free programme of live entertainment, hand-on activities and interactive challenges; all celebrating wellbeing, healthy living and community connection by the seaside and organised by Fylde Council and Discover Fylde.

Headlining all the fun of Fylde Fest: Spring into Life were crowd favourites and comedy legends Steve Royle (Britain’s Got Talent) and Tom Lister (Emmerdale’s Carl King), whose much-anticipated double act had the crowd roaring with laughter and joining in with their silly singalongs and daft dance routines, before the talented twosome jumped off stage and got stuck into enjoying all the activities – from an hilarious slow bike race and skateboarding sessions with Live Like Ralph, to powering their way to make their own fresh fruit smoothies at the Smoothie Bike Challenge with the Fylde Sports and Communities Team and trying their hands at all the big top skills with Circus Matrix.

There were also live demonstrations on the day from Bake Off: The Professionals finalist Raf Perussi from Beurre Patisserie who delighted foodie lovers with his Easter Egg making tutorial with deliciously healthy natural ingredients; while energetic dance sessions from Zumba Suzy and the Line Dance & Friendship Group, along with top sporting challenges with Atletico Warton, kept visitors moving throughout the afternoon.

Creative corners were also buzzing with activity, from pebble painting with iHope to plant potting with St Annes in Bloom, colourful crafts from Pot Bound, bookmarking and matcha tasting with Fable and Lego play with Red Wizard Gaming. Meanwhile, live music from UpBeat Rock Academy’s talented young bands provided the perfect soundtrack, keeping the atmosphere lively and uplifting all day long and all expertly hosted by compere Ian Hooper.

Local community groups and organisations also played a key role throughout the afternoon, showcasing the wide range of opportunities, support and activities available for all across the Fylde Coast. Their presence highlighted the true heart of Fylde Fest – bringing people together and strengthening community connections.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “Fylde Fest: Spring into Life has once again shown the incredible spirit of our community. It was fantastic to see so many people come together, enjoy the free activities and support local groups and performers. Even the early showers couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm and once the sun came out, it really was the perfect afternoon.

“Fylde Fest continues to grow as a highlight of our local events calendar, helping to position St Annes Square as a thriving hub for culture, community and celebration. With such an overwhelmingly positive response, this year’s Spring into Life event has set the bar for future festivals. Watch this space!”

Fylde Fest: Spring into Life was hosted by Fylde Council and Discover Fylde, with support from local partners and businesses and continues an exciting new chapter for St Annes Square’s vibrant programme of events, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

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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Six brand-new refuse collection vehicles and two compact sweepers are joining Fylde’s waste services fleet this Easter as part of the Council’s long-running programme to maintain and renew its road vehicles. The Council operates around 80 vehicles in total on a rolling ten-year replacement programme, keeping the services residents rely on running smoothly day in, day out.

To mark the exciting new arrivals, families are invited to download a free colouring sheet – of either a bin wagon or a compact sweeper – and get creative with paints, pencils and crafts. Children can simply write their name suggestion in the tag on the sheet, and the eight best names will be chosen to appear on the real vehicles.

One lucky winner will also be randomly drawn to receive a £20 Amazon voucher – so there’s even more reason to get those creative juices flowing!

Councillor Michelle Morris, Lead Member for Customer and Operational Services, said: “This is such a fun way to get our younger residents involved in the services that keep Fylde looking its best. I can’t wait to see the names children come up with – and I have a feeling we’re going to be seeing some very creative suggestions out on our streets very soon!”

Colouring sheets are available to download here or to pick up at the Town Hall. Entries can be dropped off at the Town Hall or emailed as a photo to communications@fylde.gov.uk. The competition closes at 11:59pm on Friday 17 April, with winners announced and notified from the week commencing Monday 27 April.

Terms & Conditions

1. This competition is open to children residing in the borough of Fylde only.
2. One entry per vehicle per child.
3. By entering, a parent or guardian confirms they agree to their child’s name, age and design being shared on Fylde Council’s social media channels, website and residents’ newsletter.
4. Eight winning names will be selected at the Council’s discretion.
5. One £20 voucher will be awarded by random draw from the right winners.
6. The Council’s decision is final. No cash alternative is available.

Data Protection

Your telephone number will be used solely for the administration of this competition 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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Following a joint letter to government earlier this year setting out their intention to commission this work, Lancashire County Council, Fylde Council and Wyre Council have now received early findings from a technical review of the onshore connection options linked to the Morgan and Morecambe offshore wind projects.

The early findings support concerns that have been raised locally and begin to set these out more clearly through economic analysis. They indicate there may be a case to examine alternative approaches in more detail, with the potential to deliver significantly greater long-term economic benefits for Lancashire.

Further work is now being carried out to complete the assessment. With the current planning process moving towards determination, the councils will conclude this work quickly and will contact government as soon as the final report is received to set out their position.

The review is being undertaken using the Government’s Green Book methodology and is focused on the economic implications of different connection options, including areas around Stanah and Hillhouse.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “These early findings give us a clearer basis for asking the right questions. It is important that all options are properly tested, particularly where there may be different ways of delivering the infrastructure with less impact on our coastline, heritage and rural areas.”

Councillor Joshua Roberts, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Environment & Communities at Lancashire County Council, said: “I’m pleased to see Lancashire County Council working alongside Fylde and Wyre Councils, collectively putting the interests of Fylde Coast residents first by taking a closer look at the alternative route and putting forward our findings to central government for proper consideration.

“I am doing all I can to stop the current cable corridor route and ensure a better option is fully explored. This is about driving economic growth while protecting our environment in the best possible way. There is more to follow, but these initial findings represent a strong and positive start.”

Councillor Michael Vincent, Leader of Wyre Council, added: “This work is helping us to build a strong case for increased economic development at the Hillhouse Enterprise Zone. If the government accepts the case we are building it could see significant investment in the site creating jobs and improving outcomes for local people.”

Further work on the assessment will continue over the coming weeks.