The historic Town Hall in St Annes has become increasingly popular since wedding services launched in 2018, with newlyweds consistently praising both the exceptional service and the venue’s charm. Recent investment in new furnishings has transformed the space into an even more elegant setting for ceremonies, perfect for intimate winter celebrations with that special festive atmosphere.

To kick off this initiative, couples planning their perfect winter wedding can now save 15% on ceremonies at Fylde’s beautiful Town Hall. This fantastic promotional offer applies to all weddings taking place during the winter season, from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026. With this special discount, couples can celebrate their big day for just £382.50 on weekdays – a saving of £67.50 – or £552.50 for weekend and bank holiday ceremonies, saving £97.50 off the standard winter rates.

To take advantage of this limited-time offer, simply book your winter wedding between Friday 26 September and Friday 16 January 2026. Whether you’re dreaming of a cosy Christmas celebration or a romantic Valentine’s ceremony, this promotion makes your special day at one of Fylde’s most prestigious venues even more affordable.

Councillor Michelle Morris, Lead Member for Customer and Operational Services, said: “We are delighted to offer this special winter discount at our beautiful Town Hall. The venue has received numerous compliments for its charm and elegance, and we take pride in offering a space that enhances community engagement and provides a memorable setting for couples to celebrate their special day. These ceremonies represent a valuable use of the Town Hall, generating additional income for the council while offering a competitive option for those seeking wedding venues.”

For more information or to book your wedding, visit: https://weddings.fylde.gov.uk/

We look forward to helping you create the wedding of your dreams!

The ambitious walk will begin at 10:00am on Wednesday 24 September from the Beach Hub by St Annes Pier, taking Tim through beloved locations including Lytham Green, Freckleton village and the historic Lytham Windmill. Day two explores the rural heart of Fylde through Elswick and Little Eccleston, while the final day celebrates our coastal heritage, finishing triumphantly back at St Annes Pier on Friday afternoon.

Tim will showcase the fantastic places, businesses and people that make our borough so special while raising vital funds for Mayor of Fylde, Councillor Frank Andrews’ three nominated charities – SSAFA: the Armed Forces charity, Trinity Hospice and Release International.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, said: “Tim’s dedication to showcasing our beautiful borough while supporting such important charities perfectly captures the community spirit that makes Fylde special. This walk will highlight the incredible diversity of our district and the fantastic businesses and attractions that residents and visitors can explore.”

The walk promises to rediscover forgotten corners and celebrate the vibrant communities that make Fylde such an amazing place to live, work and visit.

Support Tim by donating here, and follow along with Tim’s Walk by following Discover Fylde on Facebook and Instagram.

The Council has agreed to sell a long-unused piece of land at Graving Dock Road to United Utilities for £35,000, enabling the water company to construct three stormwater storage tanks that will hold approximately 14,000 cubic metres of excess rainwater during heavy rainfall. This vital investment forms part of United Utilities’ ambitious Better Rivers, Better Northwest programme, designed to dramatically reduce storm overflow spills that can affect water quality.

The land, which has sat unused for years due to being landlocked and contaminated from its former use as a household waste landfill site, will be transformed into a crucial piece of environmental infrastructure. United Utilities is not only purchasing the site, but also investing significantly in clearing Japanese Knotweed, removing contaminated material and completing all necessary groundworks.

Councillor Thomas Threlfall, Lead Member for Environment, said: “I am pleased to see United Utilities focusing on improving surface water management in Fylde. This fantastic partnership demonstrates how we can turn unused Council assets into real benefits for our community. By releasing this site, we’re enabling vital infrastructure that will protect our precious bathing waters for generations to come.

“Cleaner beaches mean healthier environments for our families to enjoy and a more attractive coastline for the thousands of visitors who contribute to our local economy.”

Work has already begun on site preparation, with the new storage tanks expected to make a real difference to water quality once operational. This project represents another step forward in Fylde Council’s commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment that makes our borough such a special place to live and visit.

Following approval at the Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday 16 September, the wide-ranging consultation invites everyone who lives, works or has an interest in Fylde to share their views on crucial decisions that will affect the Borough’s future. From where new homes should be built and protecting precious green spaces, to supporting local businesses and looking after the environment, your input will help create the blueprint for Fylde’s development until 2042.

The Council is required to update its Local Plan every five years to maintain control over where development happens in the Borough. Without an up-to-date plan, the Council could lose its ability to direct development to the most appropriate locations. The Government has set an increased housing requirement for Fylde of 410 homes per year, and the new Local Plan must allocate sufficient land to meet this target alongside the expected requirements for industrial and other uses.

The new Local Plan will determine where that development happens, what gets built, and importantly, which areas remain protected. It will influence everything from the types of homes available for families and older residents, to ensuring that provision of school places, healthcare facilities and transport links keep pace with growth.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, commented: “This is our residents’ chance to tell us what matters most to them about Fylde’s future. Whether it’s ensuring that young people can afford homes here, protecting our beautiful coastline and countryside, or creating opportunities for businesses to thrive, we want to hear your views.

“Every response will help shape the plan that will guide our borough’s development for the next generation.”

Councillor Richard Redcliffe, Deputy Leader of Fylde Council and Chair of the Planning Committee, added: “As Planning Committee Chair, I know how vital it is that development happens in the right places and delivers real benefits for our communities. This consultation gives residents the power to influence those decisions directly. Your local knowledge and insights are invaluable in helping us create a plan that protects what makes Fylde special while ensuring we meet the needs of current and future generations.”

The consultation runs until Thursday 30 October 2025 and responding couldn’t be easier. The quickest way is through the online form here.

Alternatively, email planningpolicy@fylde.gov.uk or write to the Planning Policy Team, Fylde Council, Town Hall, St Annes Road West, Lytham St Annes, FY8 1LW. Please indicate which question you’re addressing in your response.

The exciting improvements span three initiatives to enhance convenience and safety. At North Promenade Car Park in St Annes, Evolution Construction will rebuild and strengthen a wall following vehicle damage earlier this year. This ensures the site remains safe and welcoming for all users.

Drivers will benefit from added convenience coming to three popular locations. These include North Beach, St Annes Swimming Pool, and St Paul’s Avenue car parks which will each receive brand new payment machines accepting both cash and contactless payments.

Meanwhile, the Ballam Road site moves closer to becoming a fully operational public car park. With previous tenants funding essential surface repairs, the Council will be installing a new electric supply for lighting, a new pay machine and signage, and new bay lining including dedicated disabled bays to create an accessible facility.

Councillor Michelle Morris, Lead Member for Customer and Operational Services, said: “These improvements demonstrate our commitment to providing quality car parking facilities that serve our community and visitors well, from essential safety repairs to convenient payment options, we’re investing in infrastructure that makes a real difference to people’s daily experiences.”

Works on the North Promenade wall will be carried out later this year, with the additional payment machines and Ballam Road improvements to follow.

The Council has secured £25,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) investment to bring practical skills training directly into local communities from September 2025. Whether you need help supporting children with homework, want to manage household budgets more effectively, or dream of progressing to better job opportunities, these accessible courses are designed to build confidence and open doors.

The programme offers bite-sized sessions including ‘Making Sense of Money’, ‘Healthy Living on a Budget’, ‘Help with Homework’ and ‘Maths Made Easy’. Each course runs in familiar community venues, making it easy for residents to participate without travelling far from home. The college will also provide tailored support to help participants progress onto further qualifications in maths, English and digital skills where appropriate.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “This investment transforms how we support residents to develop essential life skills. These aren’t classroom lectures – they’re practical, friendly sessions that help people tackle real challenges, from stretching household budgets to helping kids with schoolwork. We’re particularly proud that this programme reaches those who might feel that traditional education isn’t for them.”

“At Blackpool & Fylde College, we’re passionate about making learning accessible and relevant to everyday life,” added Mary Roberts, Assistant Principal Access & Continuing Education. “These Multiply courses are a brilliant way to help people feel more confident with numbers, whether that’s budgeting at home, supporting children with homework, or preparing for new career opportunities. We’re proud to work with Fylde Council to bring these friendly, practical sessions into the heart of our communities.”

Previous Multiply programmes have successfully supported over 18,000 adults in Lancashire to improve their numeracy skills, including specialised support for care leavers, ex-offenders and hard-to-reach communities.

The courses begin on 1 September 2025 and run until 31 March 2026, with enrolment details available soon through Blackpool & Fylde College.

It’s a great day out by the seaside for all the family!

Fylde Fest is a free public event that will run from 12 noon to 5pm in the newly developed St Annes Square to showcase the region’s rich heritage, creativity and community spirit and will be jam-packed with fabulous food, music and entertainment from all around the borough.

This inaugural event for Fylde Fest marks the start of a brand-new programme of celebrations across Fylde, all made possible through investment from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and will also officially launch the new St Annes Square as a vibrant hub for culture, commerce and community life.

Fylde Fest: In the Square is hosted by Fylde Council and Discover Fylde, with support from community partners, organisations and local businesses, and welcomes everyone to wander through a heady mix of heritage-themed activities, local trader stalls, live performances and interactive workshops all with a friendly Fylde welcome.

Experience it all at Fylde Fest: In the Square – from bustling artisan markets brimming with Lancashire’s finest produce, handmade crafts, gifts and mouth-watering street food, to live music from community groups, local musicians and more filling the Square with atmosphere. Add in street performers, storytelling, traditional games, craft workshops and heritage trails that bring the region’s history and people to life, and there’s something for everyone. Local favourites will also be part of the action, with shops, cafés and restaurants bringing their ‘inside out’ to offer tasters, special offers and unique experiences.

Leader of Fylde Council, Councillor Karen Buckley, said: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for Fylde. Thanks to the investment from the Council’s Capital Investment Reserve and UKSPF we’ve been able to breathe new life into St Annes Square and create a space where people can gather, celebrate and support our local businesses. Fylde Fest: In the Square is our very first event – and it’s just the beginning. It’s all part of a wider plan, along with the transformation of the Square, to create vibrant, welcoming opportunities that support local businesses, boost footfall and give residents and visitors new reasons to come together. We hope everyone will join us on the 25th of October and we look forward to many more Fylde Fest celebrations to come.”

So ‘Save the Date’ and we will see you at Fylde Fest: In the Square on Saturday 25 October from 12 noon to 5pm.

Want to get involved? If you’re a local trader, performer or supplier interested in taking part in Fylde Fest please contact events@fylde.gov.uk

Follow Fylde Fest: In the Square for updates, competitions and sneak peeks on Facebook and Instagram and tag us at #FyldeFest.

The extension became necessary as the Council progressed bidders to a final tender stage, requiring additional time to analyse refined proposals and costings. It is anticipated that a new operator will be appointed from April 2026.

The tender also includes potential restoration of Kirkham Swimming Pool. Kirkham Pool could be refurbished if final bids present affordable options allowing investment across both sites. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the availability of funding streams based on the financial viability of submitted proposals. In the meantime, Kirkham Swimming Pool is being made safe and secure to prevent further vandalism or deterioration whilst a funding package is put together.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “We’re currently analysing proposals from operators who share our commitment to providing accessible and sustainable swimming facilities for all Fylde residents. We recognise that these pools are essential community assets, and we’re working to secure the best possible future for our facilities, both in St Annes and in Kirkham, while ensuring vital services like school swimming continue throughout.”

The Council expects to announce the successful operator in early 2026. Current membership arrangements continue unchanged, but those with membership queries should contact the YMCA directly.

Residents can find all updates on our dedicated swimming webpage.

The Regatta will feature water demonstrations from Ribble Cruising Club, Fairhaven Model Boaters and Fylde Coast SUP, alongside lakeside entertainment suitable for all ages. The Friends of Fairhaven Lake will present heritage talks within the Pagoda Visitor Centre which dates back to 1901, sharing the history of this blue plaque site and Fairhaven’s development.

Additional venues in Fylde participating in Heritage Open Days 2025 include:

• The Ditchburn Jukebox Museum: Thursday 18-Sunday 21 September, 10am-4pm
• Lytham Heritage Centre: Thursday 18-Sunday 21 September, 10am-4pm
• St Annes Parish Church: Saturday 20 September, 10am-3pm
• Lytham Institute: Saturday 13 September & Saturday 20 September, 10am-3pm

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, commented: “Heritage Open Days connects our community with Fylde’s history through free access to venues and events. The Fairhaven Regatta exemplifies this accessibility, combining water activities with heritage talks to engage visitors of all ages.”

The ten-day programme supports the Council’s commitment to cultural accessibility and community engagement. Venues will operate various opening times throughout the festival period.

Full details on Fairhaven Regatta are available at www.discoverfylde.co.uk/events/fairhaven-lake-2025-annual-regatta/

For the complete Heritage Open Days programme, visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

People, clubs, schools and organisations that go above and beyond to encourage and facilitate community sport and activity in the borough can enter, or be nominated, to get the recognition they deserve.

The Fylde Community Sports Awards follow in the successful footsteps of the Fylde Active Community awards, but they have a new format, new location and a new look!

Hosted by Fylde Council’s Health and Sports Development Team, entries open on Thursday 4 September and will close on Thursday 2 October.

The shortlist will be published in October, and a glittering awards ceremony will take place in November.

“Our annual awards to celebrate sport and activity have become a fixture in the calendars of people, clubs, schools and organisations across Fylde,” commented Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture. “As always, we would like to encourage as many people as possible to enter or nominate – you have to be in it to win it!”

Nominate your health and sporting heroes here: https://fylde.gov.uk/resident/leisure/sports-development/fylde-sports-awards/

Fylde Community Sports Awards 2025 categories:

Coach of the Year: Recognising an outstanding coach who has gone above and beyond to support, inspire and develop others. This award celebrates those who not only achieve results, but also make sport enjoyable, inclusive and rewarding for everyone involved.

Club of the Year: Honouring a sports club that has made a real difference in the community. This award highlights clubs that provide quality experiences for members, demonstrate strong values, and act as a welcoming place for people of all ages and abilities.

Primary School of the Year: Celebrating a primary school that has shown exceptional commitment to sport and physical activity. This award shines a light on schools that encourage participation, teamwork and a lifelong love of being active.

Secondary School of the Year: Recognising a secondary school that places sport and physical activity at the heart of student life. This award acknowledges schools that offer opportunities for all, nurture talent, and promote health and wellbeing through sport.

Young Achiever of the Year: Highlighting a young person (aged under 18) who has achieved remarkable success in their chosen sport. This award also celebrates resilience, dedication and the ability to inspire others through their sporting journey.

Health and Wellbeing Award: Recognising a person, group or organisation that has used sport or physical activity to improve lives. This award celebrates innovation and commitment in promoting healthy lifestyles, mental wellbeing and community inclusion.

Healthy Workplace of the Year: Honouring a workplace that champions the health and wellbeing of its employees. This award highlights organisations that create a positive culture, encourage active lifestyles, and support the overall wellbeing of their staff.

Volunteer of the Year: Celebrating the unsung heroes who give their time freely to support local sport. This award recognises volunteers whose dedication, passion and commitment make a real difference to clubs, schools and community groups.

Lifetime Achievement Award: The highest honour of the evening, this award pays tribute to an individual who has dedicated many years to sport in Fylde. It recognises exceptional service, long-term impact and a lasting legacy that has inspired generations.