Lancashire Tourism Awards

Lytham Hall’s successful summer open air theatre programme is in line for a prestigious Lancashire Tourism Award .

The four play season is one of six finalists in the Small Tourism Category, following a summer when Lytham Hall drew the largest attendance in the country for Illyria’s touring productions of The Mikado. and then of The Emperor’s New Clothes in August.

Theatre organiser Julian Wilde will be interviewed by a judging panel in Blackburn on October 19 and the winners will be announced on a presentation evening at Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom in November.

Julian Wilde feels that reaching the final of the annual tourism awards, now in their 14th year, will please the many volunteers at Lytham Hall who put considerable time and effort into making visitors feel personally welcomed as they arrive for an open air play.

“We always aim to ensure that the quality of the experience at an open air play in such a beautiful setting is first-class and the team of volunteers have done an admirable job at all four productions this summer.

The financial support and encouragement of our Patrons from the local business community is also essential and it has been heartening that they have increased in number from just five in 2010 to twenty two this year.”

Ruth Connor the Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire sees the Awards Evening as a celebration of the success of businesses, individuals and partnerships across Lancashire.

“The response to this year’s Lancashire Tourism Awards has been outstanding, testament to the quality and variety of tourism experiences and exceptional hospitality businesses on offer to the 67million visitors now enjoying short breaks and holidays each year in Lancashire.

The tourism industry is vital to the economic health of the county and deserves a dedicated event that rewards and celebrates everyone who contributes to the succe

ss of Lancashire’s thriving £4.13billion visitor economy.

Those who have reached this stage of the competition are to be congratulated, as applications increase each year and the field of competition grows.”

Plans for the 2018 programme of open air plays at Lytham Hall will be announced later this month and how the donation of over £5000 resulting from this year’s theater season will be used in the renovation of the Hall will be revealed by newly appointed General Manager Peter Anthony.