This June the Fylde coast welcomes back the Lytham Arts Festival, a fantastic week of exhibitions, music and dancing. The festival starts in Clifton Square, Lytham at 1pm on June 20th with the Mayor of Fylde himself opening the event. There’ll be live music from the Fylde Coasters and dancing from Kizomba Desejo North West Dance group.

Exhibitions and events will be taking place in 31 venues in Lytham including: the Fylde gallery, Stringers, Open Studios, Assembly Rooms and the Lytham Library so there are plenty of places to enjoy the activities.

(You can find all the events on the leaflet below, please note more artists will be added on the run up to the event)

Rhythm In Lytham
Of course an arts festival wouldn’t be the same without musicians and dance groups filling the streets; throughout the week you will be able to hear music from The Fylde Coasters, Gary Quinn, Dexter’s band, the Soundwaves choir and Laura Oakes from BBC One’s The Voice.

Along with dance performances from Noches De Salsa, who were a big hit at last year’s festival.

You can follow some of the performers on Twitter @GaryQuinnMusic @dexeterband @lauraoakesmusic & @arhcountry

Exhibitionists
The gallery venues will host photography by Chris Beard, artworks by Steve Bruce and works by Sophie Gibson as well as Julie Bull, an award winning textile artist, will also be displaying her work. To look at all the artists check out the website here.

One of the main events will be an auction on Saturday the 21st where limited edition signed photographs by Jane Nicholl will be auctioned to raise money for Brian House.

On Sunday the 22nd Jane Binnion, a well establish author, will be talking about her new book ‘You’re so clumsy Charlie’

These boots are made for walking
The results of the May ‘Design a shoe’ competition will be showcased. Under 16 year olds were challenged to take an old shoe, boot or sandal, and design it for someone using whatever materials they could find.

All entries were photographed and submitted onto the Lytham Arts Festival Facebook page, then the shoes were given to @exquisite_shoes and can now be seen in their beautiful window display. Make sure you take a look the next time you are passing the shop.

The festival is financed through the High Street Innovation Fund, through which £10million is distributed across 100 local authorities with the intention of reviving the high street and bringing local communities together.

The festival is a great way to engage with the arts in your local area. Will you be attending the Lytham Arts Festival this year?

Follow the event on Twitter @LythamArtsFest and keep updated with all the event news!