ORGANISERS in Darwen are calling for the town’s main events to be held on separate days to boost business and attract more visitors.

This year Darwen Gala and the 1940s day were held on the same day but councillors said that it was ‘confusing’ that the two ran at the same time.

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Because of this the chair of the gala and the town council partnership board are planning to bring in a new schedule so that it doesn’t happen again.

Speaking out after Saturday’s annual parade, John Robertson chairman of Darwen Town Council partnership board, said: “I didn’t have anything to do with the planning of these two events but it seems that there was some confusion over them happening on the same day.

“The town’s programme of events needs to be better co-ordinated.

“From now on we will plan and make sure that we promote the town well and bring in visitors on different weekends.”

Despite the clash of events, Cllr Brian Taylor, praised the newly formed Darwen Gala committee who jumped on board after previous members left the group spontaneously.

“The new committee did a fantastic job and we can’t thank them enough, said Cllr Taylor.

“The new committee shouldn’t underestimate how well they did even though the two events on the same day was a little confusing for some. I just wish we had all got together and planned this much better.”

Peta Davies, chairwoman of the gala committee said that the team will work together so that next year the gala will run separately and communications will be improved.

She said: “We couldn’t agree more that the two events clashed.

“We do want to highlight the fact that Darwen Gala has been held on the third Saturday of August for the past 51 years and nothing has changed there.

“But despite the double booking, the gala did well and we are all looking forward to working together in the run up to next year.”