Of course you do!

Well, this summer there is a chance for everyone in East Lancashire to have a fabulous day out by the sea for absolutely nothing. Zilch. No money whatsoever. (Except for whatever it costs you to get there of course!)

It’s all thanks to The Church of England in Lancashire which has organised a great FREE ‘Summer Festival’ weekend at Arnold KEQM School in Lytham.

Based on previous events we are expecting thousands to be there – from churches and schools across the County. But you don’t have to go to either to get involved. Everyone is welcome!

So mark the dates (Saturday June 21 and Sunday June 22) in your diary.

Lancashire’s Bishop, Rt Rev. Julian Henderson, has issued a personal invitation to attend the event. You can see the fun, animated invitation video on the Diocese YouTube channel. (Just search YouTube for Blackburn Diocese.)

On the Saturday, the fun starts around 10am and during the day there are a whole host of activities including clowns; bands; ‘Messy Church’ events; workshops; a massive bouncy castle; a climbing wall; a football cage and even a ‘rodeo sheep’ event. And before you ask, I’m not sure what a ‘rodeo sheep’ event looks like either – but I’m intrigued to find out!

Bring a picnic – but there will be plenty of food and drink to buy if you prefer – and relax. The fun goes on into the evening as a jazz band plays over the teatime period before a giant ceilidh kicks off. Then, as the sun sets, there will be a Christian music gig for the young (and some not so young!) to enjoy.

On the Sunday the focus will be on an evangelistic mission event. There will be a Pilgrim Praise Service beginning at 5pm at the same venue and you can walk to the service from one of two points on the Fylde coast – either Lytham Windmill or Todmorden Road. Bishop Julian will be speaking at this service.

If you want to know more, go to the Diocese website (www.blackburn.anglican.org) where you will also find a wide variety of resources to help promote the event in your church or school.