ALL of Blackpool is being urged to get behind plans to make the Millennium a party to remember. Civic leaders are hoping the town will play host to a giant community celebration, starting when the clock strikes midnight to herald the year 2000 and carrying on all year.

In order to pool ideas, a huge meeting between council chiefs, businesses as well as voluntary and charity organisations, is planned for July 6.

Also in attendance will be a representative from the New Millennium Experience Company to describe activities being planned in other parts of the country and advise on how to bid for Millennium funds.

The idea is that the council becomes a one-stop base, with part of the chief executive's department responsible for collating and co-ordinating information and events.

Meanwhile, tourism bosses, First Leisure and Blackpool Pleasure Beach will work together as a marketing consortium to promote the town under the banner of Festival 2000.

Spearheading the drive to unite the town are tourism committee chairman Roy Lewis and vice chairman Stan Hill. Councillor Lewis commented: "The council is in the process of drawing up plans to co-ordinate what we hope will be a huge community celebration.

"The idea is for us to provide a single point of contact. This is a once in a lifetime event and I'm sure the whole town will want to get involved and make it a success."

Those who want to play a part but cannot get to the meeting between 7.30 and 9pm at the Stakis Hotel can get in touch with the Town Hall on 01253 477123.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.