Lytham businessman's St George’s Day vow (From Blackpool Citizen)

Lytham businessman's St George’s Day vow

8:30am Monday 8th December 2008

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A patriotic Lytham businessman has vowed to raise £100,000 for local charities by hosting a St George’s Day Festival next April.

David Haythornthwaite, right, has also launched a national campaign to make St George’s Day (April 23) a national holiday.

The chairman of Tangerine Holdings, he hit the headlines this year when gave his 120 staff the day off on St George’s Day.

Now he has teamed up with the Royal Society of St George, the Army Benevolent Fund, the official soldiers’ charity, and Fylde Borough Council to host a three day extravaganza.

“I was overwhelmed with the national support given to me this year on St George’s Day and it gave me the confidence to take it further,” said David.

“We now have a formal organising committee of 10 people and will host a three day event on April 23, 24 and 25.

“It will bring together businesses, residents and families to celebrate what is a special date in history and we will be celebrating all things English.”

The flag of St George will be hoisted at Lytham town hall on April 23, and there will be a procession for business chiefs and their employees to enjoy.

A black tie St George's Day Ball will be held on April 24 and an all-day family festival on Saturday April 25.

The event aims to raise £100,000 for the Army Benevolent Fund, which needs about £5.5 million each year, Derian House children’s hospice and David’s own charitable trust, The Haythornthwaite Sports Foundation.

David added: “We’re absolutely confident we will make this a success.

"We have the backing of all the major partners required to hold such an event and are now finalising the details.”

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