The Blackpool Easter Festival is no more as it has finally succumbed to non-hockey specific turf.
After 70 years, organisers confirmed the worst after the Festival’s future was cast into doubt in recent years. “Sadly, the final astro at the sports centre in Stanley Park will be replaced with yet another 4G pitch in April,” a statement read.
“This will mean there is no all-weather facility in Blackpool to host a viable Festival. Those of you who have been regular attenders will know the option of satellite venues was a logistical nightmare, and along with a depleted committee, the task is just too challenging.”
The event organisers said it was with a “heavy heart” that the Festival would not go ahead in 2023.
“We would like to thank you all for your support over the years, especially those teams, umpires, volunteers and sponsors that have showed such incredible loyalty.”
President George Robson had overseen the event for 58 Festivals. “I know he is saddened to hear we will not be around to celebrate his “Blackpool”, but as they say, time moves on,” said festival secretary Dave Gee. “George has not been in the best of health recently, but we are pleased to say that he is now on the mend and we all wish him well in the future.”
There’s always Torbay!