Exclusive: A timetable of live summer events is heading to Chorley as restrictions start to lift

Chorley Council is one of the first councils in the country to release the details of its summer events.

The Glorious 12th on Monday saw many traders and pubs begin to open their doors ... and now we can exclusively reveal that summer is firmly back on the cards.

Back ... is the Chorley 10k which will now take place in August

Back ... is Taste of Chorley, which will happen in June

Back ... is Chorley Flower Show at the end of July.

The timetable is bound to bring some sense of relief that we are working towards a brighter future and some form of normality.

Chorley Council Chief Executive Gary Hall, said: “Two of the most important things this year are that local businesses are given as much support as possible and we all have chance to enjoy the things we have missed over the last year.

“The events programme does both things as they give people popular events that they can enjoy with friends and family and they attract people into our borough, which supports the local economy.

“That means the events will be more important than ever this year, which is why we are planning to host them all and give everyone a boost after a difficult year.”

The welcome news comes as people in Chorley and Leyland embraced the latest steps in the government’s roadmap out of Lockdown.

Non essential shops reopened their doors again on Monday, folk were able to tackle their tousled locks with a visit to the barbers and hairdressers; and drinkers were downing their first pints at the pub, albeit outside, for months.

Mr Hall said of the events: “It’s really important we have something to look forward to in Chorley and this allows us to plan ahead and do what we do best, which is celebrating all the great things to do in the borough.

“We’ve been planning on this return for some time and while the virtual events we held last year were successful and viewed by thousands of people you can’t beat doing things like this in person.

“The safety of visitors will be our top priority so people can rest assured that we will be following all the Government guidance and the events will be adapted to the circumstances at the time.

“One or two of the events may change date depending upon restrictions but our commitment is to host them all this year and bring the feelgood factor back to Chorley.”

Here is the full programme of events:

What’s Your Story, Chorley? Saturday 24 April – virtual event

Chorley 10K – usually held in May will now be on Sunday 29 August

A Taste of Chorley – Saturday and Sunday 5 and 6 June

Picnic in the Park – end of June/beginning of July (exact date to be confirmed as restrictions are reviewed)

Chorley Flower Show – Friday 30 July, Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August,. It is expanding to a three-day show to help spread visitor numbers.

Chorley Live – 1 and 2 October (it may be brought forward as things progress to allow more outdoor entertainment in better weather)

Bonfire and fireworks – Friday 5 November

Christmas festivities – November and December