Peter Pan – Be Part of It
Tourism chiefs champion blockbuster Peter Pan
Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board (LBTB), in association with Bay Tourism and The Dukes, hosted a special first night for over 100 tourism industry colleagues at The Dukes’ walkabout production of Peter Pan, in Lancaster’s Williamson Park, on Monday 5 July 2010.
Industry guests travelled from across the county to attend the performance, from self-catering businesses and farm attractions in the Ribble Valley to Blackpool B&Bs and national trust stately homes, each taking away information about LBTB’s latest campaign Be Part Of It; which highlights the vast array of events taking place across the county over the summer.
Guests included Chair of Lancashire County Council, County Cllr Chris Holtom who voiced his support for Lancashire’s tourism industry, its £3billion contribution to the local economy and the appeal of this particular event to visitors outside the county; in 2009 over 3,000 visitors from outside the county attended The Duke’s production of Jason and The Argonauts in Williamson Park.
“I am very happy to be associated with this event, which showcases The Dukes and promotes our vitally important tourism and hospitality industry” said Cllr Holtom, who continued “I was delighted to see so many young people at Peter Pan, perhaps enjoying their first taste of live theatre and on their way to becoming future patrons. I’m sure that, if early attendances are anything to go by, this production will be one of The Dukes most successful.”
Lesley Lloyd, Chair or LBTB and Roger Carter, Chair of Bay Tourism welcomed industry colleagues to the event, at a drinks reception in the stunning surroundings of the Ashton Memorial and Joe Sumsion, Director of The Dukes, talked about the unique nature of the walkabout performance.
Commenting on the performance Lesley Lloyd said “It is important, as an industry, to be aware of the many great events taking place on our doorstep. The variety and quality of events available to visitors in Lancashire is second to none, from theatre in the park to the fast-growing Festival of Food and Culture in Pennine Lancashire and the Enjoy England Awards, Tourism Event of the Year 2010, Blackpool Illuminations.
“I have been coming to performances in the park for a number of years and love everything about them. The productions are always fantastic and I admire the way Joe Sumsion and his amazingly creative team, work with the magnificent surroundings of this beautiful park to really make their productions come alive. It was no surprise to hear that it was included in The Times’ Top Ten Summer Outdoor Experiences.”
Peter Pan continues at Williamson Park, Lancaster until Saturday 7th August and is set to break box office records for any park performance in the last 10 years. To book tickets call the box office on 01524 598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org
To order a copy of LBTB’s new Be Part of It what’s on guide, call Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board 01257 226600 or click here
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Media enquiries: Anna Izza, Communications Executive, Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board on 01257 226614 or [email protected].
Photos: Speaking at the pre-performance event (from Lto R) Lesley Lloyd Chair of LBTB, Roger Carter Chair of Bay Tourism and Joe Sumsion, Director of The Dukes.
Peter Pan in the Park, the Mermaid’s Lagoon at the lake.
Photos: Brian Slater