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David Haythornthwaite, founder of Lytham based Tangerine Group, is no stranger to patriotism. Known for his passion for all things English, once again, for the sixth year in a row, he is giving his 120 staff a day off on full pay, in recognition of St George and is calling upon all businesses in Lancashire to follow suit.
This is in response to the celebrations England takes part in each year on 17 March in commemoration of St Patrick. Inversely, 23 April is forgotten by an English population of around 50 million, who are almost too ashamed to celebrate.
David Haythornthwaite commented:“Most countries are proud to celebrate their heritage but, in England, we seem too reserved to do so.
“I have campaigned for the last six years to have St George’s Day turned into a national bank holiday as a day to celebrate all things English; Shakespeare, football, cricket, rugby,the local pub and the cure for all ails - a decent brew.
“In my home town of Lytham St Annes, we are pulling out all the stops to show the pride we have for our nation. closing the streets to hold a St George’s five-day festival extravaganza the whole community will come together to celebrate – everyone is welcome.”
Kicking off the festival, the day’sholiday for St George is expected to cost the Tangerine Group approximately £20,000, money well spent to wave the flag and support everything that is great about England. Events over the duration include: a comedy night, tea dance, black tie gala dinner, and family fun day culminating in a 10K run. The events not only help local businesses, bring new visitors to the area but also support two charities – nationally, ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity and locally, Trinity Hospice.
David continued: “As an English manufacturer I believe 23 April should be a day where we recognise everything that is brilliant about being English. It baffles me that people will happily celebrate St Patrick’s Day in great style but then seem too nervous to do anything for St George’s Day.
“Here in Lytham, we’re not nervous, but proud to be English and we call upon the county to put their best foot forward and join us in celebrating what is truly wonderful about our country.”
Further details of the St George’s Festival can be found on www.april23.co.uk
