Never fear, festival almost here

Ticket sales are high and expectations higher as Lytham Festival hovers into view.
Nina Conti joins the fringe at Lytham FestivalNina Conti joins the fringe at Lytham Festival
Nina Conti joins the fringe at Lytham Festival

It opens on Monday with an entertainer who redefines what ventriloquism is all about - award winning comedian Nina Conti’s extended alter egos are a far cry from Lord Charles and the ’gottle of geer’ vent acts of old.

She’s the big name opener of the festival at Lowther Pavilion - another coup for festival director Peter Taylor who describes her as a “world class comedian. When we got the chance to bring Nina here, we jumped at it.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Conti started her career with the Royal Shakespeare Company before becoming a ventriloquist. She’s since appeared on Live at the Apollo, Russell Howard’s Good News and Sunday Night at the Palladium.

Nina Conti - and friend.Nina Conti - and friend.
Nina Conti - and friend.

While the main arena comes into its own on Wednesday for the UK’s largest ever outdoor cinema screening of Star Wars – The Force Awakens there’s plenty happening early doors Monday and Tuesday.

Country music duo Shires follow in Conti’s footsteps to the stage of the Lowther on Tuesday.

Stage Too, in Lytham’s Victory Hall, features R&B singer-songwriter Lemar on Monday and Jake Quickenden on Tuesday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Musical comedy duo Ferris & Milnes bring West End cabaret with a twist on Monday at the Church Stage - St Cuthberts Church.

Nina Conti - and friend.Nina Conti - and friend.
Nina Conti - and friend.

The World Jazz Stage brings together a stunning array of genres with Off The Rails Big Band on Monday and the Soul Convicts on Tuesday.

Or head over to Lytham Hall for Lytham Hall Outdoor Cinema Labyrinth (Bowie’s not Pan’s!) on Monday and The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Tuesday. Watch The Gazette and entertainments diary for daily updates. Or see www.lythamfestival.com