Origin of the Club Day name

In the early part of the 19th century there were various societies or 'CLUBS' like the Foresters, Buffaloes, Rechabites Mechanics etc., who quite independently had their annual meetings usually in a pub. After the meeting a meal was served and of course the beer flowed profusely. There was great rivalry between the Clubs and to show their superiority one-year a particular club engaged the town band to parade round the town before disappearing into their chosen hostelry. Next year, of course, the other clubs did like wise. They then decided to have their annual meetings on the same day and to join together into procession - This is thought to have happened sometime before Queen Victoria came to the throne, the exact date is not known but it is seeming before 1840. Other things followed such as a fair and markets and later on a tradesman's holiday with a grand outing by train about the time of Club Day. However, towards the end of the 19th century matters began getting out of hand.

Lytham Club Day - Wednesday June 24th, 1891

"The Annual Procession will consist of three Bands - Friendly Societies - Temperance Societies - Lifeboat and Crew - Firebrigade - Donkeys and Riders in Costumes - Tradesmen's Turnouts etc. also - "Transfield's Grand Circus Company. "A Grand Gala and Sports on the Football Field, including Transfield's Circus Company, Clown Cricketers v. Lytham Gymnasts, Sport etc. bands for dancing, concluding with a grand display of fireworks. Ground illuminated with limelight, etc., etc.,"

(reproduced from the original advertisement)

In 1894 The Rose Queen Festival was added to the name Lytham Club Day and we had our very first Rose Queen, Miss Annie Johnson - from St. Cuthbert's Church, According to the 'Lytham Times' "She wore a wreath of exquisite roses and looked exceedingly beautiful in a white dress and rode in a Phaeton lavishly decorated with festoons and garlands of roses and flowers of every variety"