Brolly canopy launches Lancaster's first Italian festival

Installed by Lancaster Business Improvement District (BID), the canopy is in red, white and green to promote the inaugural Lancaster Festa Italia which takes place on Sunday September 9.

Festa Italia will celebrate all things Italian in the city and the umbrellas will really help to get people in the mood.

The idea for the canopy was first suggested by Graham, owner of Inspire Gifts & Gallery in New Street.

The Umbrella Canopy along with representatives of many of the sponsors.
PHOTO CREDIT: Workshop Media — The Umbrella Canopy along with representatives of many of the sponsors. PHOTO CREDIT: Workshop Media

He said: “I suggested the umbrella canopy when I opened my shop last year because I wanted to get people to use the town centre differently, and discover just what a great place Lancaster is for shopping. I’m over the moon that Lancaster BID have championed the idea to help put New Street back on the map as well as creating a great, semi-permanent, tourist attraction that will bring more people into the city centre benefitting all business.”

In conjunction with the umbrella canopy Lancaster BID is also running the ‘Bring on The Brollies’ Umbrella trail over the summer (from July 28 – September 9). Anyone wishing to take part can collect a trail form from the City Museum or Visitor Information Centre, as well as many local businesses.

Tom Fyson, Lancaster BID Development Manager, said: “We’re particularly pleased with the way local businesses have really got behind this initiative by getting involved in the trail and providing sponsorship which has covered the majority of the cost of the umbrella canopy.

“We are very grateful to Bella Italia, Buccelli’s, Burton and Fisher, Castlegate Security, Central Lancaster High School, Furness Building Society, JOSEPH+CO, Marco’s ,Pizza Margherita and The Bridal Collection who have all sponsored the umbrella canopy. This additional financial support really helps stretch our budgets further and enables us to achieve even more to make Lancaster a better place to live, work, visit and invest in.”

Lancaster’s Festa Italia is certain to be a highlight if the year. More details are being confirmed daily of this exciting event. Find out more at www.lancasterbid.org/love-local or search Facebook for Lancaster Festa Italia.