Open for All 2012

Many Fylde Coast residents and businesses will be aware that The 2012 Open Championship returns to Royal Lytham & St Annes next July, but what people may not be aware of is the actual economic value and impact to Fylde and Lancashire of hosting such world class sporting events.

Around 200,000 spectators, 500 reporters, 50 broadcasters and 300 photographers are expected to attend with coverage of the Championships reaching 400 million households in 150 countries. The overall economic impact of hosting the championships is estimated at over £80 million and 'Open for All' has been developed to help ensure that this impact is felt right across the communities and businesses of Fylde.

If you are excited about the opportunities that The 2012 Open will bring to Fylde and have a great idea for how your business or group could make the most of these opportunities then please get in touch – we may be able to provide some support to bring your idea to fruition.

Open for All is a small grant scheme to help businesses, organisations or groups of individuals in the Fylde area to implement projects that will help contribute to the successful hosting of The 2012 Open. In partnership with Fylde Local Strategic Partnership, Lancashire County Council is awarding grants of up to a maximum of £3,000 to projects that will help the communities of Fylde to get the most out of being the host location.

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate how their proposal will contribute to Fylde's successful hosting The 2012 Open, and in doing so how it will fulfil one or more of the purposes of the Open for All 2012 grant programme which are set out below:

• Ensure that residents and businesses in Fylde are aware of the potential benefits that hosting The 2012 Open brings.
• Deliver targeted activities that will enhance the Fylde community's experience of being the host location.
• Add value so that Lytham and the Fylde are recognised as a successful host venue and a potential venue of choice for future sporting and/or cultural events.

The deadline for applications has now passed. Details will soon be available about the successful applicants.