Solar Eclipse Viewing Party – come and get your free viewing glasses and share a moment of wonder.

DAY TURNS TO NIGHT

Join Blackpool & South Fylde Methodist Churches for a Rare Solar Eclipse Community Event

Residents across the Fylde Coast are invited to experience one of the UK’s most remarkable astronomical events at a free community gathering hosted by the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit on Wednesday 12 August 2026.

A spectacular near-total solar eclipse will be visible across the UK between 6.00pm and 8.00pm, with the moon covering around 90–95% of the sun shortly after 7.00pm.

The sky will briefly darken in what would normally be broad daylight, creating an unforgettable moment of awe that will not be matched in Western Europe until 2090.

To mark this unique occasion, local Methodist churches are inviting everyone—people of all faiths and none—to gather at Fairhaven Lake, near the Spitfire Memorial, from 5.00pm to 8.00pm.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnic, blanket or folding chair and enjoy a relaxed evening by the coast while sharing this extraordinary natural event with family, friends and neighbours. Safe eclipse viewing glasses will be provided free of charge while stocks last.

As part of the evening, visitors are also invited to enjoy complimentary bubble tea and a selection of sweet treats while stocks last. Whether you’re trying bubble tea for the first time or simply enjoying a sweet snack, it’s another way of bringing people together in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

The event is about more than simply watching the eclipse. It offers an opportunity to pause, enjoy the beauty of creation, meet new people and share in a memorable community experience. Members of the Methodist churches will be on hand to offer a warm welcome, conversation and hospitality throughout the evening.

For more information about this event and the Methodist Church’s Solar Eclipse outreach initiative, visit:
https://www.methodist.org.uk/about/our-stories/day-of-outreach-eclipse/

Come along bring a picnic and enjoy treats and bubble tea as we share this moment 5-8pm Fairhaven Lake Spitfire memorial