Next year you'll have the opportunity to take part in English local elections and a potential referendum on the voting system for the UK Parliament.

Andrea Mullin, Electoral Registration Manager for Wyre Borough Council, said: "Registering to vote is simple, quick and easy. Just update the annual canvass form with the details of everyone in your household who is eligible to vote and return the form to us as soon as possible. If your details haven't changed you can also reply by text, phone or e-mail.

"This year's general election was very high profile and we were pleased with the increase in registration shortly before polling day. However, some people may not realise that they have to register every year. By completing the annual canvass form that comes through your door, you can rest assured that your vote will be secured next year."

Barbara Lines, Electoral Commission regional manager for the North, added: "Next year will be an important one for voters in England, but you can't have a say if you're not on the electoral register.

"We already know that English local elections will be taking place on 5 May 2011 in Wyre and the referendum on the voting system for the UK Parliament is planned for the same day, so voters can start making preparations now to ensure they don't miss out."

For more information contact your local Electoral Registration Officer on 01253 887257 or visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

Lancashire literature agency Litfest and Wyre Borough Council have launched an open competition to find an illustrator for the Mythic Coastline project, which is developing stories, illustrations, public art works and events to inspire and enthuse local people and visitors to the Lancashire coastline between Cleveleys and Fleetwood.

Critically acclaimed children's author Gareth Thompson is writing the book, provisionally titled Between the Moon and the Earth, which will highlight some of the area's diverse environments - including the Bowland Forest, the fishing harbour at Fleetwood and the sand dunes at Rossall - as well as mythic or unseen features such as petrified forests and shipwrecks.

Not only will the book will be published in hardback next year by Foxtail, an imprint of Litfest Publications, as well as in e-book format, but it will also provide the inspiration for public art works to be created by sculptor Stephen Broadbent. And there's a commission fee of £8,000 up for grabs too.

'We're looking for imaginative, sparky illustrations which invoke the spirit, history and folklore of this fascinating landscape' said Andy Darby, Artistic Director of Litfest, who will edit the book. 'We've got a great writer on board - now we need a fantastic illustrator who can give the book another dimension.'

Councillor Lynne Bowen, Wyre Borough Council Cabinet member with responsibility for culture, added: "The council has a vision for the Mythic Coastline to capture the imagination of all who see it. This is an extra special project, so it's only right that we search for an exceptional illustrator who can make Wyre's new waterfront come alive."

Entrants are asked to complete an application form and submit two examples of their work. Full entry details, terms and conditions, and the application form can be found online at www.wyreway.org/mythic, or can be obtained by calling 01524 62166. The deadline for entries is 27 September 2010.

An original application for a mixed use development of hotel rooms, retail units, restaurant, bar and gym facilities was deferred earlier this year following comments from English Heritage and the highways authority (Lancashire County Council).

As a result changes have now been made to the submitted plans and these will be on display at Fleetwood Library until the morning of Tuesday 14 September. They are, as always, also available to view at the Civic Centre in Poulton and online at www.wyrebc.gov.uk/Find/69365.

Any comments, whether in support of or objecting to the application, should be made in writing to the Civic Centre or emailed to planning@wyrebc.gov.uk quoting ref 10/00050. These can be submitted right up until the application is determined by the Planning Committee.

All previously submitted correspondence relating to this application will still be brought to the attention of the committee.

The centre moved early this year and was the subject of significant investment by the North West Development Agency and the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board.

Wyre's Director of Leisure and Tourism, Tom Pridmore, said: "We recognise that we had some teething problems but we listened carefully to local feedback and as a result have made a number of improvements. We are delighted that the new centre is now attracting more than double the number visiting the old location.

"We have been particular heartened by the response from many local people, many of whom now use the centre regularly."

Visitor figures for July 2010 were 3784 compared to the old centre, same period last year, which were 1670.

If folk's your thing, come and join 3,000 festival goers at the Fylde Folk Festival on 3 to 5 September. Held at 20 different venues around the town, including the Marine Hall, this much loved spectacle is now in its 38th year.

It's a celebration of folk music, song and dance, with 135 events featuring 200 performers playing all day long to keep all ages entertained. Highlights include a drummer and dancer from Gambia and 16-year-old Niamh Boadle, a finalist in the 2010 BBC Performers Contest.

Full details of show times, tickets, camping and caravan bookings are online at www.fylde-folk-festival.com

Another musical feast follows on 10, 11 and 12 September when Fleetwoodstock arrives for the sixth year running, again at the Marine Hall. Headlined on Saturday night by The Quireboys, the festival will play host to great bands all weekend long. Grab a ticket while you can from Marine Hall Box Office, call 01253 887693 or visit www.marinehall.co.uk.

Councillor Lynne Bowen, Leisure & Culture Portfolio Holder for Wyre Borough Council said: "It's great to see that the music scene in Fleetwood is going strong and getting bigger and better each year.

"These two weekends are a great way for local people to enjoy the festival experience on their doorstep, but are also a great attraction, bringing visitors from all over the country to Fleetwood."

How about something that looks good on a CV or a college application?

Volunteers are needed to serve as race marshalls, water station attendants, length counters and race assistants for the forthcoming Fleetwood Marathon and Fleetwood Triathlon.

The first takes place on Sunday 29 August and the triathlon is scheduled for Sunday 26 September. Volunteers will need to be available for a few hours but will receive a certificate, T shirt and refreshments in return.

James McConnachie, Wyre Youth Mayor and volunteering champion, will be on duty himself and is urging others to join him. He said: "This is a great opportunity for any young person who would like to be part of the action without actually competing.

"Examples of contributing to the community in some way tend to catch the eye of potential employers and colleges, so a few hours work now could make a real difference in the future."

Sign up to help at either of these events online at www.wyrebc.gov.uk/Find/sportvolunteering or by contacting Jonathan Pearce, Volunteer and Club Co-Ordinator for Wyre Borough Council on 01253 887450, email: jpearce@wyrebc.gov.uk. Details are also available on the TryVolunteering group Facebook page.

If you're looking for something out of the ordinary that will keep the whole family entertained, you'll find it in Wyre during the bank holiday weekend.

Take a look at the countryside's answer to Formula One when you come along to the Tractor Pulling Championships at Great Eccleston Showground. Held on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 August, the championships will test these powerful machines to their limit. Lots of noise and a great atmosphere are guaranteed - a real fun experience.

If you're more the arty type, Garstang Arts and Music Festival is for you. It's a fusion of art, music, local produce, Fairtrade, shows, crafts, countryside, sport, heritage and culture, topped up with lots of pride and passion. There's lots going on across venues in Garstang from Saturday 21 to Monday 30 August. Pop into the Visit Garstang centre in Cherestanc Square to find out more.

The seaside town of Fleetwood is hosting its very own marathon and half marathon on Sunday 29 August starting at 9.30am. Come along and cheer on the competitors as they make a dash for the finish line.

If you're looking to entertain younger members of the family, why not take them to the new natural play area at Rossall picnic site in Fleetwood. Not your ordinary playground, this new space has been designed to fit in with its coastal surroundings and includes all sorts of interesting structures for kids to play on including an adventure area with zipline.

Or why not cook yourself up something special with fresh produce from Poulton's Farmers Market on Saturday August 28. Visit from 9am to 1pm and you'll find a great selection of fresh fruit and veg, bread, locally reared meats and some of the best homemade pies and cakes.

For more information on what's on in Wyre, visit www.visitwyre.co.uk