Prestigious public speaking competition sees schoolchildren debate how to resolve Lancashire's important issues by 2050
An esteemed new public speaking competition is now running for primary and secondary school students across Lancashire.
The Great Lancashire Debate will celebrate the schools in Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool with the best public speakers and supports UK Parliament Week 2023 (November 6-11).
School teams will deliver and record presentations that tell judges about an important issue affecting the county - and how it will be resolved by 2050.
The entries will be shortlisted by a judging panel and the final six primary schools and six secondary schools will be invited to a grand final at County Hall in Preston. This will be held during Parliament Week and the prizes will include an engraved shield which will be presented by the Chairman, plus an opportunity to meet the Cabinet.
County Councillor Phillipa Williamson, Leader of Lancashire County Council Leader said: "We are urging schools across the county to take part in the Great Lancashire Debate!
"We want schools to use our vision for Lancashire 2050 as the inspiration for their debating topic. Lancashire 2050 is about bringing people together with a shared vision, shared ambition, shared goals and shared priorities. It’s about the future of our county and its people.
"It sets out the areas where we can work together to help our county thrive: economic prosperity; transport and infrastructure; early years and education; employment and skills; environment and climate; housing; health and wellbeing; and communities and place.
"The best thing is that all of the issues and ideas that the brightest young minds in Lancashire raise could be used to shape future work on Lancashire 2050.
"We are keen to see young people challenged by the competition and are looking forward to seeing all of the entries with very different ideas and viewpoints."
Find out more at The Great Lancashire Debate - Lancashire County Council