Leaders from around the World are set to descend upon Chorley in Lancashire this weekend for the G7 Summit.
The June 2021 G7 Summit in Cornwall was the first time these political leaders met in person for two years due to COVID-19 - and to kick things off, a fleet of red arrows will fly over the local area.
What is the G7 Summit and why is it called 'G7'?
The Group of Seven (G7 for short) Summit brings together the leaders of the seven largest advanced economies to exchange experiences, opinions and information, primarily on parliamentary matters, such as the role of parliaments and the organisation of parliamentary functions in a rapidly changing world.
Advert
The G7 countries are: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US.
At the end of the summit, a closing statement is made which includes what actions have been decided from the summit.
Why is the G7 Summit in Chorley?
This year, the UK holds the G7 presidency, meaning they're also the host country.
Advert
Earlier in the year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson travelled to Cornwall for the G7 Summit, as it's seen as the hub for the UK's green energy sector. This time, the talks will be held in Lancashire, but why?
The host of the talks this time round is House of Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who is also the MP for Chorley. As is tradition, the seven leaders are invited to the host's local town, which in this instance, is Chorley.
Sir Lindsay promises to give the leaders "a taste of Lancashire" during their stay.
Advert
"It's a great opportunity," he said, speaking to The Metro.
"They said to me, 'By the way, it's your turn to host the G7 Speakers' conference, so you'll be doing it in London?'"
"Well, if the Prime Minister can go to Cornwall, surely I've got to give them a taste of Lancashire?" he added.
"In fairness, Nancy Pelosi [Sir Lindsay's American counterpart] was very clear - she said to me, as she was handing over last year, 'Mr Speaker, we want to go to your district! We all go to London, we've got to get out of London'.
Advert
"That's where it came from. What better place to take them to than my home town where I've always lived?"
When is the G7 Summit in Lancashire?
The G7 Summit will take place on from Friday 17th - Sunday 19th September 2021 at Astley Hall in Chorley.
Locals to the area have been told to expect some road closures and travel disruption over the weekend.
What is Astley Hall?
Astley Hall is a tourist hotspot with the main attractions being the Grade I listed historic house and acres of parks and gardens surrounding it. Despite the tranquility felt when walking the grounds, Astley Hall isn't too far from Chorley city centre.
"I look forward to welcoming my counterparts to one of the most beautiful parts of the UK - to the town where I was born and brought up - to Lancashire and the North-West," said Sir Lindsay.
Advert
"I hope to offer the Speakers and Presiding Officers the chance to sample the best of Lancashire hospitality, from Morecambe Bay shrimps to Lancashire creamy, crumbly and tasty cheeses and beautiful scenery at Hoghton Tower, Rivington and Duxbury Woods, in person and not via Zoom!"
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@CommonsSpeakerTopics: Politics