Famous fido’s fans arrive in town for Lucky Dog picnic

Following the enduring appeal of illusionist Derren Brown’s Bafta award-winning TV programme about the Lucky Dog statue in Centre Vale Park, fans will gather to have their photo taken with the popular pooch.

Mayor of Todmorden Coun Abid Hussain will greet guests in the park from 12.30pm, with the picnic beginning at 1pm.

Jacqui Matthews, from Todmorden Information Centre, said: “Some of Derren Brown’s most loyal followers are coming this weekend to have a picnic with the dog.

“We are still getting a lot of enquiries about the dog, even if it’s pouring with rain.

“I think people are rubbing it and wishing for sunshine.”

Jacqui said a group of interested parties called the Lucky Dog Project is looking to turn the statue into a major tourist attraction like the Blarney Stone and the Trevi Fountain.

“The idea is it will get worldwide recognition,” she said.

Stephen Curry, Lucky Dog Project facilitator, said getting more national coverage would be good for Todmorden.

“The picnic might become an annual event,” he said.

“It’s Todmorden’s opportunity to grab a bit of the limelight.

“In years to come, people will remember the Lucky Dog.”

There are plans to create Lucky Dog memorabilia to sell to tourists.

“If we can get to a position where we can sell merchandise, we could raise money to give to local charities,” he said.