FORMBY THE NEW GLASTONBURY
Photographs by Mike Wield

THOUSANDS descended on Formby to attend the 2nd Formby Festival, a celebration of Food, Drink and Music. There was something for all ages and whilst Saturday was affected by the weather it did not stop many attending at toughing it out in the rain to watch the live bands, singers and firework display. Sunday was a huge success with the weather on our side

There were foods from around the world catering for all tastes, with bars offering craft beers and craft, artisan foods and farmers market. The children could watch the magic and puppet shows, get cooking with the chefs or play soccer with Everton Football Academy. There was the circus school and balloon modelling not to mention lots more free activities available. In addition children entertained themselves on the assault course, go karts and zorbing on water or land. Fun was had by all.

The adults of course spent most of their time in the Food Court where they could taste the dishes from around the world and sample the various craft beers on offer. The live bands filled the air with music throughout the 2 days and Saturday finished off with its musical firework display. Even BBC Radio did a live interview from the event on Saturday. There were live chef demonstrations throughout the 2 days and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Unfortunately the flypast had to be cancelled on the Saturday due to the bad weather but it is hoped that we will have one next year but the Liverpool Batala Band made up for it on the Sunday

The feedback has been tremendous for the public and we will strive to make the event even better for next year. We have already announced the dates as the 18 July 2015 and 19 July 2015, so get it in your diary.

Maria Bennett, one of the organisers said:- "the weather was against us on Saturday but everyone soldiered on and nothing could stop the bands and fireworks from going ahead, with people braving the weather in their willies and brollies to be there. e would like to thank everyone who has been involved in putting this event on which takes 12 months of planning and who are all volunteers. Our main sponsors were Love Food Hate Waste and Waitrose and of course we could not have put on the event without the support of Formby Theatre Services. David Rigby and his crew are a credit to Formby and we look forward to them supporting the event year on year and of course making it better each year. We would like to thank all the people who came out to support the event even with the bad weather. We thank all the display teams and singers and bands who carried on in the rain, that's what it is all about, pulling together to make a difference for the community"