The Formby Nativity Play 2014!
Photos by Patrick Trollope

FORMBY Village played host to yet another fantastic Nativity Play, produced and run by the group:- 'Churches Together in Formby, Altcar & Hightown' (CTIFAH) This year, it was not the normal Nativity, but a re-worked one, called:- "Lamb Stew." For some, it was a bit odd, but the majority of people seemed to like it! As normal the event ran a high risk of being affected by the weather, but the rain and wind cleared for the play to take place in the open air, on Chapel Lane. Sadly, the start was delayed due to a power outage, caused by an unrelated issue, that affected the Christmas Lights and some businesses within the village. The problem was later fixed after the event had concluded. In the meantime power was received from an alternative provider, Cancer Research UK, for the stage. The Christmas Aarrrr moment was produced by the inclusion, once again, of a new born baby, whose Mum was in fact playing Mary, in the play. This was the first time the baby and Mother were related, in its 9 years of running! At the event was Wings of Love who provided a new addition to the event, with a Dove release. Other attractions included a real donkey, sheep and goats, thanks to Rice Lane City Farm. Presiding over the proceedings was The Worshipful Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Kevin E Cluskey, BA Hons along with the Mayoress Mrs Linda Cluskey. Also attending were some of the local Council officials along with a mass of local school children in costume who performed well and played a significant part. The event was a huge success, and we have a few video highlights at the end of our photographic coverage. We can also inform you that the official DVD will be available after Christmas from CTIFAH, that will be edited by Andy Johnson, who produced the sound track for the show. The Village Centre has been hit hard over the last few years by a ever growing drop in trade and footfall, so events like the Christmas Lights Switch On and the Formby Nativity Play should help to bring in the people. This year's Nativity did just that and the penultimate Saturday, before Christmas should be busy anyway:- but as the nativity finished, the village appeared to have emptied within 15mins. So the question has now been raised on Twitter, do events like this lose trade or bring trade in... Or as some have Tweeted, it doesn't do either as the people who go are not going to stay and shop anyway! it also opens up another question, as Christmas is a religious holiday, should shops expect trade from events like the Nativity anyway? Please email your views and thought on this or Tweet us @southportreport and let us know what you really think!

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