Great expectations for Formby’s Dickensian Day after event is saved by local pub

Dec 4 2012 by Jamie Bowman, Formby Times

FORMBY’S Dickensian Day will make a comeback this weekend after fears the event was to become a ghost of Christmas past.

Frank and Jill Donnelly of The Cross House Inn on Three Tuns Lane, were so upset by the decision to cancel this year’s event, they decided to host the festival in their pub.

Jill said: “What is Christmas in Formby without Dickensian day?

“Since 1996 we have had a taste of Victorian nostalgia on our High Street and the day and all its attractions really brought our community together.

“I couldn’t stand by and allow all that has been built over the past 16 years to become a memory and hopefully this year’s event will remind everyone how good it was and they will think again about its future.”

Describing this year’s Dickensian Day, which takes place on Saturday, as a “mini-me” version of previous year’s events, Jill is hoping the village will get behind the festival’s new incarnation.

She said: “Father Christmas will be there alongside Scrooge to ensure a few dark clouds don't ruin the day.

“Formby scouts, carol singers and local bands will also be there throughout the day to help raise some sovereigns for our local charities.”

Art and craft stalls will also be open with items from local stall holders on offer for people looking for that ideal Christmas present.

Money raised on the day will go to Jospice, Animals in Need and Sefton Cancer Support.

Jill added: “This year is the bicentennial of Dickens’ birth so it just felt wrong for there not to be a Dickensian Day.

“It’s been a tough time for everyone in the village and we also missed out on the Santa Dash this year so hopefully this will be something good for the community.”

There was more good news for Formby with the confirmation that an outdoor nativity will take place in the village on Saturday December 15 at 11am.

The festive play, which will take place on a special raised stage on Chapel Lane, will feature a cast of 50 drawn from churches, and schools across Formby community.

Local primary children will take part, as well as a number of real animals.

There will be seating for over 300 people, including a disabled viewing area.