A cherished Formby Christmas tradition is looking for new hands to carry it forward

There is real sadness across our Bubble today as we share the news that the much loved Rotary Carol Wagon will not be able to continue in its current form unless a new group from the community steps forward.

For decades, the Carol Wagon run by Formby Rotary Club has been a magical part of Christmas in Formby. Each festive season, Santa and the volunteers have toured our streets bringing joy, music and excitement to countless children, many of whom grew up eagerly waiting at the gate year after year for his arrival.

Over the years, the Carol Wagon has not only created wonderful memories for generations of families, it has also raised many thousands of pounds for local charities, good causes and community organisations. Those donations have helped support people right here in Formby and beyond, making the Carol Wagon one of the quiet but powerful forces for good in our village.

Sadly, the long standing volunteers have now reached a point where they can no longer continue.

Jeff Howard has asked that this message is shared with the community, and we are publishing it below as their statement:

Dear Formby Folk

Formby Rotary Club are no longer able to tour with Santa around the streets. Sadly we’re all getting too long in the tooth and wobbly on the legs to continue to run the Carol Wagon ☹️.

We are looking for an organisation or interested group of folk to take it on for Christmas 2026.

Required a group made up from the community, to take over the role for 2026 and beyond. Instruction and assistance will be available.

Interested email us

formbyrotaryaction@gmail.com

ROTARY CAROL WAGON

With great sadness

The Rotary Club has made it clear that they are not letting the tradition go lightly. They are actively looking for a new younger group or organisation who would like to take over the Carol Wagon and continue it into the future. Full instruction, support and guidance would be provided, meaning the knowledge and experience built up over decades would not be lost.

They have also asked us to share their heartfelt thanks to the community:

Formby Rotary Club would like to thank the fantastic folk of Formby for their continued support and generous donations during our Christmas activities with the Carol Wagon.

Without this the Club could not continue to support local charities and organisations.

Everyone’s help is greatly appreciated.

This is a genuine call out to youth groups, parents, schools, sports clubs, scouts, guides, community organisations or simply a group of motivated younger residents who would love to take on something meaningful, joyful and deeply rooted in Formby life.

If the Carol Wagon means something to you, or if you would love to be part of keeping this special tradition alive for future children, this is your moment to step forward and help protect a piece of Formby’s Christmas heart.

Please share this widely so it reaches the right people in our Bubble.