BBC shines spotlight on Formby as village celebrates 250 years since the world’s first lifeboat station
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
Formby proudly celebrated one of the most significant moments in its history today as the village came together to mark the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the world’s first lifeboat station.
The celebrations attracted visitors from across the region, with BBC North West Tonight visiting Formby to cover the historic milestone. During the programme, BBC reporters spoke to Dave Irving, Chairman of Formby Parish Council, about the village’s unique place in maritime history and why this anniversary is so important for both Formby and the wider country.
Watch the BBC Northwest Tonight video with Juliet Phillips interviewing David Irving of Formby Parish Council along with snippets from the Saturday celebrations…
Throughout Saturday, Formby Village was transformed into a vibrant celebration of its proud lifeboat heritage, with live entertainment, maritime themed displays, community stalls and fascinating historic exhibitions bringing the story of the world’s first lifeboat station to life for visitors of all ages.
A particular highlight was the visit from the Southport Offshore Rescue Trust, whose volunteers brought along operational rescue vehicles, an inflatable lifeboat and specialist rescue equipment, giving families the opportunity to meet the team and learn more about the lifesaving work that continues along our coastline today.
The event forms part of the Formby 250 commemorations, celebrating the world’s first purpose built lifeboat station, established on the Formby coast in 1776 after Liverpool Dock Master and Water Bailiff William Hutchinson successfully persuaded Liverpool Corporation to fund a dedicated rescue service to save lives from the many shipwrecks occurring on the dangerous sandbanks off the Mersey coast.
A beautiful magazine has been published called
‘Our Formby Scrapbook Memories’
The World’s First Lifeboat Station
Written by Alastair Gillies and John Phillips
Today’s celebrations were not only about remembering the past but also recognising the generations of volunteers and rescue organisations who have continued that lifesaving tradition for two and a half centuries.
The celebrations continue tomorrow, Sunday 28th June, with another special day of events.
The anniversary begins with a commemorative church service before a heritage ceremony at Formby Point, honouring the site where the world’s first lifeboat station once stood.
The weekend will then conclude with a free community concert at Platinum Jubilee Park on Lonsdale Road, featuring performances from The Wanderers and The Liverpool Shanty Kings, alongside disco entertainment, children’s activities, community stalls and refreshments.
It promises to be a wonderful finale to a weekend that has celebrated not only an extraordinary milestone in Formby’s history, but also the community spirit and courage that have defined the village for 250 years.
If you haven’t yet joined the celebrations, there is still plenty to enjoy tomorrow at Platinum Jubilee Park on Lonsdale Road as Formby continues to honour the place where organised lifeboat rescue first began.
Sunday 28th June:
The main anniversary celebrations begin with a commemorative church service, followed by a heritage ceremony at Formby Point.
The weekend then culminates in a huge free community concert at Platinum Jubilee Park, Lonsdale Road, featuring:
🎵 The Wanderers
🎵 The Liverpool Shanty Kings
🎵 Disco entertainment
🎵 Children’s activities
🎵 Community stalls
🎵 Refreshments
Don’t forget to pick up one of the amazing Our Formby Scrapbook Memories, Lifeboat 250 magazine by Alastair Gillies and John Phillips
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