End of an era as Formby Festival ends for good after 12 years of summer crowds

After more than a decade of bringing the community together, Formby Festival has officially come to an end.

Formby Parish Council has confirmed that the much loved annual event, which has been a highlight of the local calendar for over a decade, will not be going ahead again.

For twelve years, thousands of people descended on Duke Street Park each July to enjoy live music, family entertainment, food stalls and a real sense of community spirit. It became one of Formby’s biggest and most anticipated events, drawing crowds from across Merseyside and beyond.

Last year, organisers announced that the 2025 festival would be cancelled, citing unforeseen circumstances and health issues among volunteers. At the time, there was hope that the festival would return in 2026, with a call put out for more volunteers to help rebuild the event.

Announcement made last year by organisers

However, despite those intentions, it has now been confirmed that the festival will not be returning at all.

While no single reason has been formally outlined, there has been growing feeling locally that rising costs and increasing entry fees may have played a part. Many residents had begun to question whether the event had become less accessible for families, particularly during a time when household budgets are already under pressure.

What began as a community driven celebration, built on volunteers and local support, gradually evolved into a much larger operation. With that growth came increased costs, and for some, the sense that the festival may have outpriced the very community it was created for.

The loss of Formby Festival will be felt by many. It was more than just a summer event, it was a place where friends met, families spent the day together, and local talent was showcased. For many children growing up in the area, it became a tradition and a key part of their summer memories.

There will undoubtedly be disappointment across the community at the news that it will not return, especially after hopes had been raised for a comeback.

Its absence leaves a noticeable gap in Formby’s events calendar and marks the end of a much loved chapter in the town’s community life.