THIS WEEKEND - Formby to Celebrate 250 Years Since the World’s First Lifeboat Station Was Born Here

Formby Set to Celebrate 250 Years Since the World’s First Lifeboat Station.

Did you know that Formby is home to one of the most remarkable achievements in maritime history?

This June, the village will come together to celebrate an extraordinary milestone – 250 years since the establishment of the world’s first organised lifeboat station right here in Formby.

The special weekend-long event, “Formby 250 – Where Lifeboat History Began”, will take place from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th June 2026, celebrating a world-first achievement that helped shape modern lifesaving at sea across the globe.

Many residents may be surprised to learn that Formby’s story is not just local history – it is world history.

Back in 1776, after a series of devastating shipwrecks on the treacherous sandbanks off the Formby coast, Liverpool Corporation established a lifeboat station in the village under the guidance of William Hutchinson, Dock Master and Water Bailiff of Liverpool Docks.

That station became the first organised lifeboat station anywhere in the world, placing Formby firmly at the birthplace of organised maritime rescue.

Now, 250 years later, Formby Civic Society, Imagine Formby and Formby Parish Council are joining forces to mark this incredible anniversary with a packed programme of events, entertainment and heritage activities for all ages.

Friday 26th June

The celebrations begin with a special performance by the popular River Voices Choir at Formby Methodist Church.

Saturday 27th June

The action moves into Formby Village, where visitors can enjoy:

⚓ Live entertainment

⚓ Maritime-themed displays

⚓ Community stalls

⚓ Historic exhibitions

⚓ A special visit from Southport Offshore Rescue Trust, who will be bringing rescue equipment, an inflatable lifeboat and operational rescue vehicles.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore fascinating artefacts from Formby’s maritime past, displayed by Formby Civic Society and the Heritage Centre.

A newly published commemorative booklet telling the story of Formby’s pioneering lifeboat service will also be available.

The day concludes with a special evening choir concert at Formby High School featuring local performers.

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

Visitors attending the Sunday event will also be able to pick up a specially produced 36-page commemorative booklet, providing a fascinating insight into Formby’s crucial role in the development of lifesaving at sea.

Organisers hope the celebrations will not only honour an important chapter in Formby’s past but also inspire pride in a village whose pioneering spirit helped create rescue services that continue to save lives around the world today.

This promises to be one of the most significant community events of the year – a chance to celebrate a truly remarkable piece of local history and the fact that the story of organised lifeboat rescue began right here in Formby 250 years ago.

FORMBY 250 – WHERE LIFEBOAT HISTORY BEGAN

📅 Friday 26th – Sunday 28th June 2026

Keep an eye out for posters and flyers appearing across the village with further details.