Report by Irene Slack

Saturday's Gingerbread Festival - widely advertised online, in the press and on local radio – saw people came from far and wide to enjoy what was on offer in Ormskirk on Festival Day.

The Mayor and Mayoress of West Lancs. opened the proceedings, visiting many stalls and chatting at the Ormskirk Community Partnership’s gazebo with Anton Dolders who was putting the finishing touches to his Ormskirk design for the latest full-size Gingerbread model.

There was a full programme of entertainment ranging from the Ormskirk Ukulele Band to the Rag Tag Misfits with something for everyone; Dave the Magician intrigued with his magic tricks, the children were given the chance to learn circus skills and even parents tried their hand at juggling!

And various shops put on special Festival Day offers and OCP members gave out samples of gingerbread, with gingerbread items on sale and children given the chance to take part in the Gingerbread competition in which families had to find pictures with a Gingerbread heritage link in various shop windows.

A free to enter raffle proved very popular with prizes donated by local cafes and hostelries.

Both the Library and Parish Church welcomed visitors with special tours and events and if visitors chanced to wander up Church Street they were able to listen to the Fairground Organ with moving figures.

All in all, it was a very successful day with footfall well up in the Town Centre compared to other Saturdays; the Gingerbread Festival together with the evening food and drink event showing that Ormskirk can provide plenty of entertainment to attract the crowds.

Ormskirk Community Partnership would like to thank the many local shops and businesses who supported the Festival with their generous contributions.