Ormskirk Bank Holiday Festival declared a huge success

• Thousands enjoyed festival over bank holiday weekend
• Council and partners worked together to create the debut event
• Energy of this year's event will be 'harnessed' to stage bigger event next year

The first Ormskirk Bank Holiday Festival has been declared a huge hit as thousands of people enjoyed top-class entertainment, food & drink and the good weather over the weekend.

Despite the short turnaround, the Council worked closely with its partners including the Moor Street Night Market, Artisan Market, Skelmersdale's E Rooms, the Chapel and town centre businesses to stage an enthusiastically received event programme.

Visitors enjoyed outstanding performances from acts such as Jeremiah Ferrari and Pocket Rockets as well as superb Punch & Judy shows, artisan wares, street entertainers, community stalls, face painting, Lancashire Fire & Rescue demonstrations, rugby club 'give it a go' and even swim and taster sessions at Park Pool.

Councillor Gareth Dowling, Deputy Leader of the Council and portfolio holder for Communities and Community Safety said: "I'm delighted the event was such a massive success. Seeing our communities as well as our businesses come together to stage something so ambitious is testament to the community spirit within West Lancashire where we can achieve great things together.

"The feedback from those attending and involved in the event has been overwhelmingly positive – the atmosphere was amazing. We will be sure to harness the incredible energy from the weekend to stage an even more ambitious event next year. I'm already looking forward to seeing what the event will offer moving forward and have a real sense of optimism for the Borough's developing cultural ambitions.

"The success allows the Council to build for future events, not just in Ormskirk, but across Skelmersdale, Burscough and the whole Borough."

Councillor Adam Yates, portfolio holder for Finance and Economic Regeneration added: "This was an outstanding weekend and the buzz around Ormskirk was tangible.

"The feedback from town centre businesses has been really great and like us, they are also looking forward to working with the partnership to bring the event back bigger and better next year.

"Sincere thanks to all our partners and council officers who worked so hard to create a really successful and memorable event for our residents and visitors and local businesses."