Thousands of people enjoyed the Botanic Gardens Family Fun Day in Southport as organisers thanked everyone who supported the event.
All the money raised will go towards maintaining and improving the historic park in Churchtown which is mainly looked after by volunteers.
This was the second year the fun day has taken place, organised by Jess Rickers with support from the Make A Change For Botanic campaign group, the Botanic Gardens Community Association, Green Sefton and other volunteers.
Families enjoyed a park filled with live music, bands, fairground rides, inflatables, farm animals, dance performances, giant bubbles, stalls, donkey rides, birds of prey and much more.
Allday’s Farm came for the first time, bringing a mobile farm with them so visitors could get up close and personal with their beautiful animals, which could be petted and fed.
Animals included a Shetland pony and some rabbits.
Bubbleologists from Paris Bubbles made a welcome return.
Four dance groups were performing, including: Funky Monkees, Central Dance, The Dance Place and Express Performing Arts.
Golborne Brass Band performed in the afternoon.
People could enjoy food and drink from The Settle Inn in the park.
There were three music performances near the front gates: Yooks, Ukulele Buddies and Southport Stompers Jazz Band.
Local historian David Walshe was selling and signing copies of his new book, ‘Ecclesfield – Southport’s Forgotten Suburb’.
Donkey rides were back again this year, and Merseyside Police were there with their van.
The weather was kind, with warm weather throughout the event and the Met Office weather warning for thunderstorms only coming true after everyone had packed up and gone home.
The event was sponsored for the second consecutive year by Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery in Southport.
Jess Rickers said: “I’d like to thank every single person who came on Sunday.
“Considering the weather forecast, I’m honoured that so many people came and showed their passion for the park and the community.
“I’d like to say a huge thanks to the volunteers who gave up their time to come along and help hand out programmes and assist visitors – without them the event couldn’t happen.
“Massive thanks to the Botanic Gardens Community Association for their ongoing hard work in the park that means we all have a beautiful place to visit all year round.
“We had so many stallholders show an interest this year and they really do make the event so thank you to them for coming along and sharing their talents and wares.
“The four dance groups who came to perform were outstanding, it was lovely to see so much fun had and such good displays, great work kids! Thanks for joining us and for their dance schools’ teachers to put in so much hard work for the event.
“Sandgrounder Radio for presenting for the day, stepping in to hand out popcorn on behalf of Hickory’s smokehouse and for their constant support with promoting the campaign.
“A massive thank you to our repeat sponsors Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery in Southport which I’ve had first hand experience using for daycare. I’m really proud that not only do they do a superb job with the kids in their care but they also support this event showing their desire for better futures for our children.
“Green Sefton provided the bins, toilets, staff and first aid which has been a huge help. Working hand in hand is the best recipe for something like this being successful.
“Merseyside Police for coming along and keeping lots of children entertained.
“My biggest thanks go to Josh Laidler for coming to help me, Sammi Rudge for her support, designing skills and time, Andrew Brown for his commitment to supporting the campaign, David Rawsthorne for starting this campaign and his time helping, lastly to my husband and kids who I adore and have stood by this craziness I bring on them with unwavering pride. I do it all for them.
“Thank you Southport – I hope you enjoyed yourselves.”
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