From the moment you walked through the iconic gates of the Gardens, the dedication and passion and the energy of the ‘we will make this happen and it will be remembered by all attitude struck you,

Greeted by never ending stalls and a professionalism that was so clear from the offset. With so many residents supporting this event, I feel many were positively overwhelmed and the several people we spoke to all said the same, “we never expected it to be this busy!”

From local organizations to schools to local radio stations, it just could not get any better, I thought, but I was wrong. The more you walked, the more you saw..

We bumped into the Crew from Sandgrounder Radio, who were on top form with personalities that can only be described as electric. Sorcha Mai O'Brien said that magic word, ‘Free..” then another magic word followed “ …Popcorn!” (Music to my ears, I must add!)

A big well done to Sandgrounder Radio who did the event very proud.

As I carry on walking, bang it happens again, in your face, no messing around it's Spider-Man! Wow, he played the part very well, entertaining every child that crossed his path with more enthusiasm than a hamster on a wheel.

I make my way to the Mighty Radio Stand that was there to entertain the locals, and they did just that, with music that we all knew and could relate to. Now, I am not a dancer, but my wife noticed even my feet were tapping, enjoyment or nervous disorder I will let you decide.

The day just gave more and more surprises and the main event had to be the Wigan Youth Brass Band, what a delight and feel the local residents felt the same.

The kids rides were very popular, and I would even go as far as saying over popular, but with the kids so excited I think the queues really did not bother them.

From bungee bouncing to bouncy castles all the way to hooking a duck!

I really feel the event turned out more than just a Funday, but a town united. A feeling of coming togetherness that you would not experience in many towns and cities across the UK.

All I can say is when Southport want to make it happen, they most certainly can.
The day was a great example of people pulling together with one intention: Success.
Well done to all those concerned, you all deserve a pat on the back. Knowing that you pulled together and put on such an event that will go down in history for the Botanic Gardens is fantastic.

Reported by Blake Maynard of Southport Media

Such a shame you didn't mention the actual reason for staging the so well supported event.