A public vigil will take place in St John’s Square, Blackpool to mark the third anniversary of the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey. The gathering is being organised by local campaigners and community figures who say the occasion is intended to remember Preston and to show support for children and families affected by abuse.
Purpose and tone of the event
Organisers have emphasised that the vigil is not a protest and should not become focused on the perpetrators. They say it will be an evening of remembrance and solidarity rather than a demonstration or a forum for recrimination. A local vicar will deliver prayers and a reading as part of the short service planned.
“We don’t want any mention of his killers, it’s not a protest, no hate, no politics - this is purely for remembering Preston.”
The quote above comes from one of the event organisers, who asked that attention remain on Preston’s memory and the value of protecting children.
Who is involved
The vigil has been organised with the help of national and local child abuse campaigners who have travelled to Blackpool to support the event. Among those involved is a campaigner who previously helped organise a related remembrance event in Preston and who has worked alongside local organisers and community groups in the town.
- Location: St John’s Square, Blackpool
- Occasion: Third anniversary of Preston Davey’s death
- Intended tone: Remembrance, no politics, no hate
- Religious participation: Prayers and a reading by the vicar of Holy Trinity and St Cuthbert’s at South Shore
Background and legal context
Preston was 13 months old when he died. His adoptive father, a former teacher, was later given a whole life sentence after being convicted of murder, child cruelty and sexual offences connected to Preston. A second man was sentenced to 25 years following convictions that included allowing the death of a child and related sexual offences. The sentencing and convictions are part of the legal record surrounding Preston’s death and the subsequent investigations.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Preston Davey, aged 13 months at death |
| Primary defendant | Former South Shore Academy teacher, jailed to whole life term |
| Second defendant | Jailed for 25 years |
Local clergy and organisers have invited residents to attend respectfully. One of the organisers described a strong local response in advance of the vigil and said many people had already indicated they planned to be present.
The event provides an opportunity for the community to come together to remember a young life and to reaffirm concern for the safety and welfare of children in Blackpool. Further practical details such as timings and the full route will be confirmed by organisers in the run-up to the vigil.
