Scottish campaigner Dave Sharp has announced new details for a vigil honouring murdered toddler Preston Davey, scheduled for Monday, July 27, 2026. Blackpool Tower will be illuminated in blue during the event, which marks the third anniversary of Preston's death.
Details of the vigil
The vigil will take place at St John's Square in Blackpool at 7pm, followed by a march led by a piper to the beachfront. Sharp, a self-described child sex abuse survivor and campaigner from Scotland, is organising the event. He stated: "We are all going to make sure we do Preston justice with the best vigil we can do, with a minute's silence and a piper playing."
Sharp added: "The lights on Blackpool Tower are going to be lit in blue and everyone is going to march from the vigil in St Johns Square down to the beach front with the piper leading us. We have a special banner to display from the people of Blackpool. Everyone is welcome to join us from 7pm. Please bring a teddy or a candle."
Background of the case
Preston Davey was just 13 months old when he died on July 27, 2023, at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. He had been placed with adoptive fathers Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley at their Staining Road home just four months earlier. Following a trial at Preston Crown Court, Varley was convicted of murder, GBH, child cruelty, taking indecent photographs, and sexual abuse, receiving a whole life order. McGowan-Fazakerley was sentenced to 25 years for allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault.
The trial sparked public grief and outrage, with a previous vigil held in Preston shortly after the verdicts. Sharp's event aims to provide a separate tribute in Blackpool, the city where Preston died.
Community response
Organisers encourage attendees to bring teddies or candles to the vigil. The blue illumination of Blackpool Tower is intended as a symbol of remembrance. Sharp emphasised the importance of community participation, stating the event is open to all.
