FREMANTLE is preparing for a final celebration of one of its most colourful characters, with a weekend of events planned to honour the life, creativity and generosity of Horatio T Birdbath.

The outpouring of love following his unexpected death has been so great that friends have declared Sunday, July 12 Horatio T Birdbath Day — a city-wide farewell featuring dress-ups, music, tributes and a gathering at Fremantle Town Hall.

Before that, the community will have the chance to own a piece of Horatio’s extraordinary wardrobe and help preserve his legacy, with Good Sammy’s Fremantle store hosting a special tribute fundraiser on Saturday, July 11.

The four-hour-only event starting at 9am will see Horatio’s eclectic collection of clothing, shoes, hats, ties, books, trinkets, outfits and collectable items go on sale, with all proceeds helping fund a memorial plaque, commemorative event and other elements of his legacy.

Organisers are encouraging people to choose something from Horatio’s collection to wear at Sunday’s memorial celebrations.

Good Sammy Fremantle was one of Horatio’s regular haunts, and staff said his presence had become a treasured part of the store’s daily life.

“Horatio brought colour, warmth and joy to Fremantle and to our Good Sammy community,” Good Sammy chief executive Kane Blackman said.

“His kindness, creativity and unmistakable spirit will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.”

The store’s tribute described Horatio as “a generous and kind man” who was a daily visitor and “much loved by staff, who looked forward to every encounter”.

Then on Sunday, the city will come together for Horatio T Birdbath Day — a celebration organised by the many friends who were touched by his unique spirit.

The day begins at 12.30pm with dress-ups at Artsource in the Old Customs House on Phillimore Street, before moving to the Old Market Street Piazza at 1.30pm for a “Wail at the Wall”, featuring a performance from Junkadelic.

The main gathering will take place at Fremantle Town Hall, where community members will have the opportunity to share three-minute eulogies and enjoy further entertainment, before the celebrations continue at the Buffalo Club from 5.30pm.

The after-party will feature live bands and a dress code that captures Horatio’s own approach to life — “wonderfully peculiar”.