West End Fun Day
The West End Gardens in Morecambe were filled with entertainment on Saturday for a Fun Day that attracted hundreds of people.
The West End Gardens in Morecambe were filled with entertainment on Saturday for a Fun Day that attracted hundreds of people.
The Deputy Mayor of Lancaster, Coun June Ashworth, gave an opening speech to celebrate the great improvements that have been made to the Promenade with the coastal defence works and the West End Gardens. In her speech Coun Ashworth thanked all those who have been a part of the major redevelopments including Lancaster City Council, Defra, Lancashire County Council, the West End Partnership and the local community, who have been so actively involved.
Throughout the afternoon there was plenty of free family entertainment on offer, with music from the Matt Robinson Jazz Trio and local group Lost the Plot.
Alongside the music, there was lots of street entertainment including face painting, jugglers and arts and crafts activities with local artists from Qsand. The Play Rangers from Lancaster City Council involved lots of children in fun sports competitions.
A highlight of the day for most people was the Trials Display Mountain Bike Team who performed two exciting shows on the Battery. The team are the UK’s leading trials display team and wowed the crowds with amazing tricks and stunts.
The Fun Day was organised by Lancaster City Council to celebrate the completion of two projects. The new café, called ‘Breeze’, is the final phase of the improvements to the West End Gardens. Unfortunately, the café was unable to open in time due to delays with utility connections. The council, its contractor Volker Stevin and the new café operators made every effort to open for the event but it was just not possible without the gas and electricity connections.
The completion of the coastal defence improvements was also cause to celebrate. A total of around £28 million has been spent since the scheme started in 1990. Aside from coastal protection, the improvements have included; protection from serious flooding for 1,300 properties, remodelling of the promenade and a climbing wall at Sunny Slopes, a fishing jetty, a marine habitat to recreate a bird feeding environment and sand and cobbles to enhance the beach and increase the efficiency of the coastal defences.
Date Updated: 19/03/09