Seaside fun and frolics for all
Lancaster City Council has developed and refreshed its long-standing, annual Heritage Gala, to create a major new weekend festival, 'We Do Like To Be Beside The Sea: Morecambe's Annual Celebration Of The Seaside'.
Lancaster City Council has developed and refreshed its long-standing, annual Heritage Gala, to create a major new weekend festival, 'We Do Like To Be Beside The Sea: Morecambe's Annual Celebration Of The Seaside'.
Taking place over the period Friday night to Sunday evening, September 12 to 14, the festival seeks to recreate and engender the fun, frolics and holiday atmosphere enjoyed by millions of visitors, in the resort's heyday.
Familiar spectacular features, such as the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's air display, the Bradford to Morecambe Historic Vehicle Rally and a massive fireworks extravaganza over Morecambe Bay, will be supported by a packed programme of traditional seaside entertainments.
These include Britain's sole remaining pierrot troupe; Punch and Judy professors; sea-songs and shanties from the aptly named Trim Rig and A Doxy, plus a vast array of other entertainments evoking the days of music hall and variety theatre.
Morecambe's contemporary attractions are also celebrated. Renowned storyteller Taffy Thomas, will be telling tales at two of the prom's public artworks, the Lakeland Panorama and See Wall.
Another prom feature, the Eric Morecambe statue, is the starting point for 'Eric's Morecambe' guided walks, which celebrate the life of the famous comedian, born and raised in the resort. Eric's passionate interest in the rich birdlife of Morecambe Bay will also be acknowledged, with an RSPB stand leading games and activities.
Festivities start on the Friday night at the seafront Platform venue, with a 'Last night of the Proms' style concert.
On Saturday the focus is on the Platform's forecourt, home for the temporary Punch and Judy Palace, the Pavilion Theatre and the Variety Booth, plus an amazing sand sculpture.
Across the way at the Dome, the tea time Dusty Springfied tribute show, finishes just in time for the fireworks estravaganza, lauched from the end of the Stone Jetty at 8.30pm.
On Sunday, celebrations continue at the Platform and extend to the promenade Arena, featuring The Grand Variety Theatre.
Sunday also sees much of the prom filled by the Historic Vehicle Rally, with eyes skyward at 2pm as the distinctive purr of the Lancaster Bomber, Spitfire and Hurricane engines, herald the arrival of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Full details of all the We Do Like To Be Beside The Sea events can be found in our free programme (PDF 1.1MB).
Organised by Lancaster City Council, the festival is supported by Volker Stevin, KFC, The Spirit Group and Morecambe Festival Market.
Date Updated: 19/03/09