Go ahead for new light festival in Morecambe

Morecambe Sparkle CIC is pleased to announce that the plans for a new light festival in Morecambe have been given the green light following the feasibility study carried out in 2022. The festival will take place over 3 days during February Half Term – the dates are 16 to 18 February and the event is free entry for the public.

It will be open, in the dark, from 6pm to 10pm.

Called Baylight’23, the art trail comprises 12 installations and experiences designed and developed by international and national artists. The art pieces are not only artistically intriguing but also entertaining and interactive – inspiring for the grown-ups and fun for the kids.

The setting for the exhibition is Morecambe Seafront  – along the part which faces the town centre with its pubs and restaurants open for warm drinks and snacks for visitors. It will run along the curving shapes of Morecambe Bay for just over a mile from the Sailing Club Jetty to the Midland Hotel and Stone Jetty.

Many of the exhibits reflect or symbolise the beauty of Morecambe Bay’s environment and, with a rising tide in the evenings, the installations will be reflected in the water.

Lancashire County Council has awarded £425,000 towards Phase 2 of the project over two years from its £12.8m Economic Recovery & Growth Fund, which was set up to support projects which can help local economies to bounce back from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Baylight’23 also has match funding from Morecambe Town Council and Morecambe BID.

County Councillor Aidy Riggott, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for economic development and growth, said: “Morecambe Sparkle CIC’s plans promise to bring a real boost to the town over what are usually quieter months for local businesses by reinventing winter illuminations in a way which is unique to Morecambe.

“Baylight 23 will be just the start of something which we hope will bring new visitors and investment along with opportunities for residents and businesses for decades to come.

“We established the Lancashire Economic Recovery and Growth fund to be able to give projects like this the boost they need to get off the ground and I can’t wait to see how these installations look against the wonderful setting of Morecambe Bay.”

“I can’t think of a better place to put art!” Joe Wilson, Radio Lancashire, 2 January 2023