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| Photo courtesy Lancaster City Council |
Eric Morecambe’s family have been officially invited to oversee reinstatement of his home town’s famous tribute following repair work.
On Thursday 11th December the Eric Morecambe statue will return to its rightful place on the promenade – but the event, and Eric’s connection with the town, will be celebrated in style next March, to help kick start the new tourist season early.
The date has been set by the foundry making the repairs to the statue and also working around the commitments of the sculptor, Graham Ibbeson. It also marks the date Eric married his wife, Joan, and the family have been invited to see for themselves the reinstatement work.
The focus on the day will be the practical work of embedding the supporting structure for the statue, with an informal opportunity for the family to see the work taking place.
So, rather than try to organise a formal event on the day itself, Lancaster City Council can announce that it will be organising a special celebration next March.
“Naturally everyone will be very excited to see the statue back in its rightful place– Morecambe hasn’t felt quite the same,” notes Councillor Ron Sands, cabinet member with responsibility for tourism.
“There has obviously been a lot of interest in celebrating the return and we’re keen to put on an official event.
“We want to celebrate the statue’s return by holding an event on a weekend that celebrates what the statue, and Eric Morecambe’s legacy, bring to the town but also kick starts the tourist season.
“Next March will be the ideal time because it will help kick-start the tourist season and hopefully the weather will be warmer – if someone can bring us sunshine!
“Over the coming months we’ll be speaking to everyone who has an interest in getting involved so we can put together a proper event that celebrates the statue’s return.”