An electronic polar bear, inflatable whale, vintage cars and a Battle of Britain memorial flyover combined to provide a two day feast of seaside fun in Morecambe this weekend.
Organised by Lancaster City Council, the We Do Like to be Beside the Sea attracted thousands of people, offering a packed programme of traditional seaside fun and frolics that included Bjorn the polar bear, a Battle of Britain flyover, music, street dancing, Hodman and Sally the walkabout puppet act and the Bradford to Morecambe historic vehicle run.
“The festival is one of the highlights in our events programme and this year was no exception,” notes Coun June Ashworth, Cabinet member with responsibility for tourism at the city council.
“It was a real family weekend packed with fun and it was great to see so many families enjoying themselves.
“I’m sure that those people who attended the festival who are not regular visitors to Morecambe will have seen what we have to offer and come back on a more regular basis.”
The festival is kindly sponsored by Southlakeland Parks which own Regent Leisure Park and Ocean Edge Leisure Park in Morecambe, The Midland Hotel and the Uniform and Leisure Company.
The Council’s events organisers’ focus now turns to the Fireworks Spectacular in Lancaster, which is due to launch this year on Saturday 6th November.
During the day there will be a host of city centre events including themed walks, lantern making, storytelling and street entertainment.
For the first time, Ryelands Park will act as one of the official viewing areas for the fireworks, which will be launched from the castle and priory at 8pm. The ‘party in the park’ includes a fairground, refreshments and entertainment
Other official viewing areas are Williamson Park, Giant Axe field and Salt Ayre Sports Centre.
To ensure everyone’s safety the police and city council have decided the castle and priory precinct will be closed as a viewing area and the public are asked to choose a venue in advance and allow plenty of time to attend.
• More details will be available nearer the time on the city council’s website www.lancaster.gov.uk/fireworks
• Photos courtesy Lancaster City Council