Morecambe and Lunesdale Labour are teaming up with a Lancaster-based historian, Dr Richard Johnson, to invite local people along to a friendly and fun get-together remembering an historic event in Morecambe’s political life – the 1952 Labour Party Conference.

Nye Bevan with with future Prime Minister Harold Wilson sitting behind him, on the stage of the Morecambe Winter Gardens. Image courtesy Morecambe and Lunesdale Labour Party
Nye Bevan with with future Prime Minister Harold Wilson sitting behind him, on the stage of the Morecambe Winter Gardens. Image courtesy Morecambe and Lunesdale Labour Party

From 29th September to 1st October 1952, Morecambe’s Winter Gardens hosted a conference of Labour politicians and members from across the country, including NHS founder Nye Bevan and postwar leader Clement Atlee, who were then at loggerheads over the direction of the Party. The conference was lively and rambunctious, with different factions giving rousing speeches and equally rousing heckles.    

The commemorative event, to be held on Saturday 1st October from 5.00pm at the Morecambe Winter Gardens, will feature local memories and Pathé footage of the conference, alongside a history talk on the significance of the 1952 conference, reenactments of the most dramatic moments, and a keynote speech from former Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell MP.

The organisers hope for better weather this time around, as the 1952 conference was marred by wind and heavy rain!

Labour MPs Harold Wilson, Tom Driberg, and Richard Crossman outside the Morecambe Winter Gardens. Image courtesy Morecambe and Lunesdale Labour Party
Labour MPs Harold Wilson, Tom Driberg, and Richard Crossman outside the Morecambe Winter Gardens. Image courtesy Morecambe and Lunesdale Labour Party
Labour politicians singing "Auld Lang Syne" at the end of the 1952 Labour Party conference. On stage are Herbert Morrison, Alice Bacon, Morgan Phillips, Margaret Herbison, Chairman Harry Earnshaw and Arthur Greenwood. Photo by ANL/Shutterstock. Image courtesy Morecambe and Lunesdale Labour Party
Labour politicians singing “Auld Lang Syne” at the end of the 1952 Labour Party conference. On stage are Herbert Morrison, Alice Bacon, Morgan Phillips, Margaret Herbison, Chairman Harry Earnshaw and Arthur Greenwood. Photo by ANL/Shutterstock. Image courtesy Morecambe and Lunesdale Labour Party

The event is the brainchild of Lancaster-based political historian Dr Richard Johnson, who says “The 1952 Labour Party conference in Morecambe was one of the most dramatic and important in the party’s history.

“The stunning setting of the Winter Gardens can only have increased the sense of drama and intrigue,” he adds, “and I look forward to sharing some of the highlights of this historic event with the people of Morecambe.”

“It’s wonderful to think of these important historical figures being in Morecambe,” commented Lizzi Collinge, Chair of Morecambe and Lunesdale Labour, and I’m really looking forward to this commemoration. It’s a chance to learn more about our local history – and have a bit of fun doing so.”

• The commemoration is open to the public and tickets are available in advance here via Eventbrite, or on the door, subject to availability. Please email richardmarcj@gmail.com for further information. Proceeds go to the Winter Gardens, and Morecambe and Lancaster Labour Parties

1952EventsLabour PartyMorecambeMorecambe and Lunesdale Labour PartyWinter Gardens
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