The popular Vintage by the Sea festival will not take place in Morecambe in 2025.
The annual event traditionally pulls tens of thousands to the town.
But on Friday, organisers Deco Publique said:
"We sadly announce that Vintage by the Sea Festival will not take place in 2025.
"This decision follows careful consideration of multiple factors, including funding challenges and continued rising costs.
"Vintage by the Sea has been an incredible success story for Morecambe, and we are immensely proud of the role it has played in positively promoting the town, bringing tens of thousands of people together and creating significant income for dozens of businesses.
"We hope that this is not the end of the festival forever and that the right levels of resources and funding can be secured in the future within a deliverable timeframe.
"To everyone who has both supported and enjoyed Vintage by the Sea — whether by attending, trading, performing, volunteering, as a local business playing host to our thousands of visitors, and to the professionals who have worked together to deliver over a decade of memories and unforgettable weekends for Morecambe - we want to say a huge thank you, and we’ll return if and when the time is right."
Vintage by the Sea was run by Morecambe-born designer and TV personality Wayne Hemingway (pictured below, right) and his family, and Morecambe events company Deco Publique.
It first took place on Morecambe Promenade in 2013, and celebrated the 11th festival in 2024 as an estimated 45,000 people turned out on August 31 and September 1.
Read more: VIDEO: Morecambe Vintage by the Sea pulls estimated 45,000 and record Saturday crowds - Beyond Radio
The vintage festival has been traditionally centred around the Midland, the Platform and the Promenade Gardens, attended by people dressed in fashions from the 20s to the 90s, many travelling from all over the UK and beyond.
The festival has also included classic car displays, music, food, street theatre, a popular makers' market and much more.
"Beyond its economic impact, Vintage by the Sea has been the setting for countless memorable moments, from marriage proposals to visitors choosing to relocate to Morecambe after experiencing the festival and Morecambe’s unique beauty," said a festival spokesperson.
"These stories are a testament to the community’s love for the festival and its remarkable impact, placing Morecambe on the national map for culture and creativity.
"HemingwayDesign and Deco Publique, organisers of Vintage by the Sea, remain committed to the spirit of the festival and its founding values, and will continue to advocate for art, culture and high-quality event experiences in Morecambe."
Fans of the festival have been reacting to the news, by posting on the Beyond Radio Facebook page.
Tim Barbary, from the town's Brittlestar Wine Bar, said: "That is a nightmare for all of the hospitality venues in Morecambe one of the busiest and best weekends in Morecambe - can it get any worse?"
Lisa Byron said: "Sad news, best event in Morecambe!"
And Colin Stewart said: "Vintage by the Sea - my favourite weekend of the year for Morecambe!
"Such a great atmosphere last year and crowds of people!
"Hopefully somebody can have a rethink on this - times surely can’t be that hard?"
The news is a further blow to the festivals scene in Morecambe and Lancaster, following the news that Lancaster Music Festival and Highest Point will also not take place this year.
Read more: Lancaster’s Highest Point music festival ‘taking a break in 2025’ - Beyond Radio
Four-day live music extravaganza being planned after Lancaster festival takes a break - Beyond Radio
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