Young people from the Lancaster and Morecambe area joined forces with top designers to share ideas for a 'Bring Me Sunshine' garden at the new Eden Project.
An evening of collaboration, creativity and connection was held at the Trimpell Sports and Social Club on Thursday evening.
The event was run by by Harry Holding Studio and educational charity the Eden Project, and welcomed local young participants to learn about and explore the development of the garden and its upcoming installation at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026.
The 'Bring Me Sunshine' garden - named with a nod to the town's favourite son the comedian Eric Morecambe - will then be installed as the first part of the new £100m Eden Project Morecambe attraction on the Promenade.
The young people, all aged between 16 and 25, shared their ideas for the garden, discovered avenues to develop new skills, and met with top landscape gardener Harry Holding and other creative people.
Harry kick-started the event with a walk-through of the proposed garden, bringing the design to life with sample plants and materials, whilst also outlining ways that young people can continue their involvement with the project.
Below, a design image of the Eden Project Morecambe
Hands-on activities included an immersive art workshop led by artist Finbar Ward, who used clay, foraged natural materials and landscape-inspired visuals to explore themes connected to the show garden.
Attendees also designed postcards, created badges and mapped ideas as a collective group. Food was provided by Wrap Ninjas.
“I’m so happy to be involved in this project and to see a community garden being developed in the town I grew up in," said Alex Maynard, 25.
"Hopefully a community of nature lovers will grow out of it, giving us all a space to learn, participate, grow and connect.”
Harry Holding said: "The creativity, energy and openness shared by those who came along to the event has been incredibly inspiring. Their voices will enrich the project even further. We are excited to have young people at the heart of this process and look forward to working with them more over the coming year."
Below, artist Finbar Ward and Eden Project garden designers Harry Holding and Chloe Webster
Designed by Harry Holding Studio and architect Alex Michaelis of Michaelis Boyd Associates, the garden takes centre stage at the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May. It has been made possible thanks to match-funding from grant-making charity Project Giving Back.
After the show, the garden will be permanently relocated to Eden Project Morecambe, forming part of a vibrant 1.6-acre public community garden. There it will become a living classroom, community hub and beacon of regeneration, rooted in both the natural and cultural heritage of Morecambe Bay.
Work to install the garden will begin in summer 2026, with plans to officially open to the public as it bursts into spring colour in 2027, ahead of Eden Project Morecambe’s full opening the following year.
John Pye, Eden Project Morecambe’s project director, said: “Last night’s event is a clear demonstration of our commitment to build long-term engagement and provide opportunities for young people in Morecambe and the surrounding area. They are the next generation so it is crucial their voices are heard. We are delighted to have them involved in this project.”
Construction will soon be under way for Eden Project Morecambe - a landmark development on the site of the former Dome and Bubbles complex - featuring a gigantic dome that makes it unmistakably Eden, along with new gardens and educational facilities.
The project is being delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University and is due to open in late 2028.
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