An illuminated galleon will bring back memories of an iconic part of Morecambe's past when the Baylight festival returns to town.
Baylight '25 will include the 'return' of the Moby Dick - as a stunning lit-up ship will appear to float gracefully on the Bay to celebrate the town's maritime heritage.
The actual Moby Dick was a popular attraction in Morecambe until it was destroyed by fire in 1970.
The ghostly galleon will be part of a trail of light art features on the Promenade when the hugely popular event returns on Friday February 21 and Saturday February 22.
"We’re incredibly grateful to Morecambe Town Council for supporting this awe-inspiring installation and helping us bring such an iconic legend back to life," said a Baylight spokesperson.
"Don’t miss your chance to experience this magical moment – it’s going to be unforgettable!"
The Ryelands (also named The Moby Dick), was built in England in 1887 and later came into the hands of the film industry in 1948 when RKO Pictures purchased it.
The Moby Dick is pictured below. Image from Lancashire County Council.
The Ryelands was used in the 1950 film Treasure Island, and was later sold to Elstree Studios for her part in the 1956 film Moby Dick.
It also starred in the TV series The Buccaneers, before becoming a floating exhibit in Morecambe.
The new Moby Dick, by artist Cordwainer Bird Jnr, is described as "a captivating and unique installation that celebrates the mesmerising beauty and otherworldliness of bioluminescent organisms.
"Found in nature, and sometimes witnessed on our local shorelines, this glowing phenomenon will be seen along the bay during Baylight. Look for the dancing blue lights where the tide meets the shore.
The free Baylight event will also include a community parade on the Saturday at 6pm and an expanded light art trail featuring 18 installations by local and national artists.
Other highlights of this year's festival include:
- The Reel Cinema will radiate with Space Flower lights and a red-carpet welcome, showcasing vintage cine footage of Morecambe’s history, courtesy of Morecambe Town Council. Playing on a loop both evenings, these screenings offer a nostalgic view of the town’s past.
- Sky Tracer and Colour Flow from the Midland - In a returning favourite from 2024, LED batons are programmed to create a colourful effect that run up and along the building, creating an impactful set of flowing effects, two striking beam lights project a bold searchlight and flower effect into the Morecambe sky.
- Pipe Dream - An impressive new installation debuting at Baylight ‘25, standing 6m high with a 4m footprint, this is a colourful and spectacular piece. Perfect for increasing dwell-time, Pipe Dream will create a captivating centre piece for this stop point along the route.
- The Garden of Hope - An exhibit created in conjunction with local LGBTQ+ organisation Out in the Bay with words and messages of hope, positivity, love and acceptance.
- Yesterlight - A welcome return of this 2023 favourite to celebrate Morecambe’s historic illuminations past and present, through a mix of classic bright and colourful festoons and historic information message boards. Come and see what used to be … before Baylight arrived!
- Reflections of Morecambe - Experience this captivating light art installation celebrating the Winter Gardens’ rich history. At its centre, a stunning mirrorball sits on the balcony, symbolising the venue’s legacy. Powerful light beams transform the facade into a dazzling display, evoking over a century of joyous celebrations.
Find out more about Baylight HERE.
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