Morecambe played all the right notes - and definitely in the right order - to celebrate the centenary of its favourite son.
Thursday May 14 was a magical day celebrating the life of Eric Morecambe, 100 years on from his birth in the seaside resort.
The town came out in force to wish the Morecambe and Wise star a happy birthday, showing how much Eric is still loved 42 years after his death.
A series of events were held on Thursday to celebrate Eric's centenary, including the official unveiling of a Morecambe and Wise mural, school children singing the famous 'Bring Me Sunshine' song by the Eric Morecambe Statue, Eric-themed exhibitions and more.
The statue, which was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999, was also suitably dressed for the occasion!
Gary and Gail, Eric's son and daughter, visited Morecambe to join in the celebrations, and spoke to Beyond Radio about their famous dad's enduring legacy.
LISTEN to Gary and Gail Morecambe
Gary and Gail with a mural of Morecambe and Wise, commissioned by Morecambe BID, which they officially unveiled on Thursday on the side of The Warehouse (formerly Hitchen's) on Marine Road Central
Gary and Gail with David Waddington, chair of Morecambe BID, at the mural ribbon cutting
A hug for Gail from Beyond Bear!
Graham Ibbeson, the renowned sculptor who created the Eric Morecambe Statue, also visited Morecambe on Thursday to be part of the festivities.
LISTEN to Graham Ibbeson, creator of the Eric Morecambe Statue
Graham Ibbeson with Beyond Radio's Greg Lambert
We also spoke to Tony North from Morecambe, a professional photographer for more than 60 years, about his memories of taking pictures of Eric during his time as chief photographer for The Visitor newspaper.
LISTEN to Tony North
Tony North being interviewed by Beyond Radio's Greg Lambert
An exhibition celebrating Eric, called 'Follow the Sunshine' is currently open at Morecambe Heritage Centre at the Arndale.
On Thursday, Eric Morecambe impersonator Bob More was a guest of the Heritage Centre, to entertain shoppers.
LISTEN to Debbie Cain from Morecambe Heritage Centre
Debbie Cain and Linda Page from Morecambe Heritage Centre with Beyond Bear
Bob More with Beyond Bear
The day began with a visit from the BBC Breakfast TV cameras, and a rendition of 'Bring Me Sunshine' by children from Sandylands Primary School in Morecambe.
Morecambe Town Council had also supplied a motorised bed on the Promenade, with a nod to Morecambe and Wise's sketches where they shared a bed!
Trevor and Scott from Morecambe Town Council
A special welcome event on Thursday morning saw Gary and Gail, and Eric's Rolls Royce, arrive at the statue.
Of course Beyond Bear had to have his picture taken with the Rolls!
Also on Thursday, there was an Eric Morecambe 100th birthday singalong at The Platform, a civic reception for Gary and Gail and other invited guests at Morecambe Town Hall, and a guided tour of local landmarks significant to the TV legend's life, led by tour guide Peter Wade.
Peter Wade, wearing Eric's trademark specs, is interviewed by Greg Lambert
Beyond Radio was there to capture it all, as we presented a special 'Happy 100th Birthday Eric' live broadcast from the King's Arms pub, opposite the statue.
The Beyond Radio team
We also interviewed Councillor Clark Kent and Councillor Lee Bradbury from Morecambe Town Council, Tom Woods from Sandylands Primary School, and other people who had come along to celebrate Eric and enjoy the day.
LISTEN to Tom Woods and the children from Sandylands Primary School
John Eric Bartholomew was born on Buxton Street in Morecambe on May 14 1926.
He took his stage name from his hometown, and alongside comic partner Ernie Wise became Morecambe and Wise - one of the most loved duos in the history of UK entertainment.
Events to mark Eric Morecambe's centenary continue in the town over the coming days.
Below: Guests at the Civic Reception
Read more: Eric Morecambe centenary: Programme of events - Beyond Radio
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