Longest running music festival in Morecambe cancelled in 2026

Morecambe's longest-running music festival will not return in 2026, organisers have announced.

Sleazy Live – formally known as the Nice 'n' Sleazy punk and ska festival, had been running since 2004, and will not run next year, but is planned to return in 2027.

The event was founded by Morecambe man Ivan Harrison and his family, running for many years at the Trimpell Sports and Social Club in the town.

In that time the festival has brought thousands of people to Morecambe, continuing the tradition of punk festivals began with the 'Holidays in the Sun' and 'Wasted' events of the 1980s and 1990s.

In a statement, Ivan said: ‘’Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, unfortunately, but due to circumstances beyond our control we are going to have to cancel Sleazy Live for 2026. 

‘’We cannot apologise enough for causing you any inconvenience.''

‘’We just wanted to let you know as soon as possible, so that you have time to get something else organised on the gig side of things.

‘’This is the first time in 22 years, apart from Covid, that I have had to cancel this great event, not only letting you down for supporting the festival but also for all the good causes we have supported over the years.

‘’I’m absolutely gutted to the core.’’

Ticket holders should have already received a notification email over the weekend on how to get a refund.

The cancellation comes following the news last month that the highly popular Morecambe Rides Again will now not take place in July 2026 as originally scheduled. 

Again, organisers say the event will make a return in 2027.

The scooter weekend brings nostalgia and music to Morecambe, with scooters out in force on the Promenade for a celebration raising funds for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

The event usually includes scooterists taking part in a special Ride Out and Ride In, followed by a Custom Show on the Stone Jetty and a headline evening of live music at The Alhambra and other local venues.

A spokesperson for the event said: ‘’There are lots of reasons for the cancellation, including the number of other events now taking place the same weekend and the cost of running such an event continuing to increase.

‘’So, the organising team are taking a year out which will give us the opportunity to give the event a refresh, and hopefully put us in a much better place for 2027.

‘’We appreciate a lot of folk have supported the weekend over the years and we are truly thankful for that.

‘’We look forward to seeing you back for Morecambe Rides Again in 2027.’’

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