Morecambe Carnival will not happen in 2022, organisers have announced.
The carnival will not take place this year "due to ongoing uncertainty around Covid and the imminent development of Morecambe Promenade by Eden North", said the Morecambe Carnival Organising Committee.
The carnival has been one of the headline events in the Morecambe calendar since it was resurrected in 2014.
This will be the third consecutive year the carnival has not taken place, after the 2020 and 2021 events were also called off due to the pandemic.
But the organising committee, headed by Heysham couple David and Carla Brayshaw, said they hope to bring the event back in the near future.
Listen to David and Carla Brayshaw talking about their decision not to go ahead with Morecambe Carnival in 2022:
"The Morecambe Carnival has been the highlight of the Morecambe Events calendar, helping to revive Morecambe as an events destination," said a spokesperson for the organising committee.
"However, since the arrival of the Covid pandemic, it has been largely unsafe to organise large events. The Carnival Organising Committee decided that cancelling the events in 2020 and 2021 was the responsible thing to do.
"The Morecambe Carnival, as well as being a unique festival for visitors and residents with its line-up of music, events, competitions etc is also quite unique in the way it’s funded.
"It is not council run, the event is organised and held entirely for the benefit of Morecambe and its community.
"Each year the volunteer team work tirelessly to recruit the necessary sponsorship and partnerships that make it possible. It has always been a core value of the organising committee that the Carnival is accessible and free to all.
"The current uncertainty and hardships faced by many businesses over the last few years and even now, means that it is not currently possible to raise funds in time for an event that would do Morecambe and the Carnival’s legacy justice.
"The team plans on continuing the Morecambe Carnival in the near future and welcomes offers of support to make it possible.
"Over the last nine years the event has grown from a single day event to a weekend long festival not only putting a spotlight on Morecambe but also providing in effect, a free holiday for the community, many of whom are not able to otherwise easily access the experiences, attractions, musical performances and community events that the Carnival can provide.
"With no entry fee it has worked to level the social playing field, anyone and everyone is welcome to come and enjoy themselves.
"Amongst many other festival weekend events, the Carnival Parade has continued to energise the whole town, celebrating and showcasing its community and all those who live, work, educate, employ and work here. Each year the friendly competition for the admired Carnival cups brings colourful and creative floats to a promenade packed with residents and visitors from all over the area and further afield.
"The Carnival has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is huge potential in Morecambe, with the event growing in its ambition, line up and attendance numbers each year. Between 30,000 and 60,000 people attend the Carnival each year.
"Many acts and performers are eager to be a part of the weekend after hearing what a receptive, positive and fun gig it has become.
"We have welcomed to name just a few, Scouting For Girls, Gabrielle, Toploader, 911, Toyah (pictured below) and Matt Cardle.
"The Organising Committee hopes to bring the Carnival back again in the near future but it is also hugely happy to see a greater level of enthusiasm for the town both locally and nationally which it is proud to be a part of. We would like to think we have, in some small way, helped signpost Morecambe to the wider community, as a destination for holidaymakers once more.
"Thank you to everyone who has worked to make The Morecambe Carnival possible over the years: volunteers, supporters, sponsors, partners, performers and of course the wonderful community of the area.
"The Morecambe Carnival will return."
Photos courtesy of the Morecambe Carnival Facebook page.
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