A special Morecambe FC celebration event at the Winter Gardens raised more than £5,000 for the Shrimps Trust.
Hundreds of fans packed into the venue for ‘Bring Me Sunshine’, an idea by long-standing Morecambe fan Joe Phelan, for a night that included a performance by The Shrimpettes cheerleaders, an on-stage question and answer session with a number of Morecambe legends, video messages, a memorabilia auction, and a live set from Morecambe band, The Limes.
In total, £5,106 was raised for the Trust, the official body who represent the interests of Morecambe supporters.
The original aim of the evening was a night of reflection and celebration from all generations of fans, against the backdrop of the uncertain future of the club, following the protracted sale process that had threatened the very existence and 105 year history of the Shrimps.
But, what could have been a sombre occasion turned into a party atmosphere, as the news broke several days before the event that the takeover by Panjab Warriors had been completed and the club was cleared to begin their season in the National League.
Click here to listen back to the event in a special episode of The Shrimps Verdict Podcast
Beyond Radio’s Greg Lambert was the host for the event, and after an introduction, the night began with a performance by popular cheerleading troupe, The Shrimpettes, who have performed before home games at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium, and previously at Christie Park, for many years.
Former chairman, and recently restored club director, Rod Taylor, was then invited onto the stage to address the audience.
It was then time to introduce some special guests, as former player and manager Jim Bentley, ex goalkeeper Barry Roche and scorer of the goal that sent Morecambe into the Football League in 2008, Danny Carlton, answered questions, and shared memories and anecdotes on their time at the club with BBC Radio Lancashire’s Derek Quinn.
A second Q&A took place featuring 2021 Wembley hero Alex Kenyon, former winger and now Head of Academy Coaching Neil Wainwright, Conference striker Justin ‘Jacko’ Jackson, and Rod Taylor.
In addition to funds raised through ticket sales, there was also an entertaining memorabilia auction, where lots including prints donated by local artist Chas Jacobs and match worn shirts were up for grabs.
The evening ended with a set from local favourites, The Limes, who played a selection of their original material and popular covers, ending with a sing-a-long of the Morecambe and Wise theme ‘Bring Me Sunshine’, ably assisted by Morecambe legend Jim Bentley on backing vocals!
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