Morecambe's popular festival of light will go ahead as planned after last-ditch funding rescued the event from the axe.
Baylight '25 was under threat, it has been revealed, but will take place as scheduled on the weekend of February 21 and 22.
Lancaster City Council has agreed to provide £15,000 in direct funding as well as ‘in-kind’ support equal to £15,000 which will cover costs associated with public safety such as road closure and barriers, while Lancashire County Council has agreed to provide £30,000 in direct funding.
This is on top of £25,000 per year for the next three years already agreed by Morecambe Town Council, to act as headline sponsors.
Baylight has pulled thousands to Morecambe Promenade since its debut in February 2023.
The event during the school half-term holiday features a series of light-themed attractions along the seafront as well as a parade.
“It’s a great relief the councils have stepped in and provided this support," said Siân Johnson, chair of Morecambe Sparkle who run the event.
"We have a fabulous event planned including many local artists’ work all ready to sign up and now we can go ahead for February next year.”
The festival’s economic impact study showed that last year’s Baylight festival received 28,000 visitors who spent £460,000.
"Baylight attracts thousands of visitors into Morecambe town centre and is a much-welcome boost to the local economy," said Councillor Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth at Lancashire County Council.
"Our aim was always to support Baylight to get off the ground so it could become self-sustainable and grow into something much bigger.
"That is still the goal, and we're delighted to have found a way forward to ensure this special event continues to shine on.
"I would like to add a special thank you to Councillor Charlie Edwards for all his work supporting this initiative.
Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: "Baylight has fast become a highlight of Morecambe’s calendar. It is a very special event that brings our community together in celebration of creativity, art, culture, and our stunning coastal landscape.
"I’m delighted that the city council has been able to provide additional support and look forward to seeing the event shine brightly in 2025.”
Councillor Russell Walsh, chairperson of Morecambe Town Council, said: “Baylight brings measurable benefits to our local economy, fosters a real sense of community spirit through elements such as the street parade, and literally shines a whole new light on our beautiful local environment.
"We are delighted that the two higher tier authorities have followed the Town Council’s lead in providing substantial support for this key event in Morecambe.”
Crowds turned out in force on Morecambe Promenade at last year's Baylight - including for a sea-themed parade featuring a giant octopus!
The large red octopus puppet loomed large over the seafront as it made its way from the Platform to the RNLI lifeboat station and back again, watched by thousands of onlookers lining Marine Road.
The 'Under the Sea' parade, which also featured samba drumming band Samba Espirito, the Baybeat band, and local people dressed as sea creatures, was one of the highlights of the second annual light art festival.
Research carried out after the 2024 event revealed that a third more people attended the event than in 2023, in part due to the parade.
Visitor numbers were up every night, with some attending for more than one evening.
Read more: Three-year funding boost for popular Morecambe 'illuminations' festival - Beyond Radio
Police issue quicksand warning after riverbank danger for school pupils in Lancaster
Lancaster animal shelter launches 'Big Build' fundraiser to help save charity
LISTEN: Morecambe "definitely submitting a bid" to become first UK Town of Culture
Heysham Port upgrade blamed for traffic chaos 'trapping residents in their homes'
LISTEN: Tourism champs hail Eden Project and Tour de France as huge for Morecambe Bay area
Donation helps college pan ability football team to play in national championships
LISTEN: Meet the new manager of the Midland Hotel in Morecambe
LISTEN: Main contractor to build Eden Project Morecambe to be announced this month
£1.2m of funding for flood defence schemes in Lancaster district announced
Morecambe Bay hospital trust unveils new painless blood test
Thousands raised to help boost return of Lancaster Music Festival
High street computer games shop in Lancaster closes down
LISTEN: Carnforth actor wins Hollywood and Paris awards for horror film role
"1600 potholes repaired last week" says councillor as roads debate rumbles on
Burger King takeaway in Lancaster city centre closes down
Morecambe lifeboat crew reunite dog lost on sands with owner
New Morrisons Daily supermarket opens in Morecambe
Council investigate after derelict food trailer found dumped in Lancaster layby
Man charged after pedestrian died in Morecambe hit and run
LISTEN: We go out on Pothole Patrol in Morecambe
