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
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