Morecambe Winter Gardens has been named one of the best British seaside places and experiences.
The iconic venue has been recognised by the Seaside Heritage Network, who have revealed their inaugural Bucket and Spade List, the Top 10 favourite seaside places and experiences as voted for by members of the public.
The Winter Gardens came third in the poll, just behind Blackpool Tower, and winners, the Saltburn Cliff Tramway.
Chair of the Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust, Professor Vanessa Toulmin, was presented with a certificate of recognition by Morecambe born designer, Wayne Hemingway.
Volunteer Stephen Jones and trustees Richard Ryan and Paul Anderton (pictured below), were among those in attendance for the presentation.
‘’We’re totally thrilled to come third in the Bucket and Spade list. It great to be awarded our certificate by fellow sandgrow’un Wayne Hemingway, who truly has shaped our seaside towns,’’ said Professor Vanessa.
In the citation, the building was described as ‘a fantastic venue for talent to shine in the future, helping the building to become self-sustaining and reward the extremely dedicated volunteers that have helped to save this magnificent theatre.’
Dr Kathryn Ferry, a founder member of the Seaside Heritage Network, said how important it was to see people and communities getting behind the vote: ‘There’s a strong nostalgic element to these finalists but that’s no bad thing, it shows how embedded the seaside holiday and seaside resorts are within our island culture,’’ she said.
‘’Too often, these towns get a bad press but it’s time to change perceptions and celebrate the joy and entertainment the seaside has brought to generations of Britons.
‘’Embracing the power of seaside heritage to connect with people anew can help places that have been suffering social and economic problems. Morecambe Winter Gardens is an example of the potentially transformative power of seaside heritage and we congratulate all of our worthy finalists.’’
The full Top 10 was:
1.Saltburn Cliff Tramway, Saltburn-by-the-Sea
2. Blackpool Tower
3. Morecambe Winter Gardens
4. Silcock's Carousel, Southport
5. Donkey Rides, Weymouth
6. Papa's Fish & Chips, Cleethorpes
7. South Cliff Gardens, Scarborough
8. Dreamland Margate
9. Bournemouth Beach Huts
10. Babbacombe Model Village
The Seaside Heritage Network aims to connect people, groups and businesses who care about the heritage of Britain’s seaside resorts.
The network is run by run by Dr Kathryn Ferry, seaside historian, author and broadcaster, Dr Anya Chapman, Principal Academic in Tourism Management at Bournemouth University, Dr Allan Brodie, former Senior Investigator at Historic England and now a visiting fellow at Bournemouth University, Dr Duncan Light, Principal Academic in Tourism at Bournemouth University and Samantha Richardson MBE, Director of the National Coastal Tourism Academy.
Man accused of stealing joints of meat at Lancaster Asda by hiding them in his trousers
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Spectacular display of 12,000 poppies unveiled at Lancaster landmark
Eden Project Morecambe boss gives update on early stages of work on new £100m attraction
Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth Remembrance services announced
Road closures for pre-Tour de France work announced for Lancaster district
Lancaster rock guitarist braves beard shave for charity
Two arrests made after post office robbery in Lancaster
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform concert for schools at Morecambe Winter Gardens
PHOTOS: Plans go in for major Lancaster regeneration scheme
Lancaster music venue's heartfelt message ahead of final night on New Year's Eve
Morecambe school named among one of England's most improved for attendance
Lancaster hospital nursing boss appointed to University of Cumbria honorary role
Morecambe Football Club placed under another embargo by the National League
£1.5m Lancaster scheme to boost water quality in River Lune is complete
Family pays tribute to Lancaster pensioner who died in road crash
Popular artist's print of Morecambe Bay Academy to be launched at alumni evening
Work set to begin on new Heysham skate park
Light Up Lancaster promises to illuminate city with ‘No Boundaries’
Sadness as Morecambe sports and social club suffers break-in on night of reopening
Man arrested after death of pensioner in Lancaster road crash
