A report has revealed that more than 19,000 people visited a popular 'illuminations' festival in Morecambe giving a £1.3m boost to the economy.
A Baylight 2025 evaluation report said that 19,286 people visited the event on Morecambe Promenade in February and that daily visitor numbers were 22 per cent higher than in 2024.
The findings came from 308 interviews on site held with visitors to Baylight - and organisers said they show that although the event was cut to two days this year, it delivered "higher economic benefits than in previous years" as "visitors came in larger parties, stayed longer and more of them spent money on food, drink and gifts, more came from further away and there were many more overnight tourists".
The Return on Investment, calculated by report authors Red Research, was shown to be double that of 2024 at £6.70 for every pound invested.
And 96 per cent of visitors interviewed face-to-face said they would like to come to another similar event in Morecambe in future.
Baylight 25 included 17 illuminated installations across the promenade area and a much more elaborate parade than in previous years, involving the closure of Marine Road Central.
This was headed by a giant whale and also included three bands, dance groups and children holding displays and models they had created in artist-run workshops with their parents or teachers.
A new event this year included a collection of Morecambe vintage films screened at the Reel Cinema.
“The third Baylight event in Morecambe provided a significant draw and motivation for people to visit the town and generated income at a crucial time of the year for local businesses," said a spokesperson for Red Research.
Councillor Martin Bottoms, Lancaster City Council’s member with responsibility for Morecambe regeneration and local economy, said: “Baylight 25 has shown just how powerful creativity and community can be in transforming our town.
"With record-breaking visitor numbers and a remarkable economic boost of nearly £1.3m, it’s clear that events like this shine a spotlight on Morecambe and bring real returns for local people, local businesses, and our town’s future.
“The city council was glad to have been able to support Baylight 25 and I would like to thank everyone who made this possible—from the artists to the volunteers, and especially the families and visitors who brought such energy and joy to the seafront.”
David Waddington, chair of Morecambe Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Morecambe BID was delighted to support Baylight once again - and we were also delighted to sponsor the ‘Giant Whale’ this year, which led the parade on Saturday night. The event continues to grow year on year, and the economic benefit to our levy payers this year was the best it’s been.
"The spend on food, drink, gifts and entertainment were all up on 2024, with 75% of people surveyed confirming they had come to Morecambe because of Baylight.
"Saturday particularly was incredibly busy, and made for a fantastic atmosphere at night, but also contributed to more visitors during the day this year, prior to the evening’s parade. It’s a fantastic event for Morecambe and is a great kickstart to our season.”
Councillor Clark Kent, chair of Morecambe Town Council, said: "We’re incredibly proud that Morecambe Town Council could be a headline sponsor for Baylight this year.
"It’s been absolutely brilliant to see families, friends, and visitors of all ages out enjoying the lights and experiencing the town in such a magical way.
"There’s something really special about seeing little ones wide-eyed with wonder, and families making those simple, joyful memories together.
"Events like this really bring people together - they shine a light (quite literally) on everything that makes Morecambe special.
"The boost to local tourism has been fantastic too, with so many people discovering (or rediscovering!) just how much our town has to offer. The town council is supporting this event for the coming years, and we’re already looking forward to next year.”
Baylight organisers Morecambe Sparkle CIC said they were grateful to all funders especially early supporters Morecambe Town Council, now the headline sponsor, and Morecambe BID, and Lancashire County and Lancaster City Councils who stepped in to help in December 2024.
They also thanked individual local sponsoring businesses and all the local people who contributed to the Baylight 25 crowdfunder.
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