Morecambe's dancing man gets 90th birthday Frontierland art surprise

Roger Obertelli

A man famous in Morecambe for his dancing feet has been celebrated with a piece of public artwork to mark his 90th birthday.

Roger Obertelli is known in the town for his regular appearances at festivals, where he can often be seen 'tap dancing' - or rather 'hoofing' - along to the music.

Roger celebrated his 90th birthday last weekend, and to mark the occasion a special photographic portrait has been created in his honour.

The artwork can be seen on the wall of art on the hoardings around the former Frontierland theme park on Morecambe Promenade.

See below.

Created using images by Morecambe photographer Jonathan Bean, the stunning piece of art has the inscription "I don't do tap, I'm a hoofer."

Jonathan said: "Roger celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday and his daughter asked me to put something together to surprise him!"

Hoofing is a style of dance in which the emphasis is on the steps, rather than any gestures or postures. 

The wall of art, created by several local artists to brighten up the hoardings around the derelict former fairground, celebrates many of the town's most popular personalities.

It also includes artwork of comedian Eric Morecambe, boxer Tyson Fury, the Morecambe football team and motorcyclist John McGuinness, to name just a few.

Morecambe Ukulele Club

The wonderful Roger Obertelli 'hoofing' along to Morecambe Ukulele Club at Morecambe Lifeboat Hovercraft Station earlier today!

Posted by Morecambe Music Festival on Saturday, July 9, 2022

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