A new exhibition at Lancaster Maritime Museum will tell the stories of black entertainers from Morecambe's golden era.
'In the Spotlight' celebrates the contributions of internationally acclaimed performers who graced Morecambe’s theatres during the late 19th and early 20th century,
The exhibition invites visitors to rediscover a remarkable chapter in Morecambe’s cultural history and one that celebrates resilience, talent, and the enduring legacy of black performers who helped shape the town’s vibrant entertainment scene.
It has been researched by Kirsty Roberts, a Lancashire-based Black historian and PhD student at the University of Central Lancashire.
The university has a longstanding partnership with Lancaster City Museums and is committed to uncovering and sharing black histories rooted in the region.
“I’m incredibly excited and honoured to be facilitating the return of these fabulous, internationally acclaimed performance artists to Morecambe," said Kirsty.
"Morecambe was a destination to which black artists repeatedly returned with enthusiasm for over 100 years and I can’t wait to celebrate this often-overlooked part of the town’s storied history.”
Funded by National Lottery players, In the Spotlight unveils a stellar lineup of performers who lit up Morecambe’s stages between 1850 and 1950.
Among them are trailblazing stars of the Harlem Renaissance and Cotton Club eras, including the charismatic Ken ‘Snakehips’ Johnson, the legendary Adelaide Hall, and the beloved James Herns (also known as Jimmy Cooney), who fell so deeply in love with Morecambe he made it his home.
The exhibition is now open to the public and will run until November 2 2025.
"Unanswered questions": Local leaders react to decision to pause major overhaul of councils
Appeal to help bring Carnforth man home after tragic holiday swimming pool accident
Morecambe super-sized family return with new series of TV show 22 Kids and Counting
Hundreds of Lancaster homes get own electricity supply after trial hailed as success
Nominate the county's most deserving in the Pride in Lancashire Awards
Two dogs treated by crews after house fire in Morecambe
LISTEN: Lineup announced for first ever Bay Drumfest in Morecambe
LISTEN: Lancaster mum and daughter to take on charity parachute jump
Champions of Morecambe hail "momentum" as town centre footfall rises
PHOTOS: Tattoo artist shaves beard of 13 years as Lancaster festival raises £6300 for mental health
Community groups invited to bid from £260K cash pot to boost West End of Morecambe
Lancashire County Council to step back from co-ordinating refugee resettlement schemes
Group fights on with veterans hub plan despite green light for Morecambe bus shelter demolition
Online applications open for Lancaster school places
Views sought over homelessness strategy in Lancaster district
Further arrests as police continue probe into stabbing and disorder on Lancaster estate
Annual recovery run on Morecambe Prom to bring community together
Morecambe FC registration embargo lifted after pension fund issues resolved
Heysham Port owners appoint new COO
Lancaster city centre venue closes for revamp as announcement made on new owners
