Morecambe’s popular Baylight festival brought even more visitors to the town in the February half term week in its second year.
An independent Evaluation Report out this week from Red Research has revealed that an estimated 28,000 people attended the three-night event on Morecambe seafront – a third more than in 2023.
Related stories:
VIDEO: Huge crowds line Morecambe Prom to watch Baylight parade starring giant octopus
INTERVIEW: Full line-up for Baylight festival in Morecambe revealed
Organisers Morecambe Sparkle CIC attribute this in part to the popular Under the Sea Parade along Marine Road Central which took place on the Friday night.
Visitor numbers were up every night, with some revealing they came for more than one evening to see the stunning light displays along the festival trail.
The spending power of the Morecambe community, visitors and staying tourists at Baylight produced an economic impact of over £900,000.
This was higher than in 2023 bringing a return on investment of £3.63 for every pound in grants from Lancashire County Council’s Economic Recovery and Growth Fund, Morecambe Town Council and Morecambe BID.
This year five local businesses sponsored individual installations from the displays by local, national and international artists along the festival trail. The interactive effects and the shimmering lights reflected in the sea along the site delighted visitors. The Report found that 95% of those interviewed said they would like to go to another, similar event in Morecambe in future and 94% would recommend it to others.
This year more businesses which normally close at 5pm stayed open in the evening for Baylight. The Report showed that, once again, businesses took on extra staff, invested in extra facilities and extended their product range. They promoted Baylight on their own social media and invested in advertising.
The organisers continued their policy of buying locally, including local artists’ work as part of the show. Many Lancashire supply chain businesses also benefitted from the investment in Baylight because 49% of the grant monies were spent in the County, including the Morecambe area itself.
Simon Lawrence, director of growth and regeneration for Lancashire County Council, said: “The first two years of Baylight have been a tremendous success, and it’s a real credit to Morecambe Sparkle that they’ve smashed their already ambitious targets for bringing in visitors to lift the local economy at what is usually a quiet time of year.
“This year’s Baylight really built on the significant achievements of the inaugural event, and the creative and original installations add up to a lights festival that is unique to Morecambe.
“Our aim in supporting Baylight was always to see our initial investment produce a much bigger return for the economy, as one of a huge range of projects we’ve developed through the county council’s £12.8m Lancashire Economic Recovery and Growth Fund, and I’m very pleased to see the results of this study.
“We will continue to offer advice to assist any future programmes, and I’d encourage everyone to support Baylight in the future to build on the success of these first two years.”
Appeal launched to help save Morecambe sports and social club
Reopening date announced after Morecambe Jobcentre closes for repairs
Lancaster charity urges residents to know how they’re affected by Renters' Rights Act
Lancaster district residents urged to check their details as annual electoral canvass begins
E-bikes and e-scooters seized during police crackdown on Lancaster cycle track
Four vehicles involved in road collision in Carnforth
LISTEN: Popular vlog tells story of couple's second-hand bookshop dream in Morecambe
Emergency team in Silverdale receives donation of life-saving kits
MP offers support to staff after Morecambe FC reported to The Pensions Regulator
Track night at Lancaster sports club to launch police safety scheme for women and girls
PHOTOS: Live music day to raise funds for homeless people in Lancaster hailed as huge success
Former bank turned live music venue in Morecambe to reopen under new management
New parking system set to launch at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Museum in Lancaster up for award launched by TV historian David Olusoga
MP fights for refunds after Heysham medical centre patients get parking fines in error
Two teenagers arrested after car stolen during Hest Bank burglary
Parents demand further action after health watchdog probe into asbestos complaints at Lancaster school
LISTEN: Lancaster medical students praised for helping man who collapsed
Man arrested on Morecambe beach after report of assault
Police probe burglaries in villages near Carnforth
