Work has begun on a striking new mural in Morecambe to mark 100 years since the birth of the town's favourite son.
The mural to celebrate Eric Morecambe's centenary this May is being created on the side of The Warehouse - formerly Hitchen's - on Marine Road Central, by artists Shane Johnstone and Molly Bland and based on an original concept by fellow local artist Jamie Jenkinson.
It shows a young Eric and his comedy partner Ernie Wise in a typical pose, inspired by a classic archive image from a vintage Radio Times listing, and has been commissioned by Morecambe Business Improvement District (BID).
The mural will be officially unveiled by Eric's children Gary and Gail when they visit Morecambe during the week of his centenary, which is on Thursday May 14.
The mural taking shape on the side of the old Hitchen's building. Photo: Beyond Radio
Eric Morecambe, renowned for his TV comic partnership with Ernie Wise, was born John Eric Bartholomew on Buxton Street in the town on May 14 1926, and lived on Christie Avenue as a boy.
Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show TV specials were massively popular during the 1960s, 70s and 80s, peaking at 28 million viewers in 1977.
Eric died, aged 58, in 1984. The comic's statue on the Promenade pulls huge numbers of visitors each year.
“This mural is a brilliant way to celebrate Eric’s 100th birthday and create something lasting for the town," said David Waddington, chair of Morecambe BID.
"Eric Morecambe remains an iconic figure not just locally, but nationally, and it feels right that we mark this milestone with a legacy project that residents and visitors can enjoy for years to come.
"It’s also a fantastic example of what can be achieved when local artists, businesses and the community come together to celebrate Morecambe’s heritage.”
The mural has also been made possible thanks to the support of Brewers Decorator Centres in Morecambe, who have donated the paint and materials required to bring the artwork to life.
The mural forms part of a wider programme of events taking place across the town throughout 2026, honouring Eric Morecambe’s life, career and enduring connection to Morecambe.
They include a full weekend of celebrations at Morecambe Winter Gardens, including an acclaimed West End stage show 'An Evening with Eric & Ern'. The performance on Saturday May 16 has sold out, and a second date on the evening of Sunday May 17 has been added.
There will also be Eric-themed events at the Platform, the Jubilee Club and at Morecambe Heritage Centre in the Arndale.
A series of guided walks, touring landmarks and places significant to Eric's early life, has also been announced.
There will be a mayoral reception for invited guests at Morecambe Town Hall on May 14, the day of the centenary.
An Eric Morecambe exhibition by Manchester historian David Harrop will also return to Morecambe Library.
And a portrait of Eric, donated by artist Dave Miles, will be unveiled at Lancaster Road Primary School on the centenary date.
ERIC MORECAMBE's 100TH BIRTHDAY EVENTS ANNOUNCED TO DATE
Tuesday May 12
'Follow the Sunshine' - launch of Eric Morecambe exhibition at Morecambe Heritage Centre, Arndale centre, Morecambe (noon)
Radio Morecambe - 1970s-themed 'Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday week launch party', The Platform, Morecambe (2pm to 5pm)
Wednesday May 13
Sing Me Sunshine Special with community singing group Sing Me Sunshine, the Jubilee Club, Torrisholme (2pm to 4pm)
Thursday May 14
'Happy Birthday Eric' events featuring Eric Morecambe impersonator Bob More, Morecambe Heritage Centre, Arndale centre, Morecambe (10am to 3pm)
'Follow the Sunshine' - Eric Morecambe-themed guided walk, starting at the Eric Morecambe Statue, 2pm
Eric and Ernie Singalong, the Platform, Morecambe (2pm to 5pm).
Friday May 15
'Follow the Sunshine' - Eric Morecambe-themed guided walk, starting at the Eric Morecambe Statue, 2pm
'We Luv 1970s Eric Morecambe All-Dayer' with Elton John tribute, Jubilee Club, Torrisholme (noon until midnight)
Saturday May 16
Eric Morecambe exhibition by historian David Harrop, opening at Morecambe Library (open during library hours)
*NOTE - David will also display some of his collection at Morecambe Winter Gardens on May 16
Classic Morecambe and Wise TV clips on the big screen, The Winter Gardens, Morecambe, from noon
'Follow the Sunshine' - Eric Morecambe-themed guided walk, starting at the Eric Morecambe Statue from 2pm
Eric Morecambe Centenary Discussion: Celebrating Morecambe & Wise with Gary and Gail Morecambe (Ticketed), 4pm
An Evening with Eric & Ern - hit live stage show straight from London’s West End celebrates the duo’s legacy with sketches, songs, and laughter, The Winter Gardens, 7.30pm (SOLD OUT).
Sunday May 17
Classic Morecambe and Wise TV clips on the big screen, The Winter Gardens, from noon
That Riviera Touch feature film screening (Ticketed, free), The Winter Gardens, 4pm
An Evening with Eric & Ern - hit live stage show straight from London’s West End celebrates the duo’s legacy with sketches, songs, and laughter, The Winter Gardens, 7.30pm.
Read more: Second date announced for Winter Gardens Eric Morecambe centenary show - Beyond Radio
Eric Morecambe exhibition and guided tours announced for week of his 100th birthday - Beyond Radio
LISTEN: 'Wacky Week' of events to celebrate Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday - Beyond Radio
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