Ideas to celebrate Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday include a TV documentary, a comedy night, an exhibition and a world record attempt for the most people dressed as the famous comedian.
These ideas were revealed as councillors backed plans to mark the Morecambe-born comedian's centenary in May 2026.
Eric Morecambe was born on May 14 1926, and went on to international fame as one half of much-loved comedy duo Morecambe and Wise, taking the name of his home town.
Speaking at a Lancaster City Council meeting on Wednesday, Councillor Matthew Black said he'd heard a suggestion of a "world record attempt, hundreds of people dressed as Eric, doing the (Bring Me Sunshine) dance from Happy Mount Park to the Eric Morecambe Statue", saying it was "the kind of joyful, slightly bonkers thing Eric himself would have loved".
And Councillor Joanne Ainscough said: "There is already interest in producing a TV documentary following our journey towards the centenary...being pitched to Channel 4, the BBC and Sky Arts."
Councillor Ainscough also said there were "early discussions about hosting an academic conference, possibly in partnership with the Tate Modern, exploiting the legacy of Morecambe and Wise and the wider nature of comedy itself".
She said there could also be "a comedy festival showcasing new and emerging talent" and an "opportunity to work with the Winter Gardens who I believe are already working on a two-day event; local heritage groups and university to stage a major exhibition of comedy".
Councillor Martin Bottoms also said that Eric Morecambe's children are planning to be in Morecambe on the weekend of the centenary.
Labour councillor Matthew Black, who brought a motion before council calling for support for a 100th birthday celebration, said he was "one of Britain's most-loved entertainers", "made us laugh and that’s worth celebrating 100 years on" and was "a lad from our streets who made the nation smile".
Below, Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise.
"Eric made the nation laugh so it’s our turn now to make sure that his home town smiles with him.
"We want everyone to get involved. Eric belonged to everyone.
"It would be wonderful to invite his children to be part of it.
"Let’s make sure the centenary of Eric Morecambe is something special."
Seconding the motion, Labour's Councillor Ainscough described Eric as "one of the brightest lights to ever come out of Morecambe".
She said there had been "truly lovely messages not just from local residents but from people across the country, absolutely delighted at the idea of celebrating Eric’s 100th birthday".
"At a time when there is so much negativity in the world, this is something special, quite literally bringing the sunshine back to Morecambe," said Councillor Ainscough.
"It's once in a lifetime chance to show the world what Morecambe can do.
"Morecambe Town Council have already agreed to put on a programme of events. Officers are in discussion with Morecambe BID on how we can work together."
Councillor Gina Dowding, of the Greens, said her group "totally support a fantastic idea" and "all the ideas are absolutely brilliant, bring it on".
Councillors then voted to back the motion which called for the council to "work in partnership with local organisations, community groups, and businesses to plan and deliver public events, exhibitions, and other commemorative activities" to celebrate the date in Morecambe.
Eric Morecambe, renowned for his comic partnership with Ernie Wise, was born John Eric Bartholomew on Buxton Street in the town, 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.
Read more: Talks begin for events to mark Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday - Beyond Radio
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