INTERVIEWS: Morecambe Bay visitor guide launched with high hopes for tourist season

Tuesday, 1 April 2025 13:51

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Stuart Michaels from Morecambe Music Festival and Mark Prada, chair of Bay Tourism Association

There were plenty of good news stories for the Morecambe Bay area at the launch of its annual brochure for tourists.

The Morecambe Bay visitor guide was unveiled at the Bay Tourism Association event at the Midland Hotel.

Around 100 guests, many representing local tourism businesses, heard about several positive developments for the tourism economy, despite the tough start to 2025 many firms have experienced.

Official STEAM statistics released last month show that visitors to the Lancaster and Morecambe District rose year-on-year to 6.96m in 2023, up from 6.87m the previous year.

Mark Prada, chair of Bay Tourism Association, also told the audience that popular TV presenter Gyles Brandreth is a big fan of Morecambe and has agreed to help promote the area on his social media channels.

Mr Prada also hailed the recent appointment of John Pye, new project director at Eden Project Morecambe, as a key moment on the path to bringing the long-awaited visitor attraction to the town.

Meanwhile Stuart Michaels, from Morecambe Music Festival, announced that his annual summer event will have a headline act for the first time ever.

Tony Johnson from Lancaster BID spoke about the 'Love Lancaster Live' music festival that will be standing in for Lancaster Music Festival this October, while David Waddington of Morecambe BID talked about the new street mural initiative that's brightening up the town.

And Ian Steel, owner of Atkinsons Coffee Roasters of Lancaster, announced his plans to open a unique new 'hidden' entertainment venue in the city.

During the event, held on Thursday, Beyond Radio spoke to some of the attendees including:

Stuart Michaels from Morecambe Music Festival and Mark Prada (below) from Bay Tourism