Longest running music festival in Morecambe saved thanks to key sponsor

Friday, 18 April 2025 13:01

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Organisers of Morecambe's longest running music festival have thanked a company that champions young people with disabilities for saving this year's event.

The team at Sleazy Live - formerly known as Nice and Sleazy - said that SORM Studios Ltd have offered the needed sponsorship to ensure the festval goes ahead as planned.

Sleazy Live will run from Friday May 23 to Sunday May 25 at Johnny's Warehouse Bar on Marine Road Central.

The event began in 2004 and was founded by Morecambe man Ivan Harrison and his family, running for many years at the Trimpell Sports and Social Club in the town.

In that time the festival has brought thousands of people to Morecambe, continuing the tradition of punk festivals began with the 'Holidays in the Sun' and 'Wasted' events of the 1980s and 1990s.

But the festival has had funding issues in recent years, including well-publicised battles with local authorities over grant applications.

Mr Harrison said: "Just a couple of weeks ago Morecambe’s Nice and Sleazy (now just Sleazy) Festival was in a very difficult financial position.

"Sleazy has been operating in Morecambe for 21 years. In that time it has brought thousands of music fans into the town using the hotels, guest houses, restaurants and pubs.

"This year over 40 festivals have been cancelled. In our own town, Highest Point and then Vintage have been lost.

"Like many other festivals in the UK, Sleazy needed help to survive. Unfortunately, that financial help was not forthcoming and Sleazy seemed doomed. But...

"One company recognised the importance of the event to the local community. Ironically that company was in the dreaded land of the white rose! But this War of the Roses turned out to be a helping hand.

"Sleazy has always been here to support live music and all monies raised have always gone to charities.

"But it has also always championed young adults with learning and physical disabilities, providing them with opportunities to develop skills in the music/entertainment business.

"To that end they have worked for many years with a Bradford company, SORM STUDIOS Ltd , who have provided PAs and production for the Festival.

Mr Harrison is pictured below with John Bolton and Tony Saunders from SORM

"They are a social enterprise company, blending social work with music and creativity to bring people from diverse backgrounds together. Their studios also provide an alternative education programme, offering courses in music, cooking, life skills and other areas.

"Bradford City Council works closely with them to prepare adults for the workforce and place them in relevant positions.

"When Sleazy’s team contacted SORM about the possibility of the event being cancelled they were very concerned. The festival was important for the young people they brought over to work on the production and sound. It had become a very important part of the training development of their young students, both professionally and socially.

"SORM also realised how important it was for the local area and local businesses affected. So they kindly offered the sponsorship necessary for the event to take place this year, without even being asked.

"The red rose always knew it could rely on the white rose in an emergency!

"A massive thank you -- we’ll all dance together at Johnny’s on Morecambe seafront May 23-25th.

"Also thanks must go to Rob Ellershaw from the Exchange in the West End for his continued support of Sleazy and its ethos."

Rob and Ivan are pictured below.

Bands appearing at Sleazy Live include Ed Tudor Pole and support, Mille Manders and The Shut Up, Ska Face, Vomit, Kid Klumsy, Pussycat and The Dirty Johnsons, Indifferentmonkey, David Delinquent and The IOUs and many more.

More information at sleazy.live