Morecambe's Baylight festival launches crowdfunding campaign for 2025

Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:31

Organisers of the popular Baylight Festival in Morecambe have launched a crowdfunding campaign for the 2025 event.

Morecambe Sparkle CIC are looking to raise just over £28,000 towards the cost of a community parade, with more than £15,000 has already pledged to date.

For 2025, the parade has an emphasis on celebrating local artists and communities.

The popular light art trail, which illuminates Morecambe's promenade, takes place on February 21 and 22, and has quickly become a highlight of Morecambe's cultural calendar since its inception in 2023.

The event features stunning installations from local, national, and international artists, transforming the seafront into a magical wonderland of light and creativity.

A spokesperson from Morecambe Sparkle said: "We have just launched our Spacehive Crowdfunder campaign for our Baylight 25 Community Parade night and we'd love your help in spreading the word or making a pledge.

‘’Last year was amazing, and with your help, we can do even better next time.

‘’Baylight 24 attracted 28,000 visitors into the town centre and massively boosted community morale and the local economy alike at a time of year when spirits are low and trading is hard going.

‘’This year we see a change in our funding so we are even more appreciative of any donation you can make to help us realise the amazing event we all want to see.’’

Research carried out after the 2024 event revealed that a third more people attended the event than in 2023, 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.

You can donate to the appeal here