The writer of hit TV crime drama series The Bay says he's thrilled the new series will be premiering at a film festival in Morecambe.
Daragh Carville will also take part in a Q&A at the Bay International Film Festival, which will open with the premiere of series 5 of the popular ITV show filmed in Morecambe.
The Bay International Film Festival will take place every weekend in November, closing with an awards ceremony on December 1.
Filming began on the fifth series of The Bay in 2023.
Marsha Thomason will return as Morecambe MIU’s Family Liaison Officer, DS Jenn Townsend, alongside cast regulars Daniel Ryan, Erin Shanagher and Andrew Dowbiggin. Olwen May (Happy Valley, Trying) will join the team in Morecambe. Barry Sloane returns as Chris Fischer. Georgia Scholes plays Chris’s daughter Erin, and David Carpenter and Emme Hayes return as Conor and Maddie, Jenn’s children. Suzanne Packer (Casualty, Keeping Faith) joins as Jenn’s mum, Anne Townsend.
The cast are pictured below.
Daragh Carville said: “Morecambe is the home of The Bay so we’re delighted to be presenting the premiere of series 5 there.
"We’re thrilled too to be a part of the festival, a celebration of this brilliant place and its vibrant artistic culture.
Daragh Carville is pictured below, image credit: John Baucher
“When I started developing The Bay, part of my motivation was to highlight a place that I felt had been unfairly overlooked for too long. I hoped to put Morecambe on the UK TV map. Five series later, I think we can safely say we’ve managed to do that.
“Morecambe has played host to the filming of The Bay for five series now, and it’s been a joy to see how the community has taken us to heart, in spite of road closures and traffic delays and all the hassles of a busy filming schedule.
"We literally couldn’t make this show anywhere else and we couldn’t do it without the support of the local community. So thanks so much for all your warmth and generosity in putting up with us!
“Since we started shooting here, a host of other productions, including the high profile Harlan Coben adaptations for Netflix, have filmed in Morecambe and the wider Bay area. Long may it last.
"The creative industries are among the UK’s most successful exports - The Bay has been sold to over 140 territories worldwide - and every corner of the UK deserves to benefit from this success.
"My hope is that in the future Morecambe will become the hub of a vibrant film and TV culture.”
Dates for broadcast of the new series of The Bay on ITV are to be announced.
Read more: Filming begins in Morecambe on the fifth series of The Bay - Beyond Radio
The Bay International Film Festival debuted last year, with 416 short films submitted, an appearance by acclaimed Stanley Kubrick producer Jan Harlan and more than 1,000 attendees.
The festival takes place each weekend from November to December 1, with free and ticketed events at the Reel Cinema, West End Playhouse, More Music, King’s Arms and Johnny’s Warehouse Bar.
Anna Henderson, festival producer and Lancaster University film tutor, said: "We're excited to launch the largest filmmakers' networking event for Lancashire and Cumbria this November.
"For too long, our local talent has had to travel to big cities for industry events, feeling isolated and disconnected. We're changing that. By creating this film industry hub right here in Morecambe, we're not just connecting filmmakers - we're nurturing a vibrant, local film community that can thrive together."
Film producer Philip Herd, who is originally from Morecambe, is the festival patron.
His credits with Chromatic Aberration Pictures include Unicorns (2023), My Policeman (2022), Archive (2020) and We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011).
"I am thrilled and honoured to be a patron of the festival," he said.
"As a film producer originally from Morecambe, the prospect of being part of a new film festival in my hometown is just brilliant. I’m so excited to help build something that will continue to grow as a major event for film-makers and film-lovers alike."
Last year, almost 50 percent of tickets were provided free to local communities and festival volunteers helping to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and support accessibility of the arts.
A childcare bursary - to provide a complimentary screening ticket for single parents together with three hours of childcare support - is on offer this year with 10 available, thanks to support from Lancaster City Council.
Anna Henderson said: “We're all about making cinema accessible to everyone.
"We know times are tough, so we will be offering free tickets, community screenings, and childcare help for single parents.
"Our goal is simple: we want everyone in Morecambe to enjoy great films, regardless of their budget.
"By bringing people together through cinema, we're not just showing movies - we're building a stronger, more connected community."
A photo competition is accepting entries to the Best Morecambe Bay Photo with up to 15 winners to be selected for the photography exhibition to run during the festival, with cash prizes supplied by EDF Energy.
Sponsors include Film Hub North, BFI, Lancaster University, The National Lottery, Lancashire County Council, The Granada Foundation, Morecambe BID and Lancaster City Council, with opportunities for local businesses to get involved.
For sponsorship and partnership opportunities, please contact festival director Darren Henderson at info@thebayfilmfestival.com
For more information about The Bay International Film Festival and to buy tickets, see HERE.
Full details of The Bay premiere at the film festival are to be announced.
Read more: New international film festival set to begin in Morecambe - Beyond Radio
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