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Three new directors including ex-Simply Red drummer join Morecambe venue team

Chris Joyce, and Mark and Joan Dugan, have become directors of Alhambra Live in Morecambe

Three new directors have joined the team who run a Morecambe entertainment venue - including the former drummer with Simply Red.

Chris Joyce, and Morecambe couple Mark and Joan Dugan, have been appointed as directors at the Alhambra (formerly The Carleton).

They will join Fiona Wetton, Nick Awde and Claire Cozler, the existing directors of the Morecambe Alhambra Theatre CIC who are responsible for running the Marine Road West venue.

Chris was part of the original line-up of Simply Red and drummed on their hits including 'If You Don't Know Be By Now' and 'Holding Back the Years'. He has also drummed with Pete Wylie and The Mighty Wah and now runs a drumming school in the West End of Morecambe.

Read more: INTERVIEW: Drummer shares his music memories from Simply Red stardom to glorious Morecambe sunsets - Beyond Radio

The Alhambra is pictured below.

Mark and Joan Dugan organise events at the Alhambra including March of the Mods and the Morecambe Rides Again Scooter weekend (pictured below).

"We’re delighted to welcome Chris, Mark and Joan to our director team at the Alhambra," said Fiona Wetton, chairperson.

"Their passion for The Alhambra, Morecambe and live music is clear to see and their experience will help us take our venue where we want it to be – a major player on the circuit in the North West.”

Mark Dugan said: “We’re all really excited to be joining the Alhambra team.

"Fiona and her husband Alex, who are volunteers, have worked miracles in keeping the place open in the last four years.

"The potential for The Alhambra is huge – it’s an excellent venue for live music but the team recognise there’s a lot of work needed to get it where it needs to be for the future.

"We’re ready for the task and looking forward to working with Fiona and the team and helping to giving Morecambe a live music venue it can be proud of that attracts bands and audiences alike."

The Alhambra first opened in 1901 and was a popular entertainment venue in the town until a devastating fire in 1970.

The building reopened as the Inn on the Bay club later in the 1970s, before being renamed The Carleton.

It temporarily closed in 2012 and 2016 but reopened soon afterwards, and has been revitalised in recent years as a 700-capacity live entertainment venue for music, boxing, wrestling and other entertainment.

The building is owned by developer Ian Bond, who also owns the nearby Battery which has been converted into luxury apartments.

Read more: INTERVIEW: Morecambe entertainment venue gears up for huge year of live music shows - Beyond Radio

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