Baylight Festival Takes a Pause—But Morecambe’s Light Will Shine Brighter in 2027
Morecambe, July 2025 — After three dazzling years lighting up Morecambe’s winter calendar, Baylight is already looking ahead to a bigger and bolder return in 2027.
The Morecambe Sparkle CIC board has confirmed that the team will pause delivery in 2026 to focus all efforts on fundraising, planning, and building partnerships for Baylight 27—an expanded edition that promises to be the most ambitious yet.
While Baylight 26, originally scheduled for February 2026, will not go ahead due to current financial and time constraints, this is a strategic pause—a proactive step to secure the funding, infrastructure, and creative development needed to ensure the long-term success of the festival.An Unmissable Success Story
In just three years, Baylight has become a headline fixture in Morecambe’s event calendar and a magnet for thousands of visitors:
Baylight ’23 welcomed around 21,000 visitors, generating over £800,000 in local economic impact.
Baylight ’24 attracted an even larger audience of 28,000 visitors, delivering a wider impact of £900,000 to the local economy.
Baylight ’25, condensed to just two nights, still drew 19,286 visitors and brought in a record-breaking £1.3 million, with a calculated return of £6.70 for every £1 invested.
In addition to boosting tourism and business spend, the festival has created a sense of celebration and pride that has rippled far beyond the seafront—lighting up both winter nights and the town’s growing reputation. Powered by Partnership
Baylight’s success is the result of dedicated collaboration, generous sponsorship, and unwavering community support. The Morecambe Sparkle CIC board extends heartfelt thanks to:
Morecambe Town Council – Sponsors of Baylight ’23, ’24 & Headline Sponsor of Baylight’25
Lancaster City Council – providing emergency funding in Autumn 2024 including support from the LERG fund, officer teams, and public realm support
Lancashire County Council for awarding the LERG (Lancashire Economic Recovery & Growth) Fund and providing emergency funding in Autumn 2024
Morecambe BID – Provided match funding in 2022 and official sponsor of Baylight ’23, ’24 & ’25
Wright & Lord Solicitors – Baylight ’24 & ’25
Waters & Atkinson – Baylight ’24 & ’25
Althams Butchers – Baylight ’24 & ’25
Morecambe FC Community Foundation – Baylight ’24 & ’25
Midland Hotel – Baylight ’24 & ’25
MJ Catterall – Baylight ’25
Mammoth Scaffolding – Official Scaffolding Contractors to Baylight ’25
EDF Energy – Baylight ‘24
Royal Bar & Shaker – Baylight ‘24
What’s Next: Baylight 2027
With the groundwork now being laid for Baylight 27, the Sparkle team is focusing on:
Launching a public fundraising campaign in Autumn 2025
Working with city and county councils to explore inclusion of Baylight in the 2026–27 budget cycle
Strengthening partnerships with community organisations, creatives, and funders to create another amazing Parade
Planning a bigger, more sustainable event with even greater reach, economic value, and cultural impact.
“This pause allows us to think bigger, plan smarter, and come back stronger,” said the Sparkle board.
“Baylight means a lot to Morecambe, and with the right support, we know 2027 can be our best festival yet.”