Morecambe Town Council grant helps launch new Bay DrumFest

A new, free festival of drumming will rumble onto Morecambe Promenade on 26 September, supported by a £1,000 grant from Morecambe Town Council.

The bright colours and bold performances of Samba Espirito are a familiar sight heading up parades at Morecambe events such as Armed Forces Day, Baylight and the Coronation Carnival. With funding support from Morecambe Town Council, the ensemble are now producing their own festival, Bay DrumFest, to mark their 10th anniversary.

The celebration of community music-making brings eleven bands together from towns and cities across the North West, forming a drum trail that will snake along the Promenade throughout the afternoon. The event will culminate in a large evening parade back down the Promenade, as the bands fill the air with samba rhythms, Afro-Brazilian beats, and steel band melodies, supported by performances from stilt walkers and dance troupes.

Cllr Lee Bradbury, Chairperson of Morecambe Town Council’s Festivals, Sponsorships and Events Committee, said, “For ten years Samba Espirito have delivered high-energy performances as an important part of countless Morecambe festivals and events. The Town Council is delighted to help them deservedly take centre-stage on this occasion, as they mark ten years of inspiring and uplifting community music-making.”

Karen Dickinson, one of Samba Espirito’s Band Directors said, “Bay DrumFest will be a celebration of community, creativity and wellbeing through music and movement. Drumming brings people together, keeps us active, and gives people of all ages a chance to be part of something joyful. We’re incredibly grateful to Morecambe Town Council for supporting us as we mark our 10th anniversary and we’re excited to plan for our next ten years.”