Morecambe’s longest running punk festival saved by sponsors
Morecambe's longest running music festival has been saved thanks to a company that champions young people with disabilities.
The team at Sleazy Live - formerly known as Nice and Sleazy - said that SORM Studios Ltd have offered sponsorship to ensure the festival goes ahead as planned.
Sleazy Live will run from Friday May 23 to Monday May 26 at Johnny's Warehouse Bar on Marine Road Central in Morecambe.
The event began in 2004 and was founded by Morecambe man Ivan Harrison and his family, running for many years at the Trimpell Sports and Social Club in the town.
But the festival has had funding issues in recent years, including well-publicised battles with local authorities over grant applications.
Mr Harrison said: “Just a couple of weeks ago Morecambe’s Nice and Sleazy (now just Sleazy) Festival was in a very difficult financial position.
“Sleazy has been operating in Morecambe for 21 years. In that time it has brought thousands of music fans into the town using the hotels, guest houses, restaurants and pubs.
"This year over 40 festivals have been cancelled. In our own town, Highest Point and then Vintage have been lost.
"Like many other festivals in the UK, Sleazy needed help to survive. Unfortunately, that financial help was not forthcoming and Sleazy seemed doomed.
"But one company recognised the importance of the event to the local community.
“Sleazy has always been here to support live music and all monies raised have always gone to charities.
"But it has also always championed young adults with learning and physical disabilities, providing them with opportunities to develop skills in the music/entertainment business.
"To that end they have worked for many years with a Bradford company, SORM STUDIOS Ltd , who have provided PAs and production for the festival.
"When Sleazy’s team contacted SORM about the possibility of the event being cancelled they were very concerned.
“SORM kindly offered the sponsorship necessary for the event to take place this year, without even being asked.
“A massive thank you -- we’ll all dance together at Johnny’s on Morecambe seafront in May, also thanks must go to Rob Ellershaw from The Exchange in the West End for his continued support of Sleazy and its ethos.”