22 retro pictures capture the splendour of Morecambe's 'one of a kind' Winter Gardens theatre

Morecambe’s Winter Gardens theatre – or The Victoria Pavilion as it was then known – opened its doors to the public on July 17, 1897.

By Debbie Butler

Published 17th Nov 2023, 14:00 GMT

Built at a cost of nearly £100,000, it was designed to be both a grand variety theatre and a concert hall.

A massive success in its heyday, the theatre hosted the great and the good for many years – and is thought to be one of a kind as a big concert party hall.

Today the building is operated by Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust which, alongside invaluable help from local volunteers, has been slowly restoring the theatre and bringing it back into use.

A search through our archives unearthed these great pictures of the theatre taken by our former photographer, Nigel Slater.

We think the photos date back to 2010 and they illustrate just how much restoration work has taken place since they were captured.

We found them really interesting to look at… and we hope you do too.

In case you missed them: 17 retro pictures celebrate Morecambe's iconic art deco café

44 pictures of Morecambe's Winter Gardens over the years including pantomimes, beer festivals and some famous faces

Looking back at the days when Morecambe was the home of Miss Great Britain - the biggest and oldest beauty pageant in the UK

Morecambe's Winter Gardens theatre has come a long way since this picture was taken.

1. Winter Gardens, Morecambe

Morecambe's Winter Gardens theatre has come a long way since this picture was taken. Photo: Nigel Slater

The upper balcony or the 'gods' as they were referred to locally.

2. Winter Gardens, Morecambe

The upper balcony or the 'gods' as they were referred to locally. Photo: Nigel Slater

Looking down from the upper balcony.

3. Winter Gardens, Morecambe

Looking down from the upper balcony. Photo: Nigel Slater

4. Winter Gardens, Morecambe

- Photo: Nigel Slater

Morecambe Winter Gardens Great Britain