£7k boost for quirky Steampunk Festival coming to Morecambe
Popular Victorian steampunk festival A Splendid Day Out returns to Morecambe from June 5-7 with this year’s theme ‘Pirates of Mermaid Bay’.
The festival has been awarded a £7,000 grant by Morecambe Town Council, continuing the council’s support for festivals and events that boost the town’s hospitality and visitor economy.
‘Buccaneers of all ages’ are invited to enjoy ‘swashbuckling entertainment, roaming performers, live music, storytelling, workshops, games, and plenty of pirate‑themed surprises' at this year's festival – the largest since its post-pandemic return.
The star attraction will see professional mermaid performers bringing Mermaid Bay to life outside the Platform.
Inside, visitors can enjoy live music while discovering handcrafted gifts, unique creations, local artwork, treats, and nautical‑themed treasures at the themed artisan market.
New for 2026, the festival is expanding to include the Midland Hotel.
Events there will include live music, a line dancing class, a classic car display, a talk from Jason Salkey – Rifleman Harris from Sharpe – and a steampunk fashion show showcasing some of the weekend’s best pirate, mermaid and steampunk costumes.
Other highlights include the return of quirky steampunk sports such as tea duelling, teapot racing, and parasol duelling, while the Grand Parade down Morecambe Promenade provides a spectacle quite unlike any other.
Most daytime events and the market are free to attend, with small pay-on-entry fees for the dancing class and fashion show, and separate tickets on sale for the evening entertainment at The King’s Arms on Friday and Saturday night.
Councillor Lee Bradbury, chairman of Morecambe Town Council’s festivals, sponsorships and events committee, said: “A Splendid Day Out is unlike any other event in Morecambe and has become a fantastic way to kick off our summer festival season.
"It brings thousands of visitors into the town centre while offering something for all ages to enjoy free of charge, and we’re delighted to continue our support for this key event.”
Rose Roberts, co-founder of A Splendid Day Out, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring A Splendid Day Out back to Morecambe for what promises to be our biggest and most ambitious festival since returning in 2024.
"The ‘Pirates of Mermaid Bay’ theme has inspired a fantastic programme packed with creativity, costumes, music and entertainment for all ages.
“The support from Morecambe Town Council has played a huge role in helping us grow the event and keep so many activities free to attend. We can’t wait to welcome visitors back to Morecambe for another wonderfully eccentric weekend.”