Illuminations could bring pride back to Morecambe

I was pleased with the article covering the proposed reintroduction of the illuminations in last week’s Visitor -Callum Henry, I salute you.

It’s very reassuring to see the youth of the town taking an interest in its future, especially as the young lad never even saw the lights. His ideas should be listened to and maybe even used in the near future.

To go forward you sometimes have to look back and one of the best places to do this at the moment is on the Facebook page Morecambe and Heysham Past and Present. A member of the site posted a selection of postcards he had found in his parents’ collection.

Possibly in the early or mid-sixties they depict the town in its heyday. It was packed.

In those days there weren’t any festivals, the town did not need them. The crowds flocked because there was always something to do.

He posts a lovely postcard of the old Harbour Band Arena, full to the brim with holiday makers listening to music - sort of rings true to what happens now in a way with one exception - those concerts were performed all through the summer.

Our musical extravaganzas today are a credit to the organisers, the town, however, needs a more consistent program of events which are well marketed to the outside world and advertised to locals as well.

As young Callum points out, why does Blackpool always seem to get everything? I think the answer is they as a town have always stuck to the principle of being a seaside resort.

They have been innovative in their approach to tourism and basically always managed to give the people what they want.

Morecambe would need a complete rebuild if we are to approach the tourist numbers of the past but with the by-pass creeping closer to completion we do need to quickly fill the town with quality attractions and retail.

Maybe in the future those guiding lights will be the shining beacons which put some pride back into our town.