Popular Baylight Festival 'paused' - why Morecambe's spectacular light event will not run next month
After three dazzling years lighting up Morecambe’s winter calendar, the organisers of the popular Baylight Festival have announced it will not run this year.
The Morecambe Sparkle CIC board has confirmed that the team will not bring the festival to town next month as originally intended, but instead will focus all efforts on fundraising, planning, and building partnerships for Baylight 27—an expanded edition that promises to be the most ambitious yet.
The team said it was a strategic pause - a proactive step in response to current financial and time constraints, aimed at securing the funding, infrastructure, and creative development needed to ensure the long-term success of the festival.
“This pause allows us to think bigger, plan smarter, and come back stronger,” said the Sparkle board. “Baylight means a lot to Morecambe, and with the right support, we know 2027 can be our best festival yet.”
In just three years, Baylight has become a headline fixture in Morecambe’s event calendar and a magnet for thousands of visitors:
● Baylight ‘23 welcomed around 21,000 visitors, generating over £800,000 in local economic impact.
● Baylight ‘24 attracted an even larger audience of 28,000 visitors, delivering a wider impact of £900,000 to the local economy.
● Baylight ‘25, condensed to just two nights, still drew 19,286 visitors and brought in a record-breaking £1.3 million, with a calculated return of £6.70 for every £1 invested.
In addition to boosting tourism and business spend, the festival has created a sense of celebration and pride that has rippled far beyond the seafront—lighting up both winter nights and the town’s growing reputation.
With the groundwork now being laid for Baylight 27, the Sparkle team is focusing on:
● Launching a public fundraising campaign
● Working with city and county councils to explore inclusion of Baylight in the 2026–27 budget cycle
● Strengthening partnerships with community organisations, creatives, and funders to create another amazing Parade
● Planning a bigger, more sustainable event with even greater reach, economic value, and cultural impact.
Baylight supporters will receive regular updates on progress, fundraising, and behind-the-scenes planning at https://baylightmorecambe.co.uk/
Follow @BaylightMorecambe on social media.