Light festival to return after councils step in

A festival that was at risk of being cancelled due to budget issues has been given the go-ahead after two councils intervened.

Organisers said they were concerned the Baylight festival, set to take place in Morecambe over the February half term, would not take place due to a funding gap.

However, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council have now agreed to provide £60,000 to ensure the light event and parade can take place.

This comes after Morecambe Town Council had already agreed to provide a total of £75,000 over the next three years.

"It's a great relief the councils have stepped in and provided this support," Siân Johnson, chair of festival organisers Morecambe Sparkle, said.

"We have a fabulous event planned including many local artists' work all ready to sign up and now we can go ahead for February next year."

Lancaster City Council has agreed to provide £15,000 in direct funding as well as "in-kind" support equal to £15,000 which it said would cover costs associated with public safety such as road closure and barriers.

Lancashire County Council has agreed to provide £30,000 in direct funding.

The council said the festival would be presented in association with Morecambe Town Council which had already agreed to provide £75,000 in direct funding.

"Baylight brings measurable benefits to our local economy, fosters a real sense of community spirit through elements such as the street parade and literally shines a whole new light on our beautiful local environment," Councillor Russell Walsh, chairperson of Morecambe Town Council, said.

"We are delighted that the two higher-tier authorities have followed the town council's lead in providing substantial support for this key event in Morecambe."

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