A call for special events in Morecambe to celebrate the 100th anniversary of comedian Eric Morecambe’s birth has been supported by Lancaster city councillors - and the plans could help a future Town of Culture bid to the government.

Councillors have backed a motion calling on Lancaster City Council to do as much as possible to support preparation and events next year to mark the 100th anniversary of the funnyman’s birth in May, 2026.

The motion was backed at the latest full council meeting, held in Morecambe Town Hall where a painting showing Eric Morecambe is displayed.

Labour Coun Matthew Black put forward the motion supported by Coun Joanne Ainscough and others.

The legendary comedian Eric Morecambe would have been turning 100 in May 2026. | Getty Images

placeholder image — The legendary comedian Eric Morecambe would have been turning 100 in May 2026. | Getty Images

Coun Black said: “Eric Morecambe was born right here in this town and his Morecambe & Wise TV shows in the 1970s were watched by millions. I know how proud we all of his work and legacy.

“This motion calls on the city council to formally recognise what would have been Eric Morecambe’s 100th birthday, to work with other organisations on plans and explore funding options such as sponsorship, so there’s no pressure on council finances. We ask council officers to look into options and report back.

“Already, this idea has created a lot of interest. I have spoken to Graham Liver on BBC Radio Lancashire . There’s interest from TV channels and production companies. One TV company is interested in filming a fly-on-the-wall documentary about the preparations leading up to the events next year. There’s also a plan for 100 people to perform an Eric Morecambe dance. I had a letter from a person in Southport, who called their baby Eric. Poets and artists want to get involved. We can show Morecambe as a welcoming and creative place.

“Eric Morecambe belongs to everyone and this collaborative project will do too. School children are getting involved. There are so many ideas.”

Finishing with a quip, he added: “This is my first motion. What do you think of it so far?” Other councillors replied: “Rubbish. ”

Joanne Ainscough said: “Eric Morecambe still brings a smile to people across the world. We’ve had lots of contact already from people across the community, sharing a pride and affection for him. This sense has not faded over time. If anything. it’s even stronger.

“In these challenging times, this is an opportunity to show Morecambe’s creativity and warmth. There have been conversations about Channel 4 and other TV projects. Also a conference about comedy linked to the Tate Modern gallery and possibly a comedy showcase? Morecambe Winter Gardens, Lancaster University. The Eden Project, Morecambe Town Council and Morecambe BID (Business Improvement District) are all interested. ”

She added: “My mum worked in The Ship pub in Torrisholme, where Eric Morecambe used to pop in. He was at the top of his game with 28 million TV viewers. He used to do his paper bag trick at The Ship just for a laugh. He was a funny man in very ordinary moments but also had humility and kindness. Having an Eric Morecambe celebration will show Morecambe at its best and bring sunshine to all. ”

Coun Martin Gawith said Eric Morecambe also used to drink in the Packet Boat, another pub in the area, and raised plenty of laughs.

The Eric Morecambepainting in Morecambe Town Hall | Robbie Macdonald LDRS

The motion was written by Labour councillors but gained cross-party support.

However Lib-Dem Paul Hart, a cabinet member, said: “Can the proposers give us assurances that this will be a partnership between all arms of local government? I want Morecambe Town Council to be taken on-board. It has done a lot of work. Can you assure me?”

Coun Black said yes, many organisations would be involved.

Labour’s Sandra Thornberry said a new Town of Culture scheme has come from the government and culture secretary Lisa Nandy MP.

She said: “We’ve had City of Culture competitions won by places like Hull and Bradford. I think the Eric Morecambe ideas would tie well with criteria for Town of Culture competition bids. Morecambe and Heysham’s populations are in the threshold for Town of Culture entry rules.”

Green Coun Caroline Jackson, the city council leader, added: “I think we’ve all proved we love Eric Morecambe. But this project must be open and we will not be doing party politics on this. In Morecambe, we are working on the West End, Eden project and Frontierland site, so it would be fantastic to get the Town of Culture title.”

Relations between the city council and Morecambe Town Council have sometimes been strained in recent years, regarding issues such as the town council’s ‘Fronterland tax’ project., baut the city council has worked towards agreeing a ‘memorandum of understanding’ with Morecambe Town Council, in the hope for better working in future.