Morecambe Winter Gardens Celebrates 125th Anniversary

Morecambe Winter Gardens, dubbed ‘The Albert Hall of the North’ because of its elegant Victorian grandeur, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. The celebrated building features an ornate fibrous plasterwork ceiling, which has recently been restored to its full glory. The venue is staffed and run entirely by volunteers.

The Lancaster Guardian reports that the redbrick seafront building first opened in July 1897, and was originally known as the Victorian Theatre and Pavilion Hall, as it was an addition to the pre-existing Winter Gardens, which were constructed in 1878. From the outset, it was designed to rival London institutions in style and quality.

The grand exterior was designed by Mangnall & Littlewood from Manchester. The interiors, including the opulent plasterwork ceiling which was created as part of the auditorium, were designed by Dean and Co, and also by Burmantoft of Leeds. The lavish décor was based on the design of the Albert Hall.

The venue was granted Grade II* listed status in 1991, surviving a threat of demolition at the end of the 1970s. To celebrate the milestone anniversary, the theatre is hosting a series of special events, including a children’s party, free tours, and film screenings. 

For the past three years, the Winter Gardens have been undergoing a comprehensive restoration and regeneration programme, with funding received from the Theatres Trust, Historic England, and the Architectural Heritage Fund. The ceiling has been fully repaired, cleaned, and restored.

The venue has hosted Sir Edward Elgar four times in the early 20th century, and The Entertainer, starring Laurence Olivier, was filmed there. Many other stars of the entertainment world, from Laurel and Hardy to the Rolling Stones, have also performed at the Winter Gardens. 

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