The community of Morecambe met along its majestic Promenade today (June 5) and made history by participating in the longest Big Jubilee Lunch in the UK.
More than 5,000 people sat down to lunch at the event as part of The Big Jubilee Lunch celebrations in honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, with thousands more turning up to enjoy the proceedings.
Hundreds of tables spanned along at least 2.5km of the seafront with extra tables released in the days prior to the event due to the unprecedented demand leading to tickets selling out in record time. In addition, many more of the local community participated in the occasion by bringing along their own tables on the day.
The memorable event on the Morecambe Promenade was organised by Morecambe Town Council with support from the Eden Project, Lancaster City Council and EDF.
The Big Lunch is an idea from the Eden Project, made possible by The National Lottery, and Eden’s involvement in the Morecambe Big Lunch was the latest show of commitment to the town following Eden Project North being granted planning permission by Lancaster City Council in January (2022).
Those enjoying the special day were treated to live music and entertainment and scheduled afternoon highlights included The Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire Lord Shuttleworth cutting a special Jubilee cake, a toast to Her Majesty and the firing of red, white and blue smoke cannons to bathe the bay in the colours of the Union Flag.
Sales of tickets to the event raised funds for Morecambe’s Cancer Care charity and Ukrainian Refugees.
The town’s Jubilee celebrations began on Thursday (June 2) with Morecambe’s Beacon Lighting Ceremony on the Stone Jetty. The event featured live music, pyrotechnics, fireworks, food stalls, and a DJ.
Luke Trevaskis, Chief Executive Officer of Morecambe Town Council, said: "People have come from all over the UK with a determination to help Morecambe Town Council beat the record today! Many people are unaware, but Morecambe Bay is the geographical heart of the UK and there isn't a more fitting place to commemorate HM The Queen.
“There was a sense of such pride along the promenade this afternoon with bunting, Union flags, bowler hats, and all things red, white and blue. This is an incredibly special anniversary and this event has really brought everyone back together after such a challenging two years. I'd like to thank all the councillors of Morecambe Town Council, residents, visitors, and stakeholders for all their help in making this event such a great success!”
Tim Narey, Project Director for Eden Project North, said: “It has been absolutely incredible to see so many people coming together for today’s magnificent event and the effort everyone has put in has been extraordinary. The weather has been kind to us and to see the Promenade come to life with food, entertainment and music has been a real delight.”
“The spirit of the Big Lunch has been on full display here today and we hope everyone who has participated in this fantastic event to honour Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee has had a memorable day.”
Eden Project North, which has been heralded as a major new exemplar attraction, will showcase sustainable design, reimagining the British seaside resort for the 21st century.
Eden Project North’s “shell like” domes will be constructed in timber and covered in a flexible transparent membrane with integrated solar cells. These four shells – known as the Rhythm Machine, the Bay Glade, the Bay Hall and the Natural Observatory – will set in a “dunescape” of landscaped roofing planted with coastal vegetation.
Eden Project North will be situated on the former site of the Bubbles leisure complex with the Grade II* listed Winter Gardens and Midland Hotel its near neighbours. The project has been designed in a way which is sensitive and complementary to these important buildings and sightlines across the bay.
Eden Project North would directly employ more than 400 people, with an additional 1,500 jobs supported in the region, and inject £200m per year into the North West economy. Subject to funding being secured, it is due to open in 2024.
The Eden Project North team are currently working on a bid to the Levelling Up Fund for £50m of public investment in the project. The bid will be submitted to the Government later this summer.
