Eric Morecambe's legacy is set to be celebrated in a grand way as a new mural of the iconic comedian is unveiled in his birthplace on what would have been his 100th birthday. This is a fitting tribute to a man who, alongside his partner Ernie Wise, brought joy and laughter to millions of people across Britain. But what makes this celebration even more special is the personal touch added by Eric's children, Gary and Gail, who will be present at the ceremony, sharing their own memories and experiences of their father and his work.
The mural, a testament to Morecambe's enduring appeal, will be revealed at Johnny's Bar on Marine Road Central at 11:00 BST. This event marks the beginning of a week-long celebration, with a variety of activities and events planned to honor the life and career of this legendary comedian.
One of the highlights of the celebrations is the 'Follow The Sunshine' walks, hosted by local historian Peter Wade. These guided tours will take attendees on a journey through key locations in Eric's early life and career, starting from his statue on the promenade. The walks will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 14th, 15th, and 16th, respectively, and will provide a unique opportunity to explore the places that shaped Morecambe's iconic career.
In addition to the walks, a free exhibit at the Arndale Centre's Morecambe Heritage Centre will showcase a collection of personal items from Eric's collection, including photos, postcards, letters, and scripts. This exhibit will run throughout the summer, offering visitors a chance to delve deeper into Morecambe's life and work.
The celebrations will also include a special run by students from Morecambe Bay Academy, who will be firing a starting gun as they perform a 'trademark Morecambe and Wise skip' while passing Eric's statue. This event, scheduled for May 15th, will be a fun and interactive way to engage the community in the festivities.
For those who want to immerse themselves in the world of Morecambe and Wise, an outdoor screening of their 1965 spy comedy, 'The Intelligence Men,' will be held at The Jubilee Club on May 15th at 14:00. This free event will allow attendees to enjoy the duo's comedic talents on the big screen.
The celebrations will also feature classic Morecambe and Wise skits played on the big screen at Morecambe Winter Gardens from 12:00 - 15:00 on May 16th and 17th. These screenings will provide a nostalgic experience for fans, allowing them to relive some of their favorite moments from the duo's career.
A free but ticketed event, hosted by Martin Clarkson, Executive Producer of the West End show 'Eric and Ern,' will explore the life and legacy of Eric and his partnership with Ernie Wise. This event, scheduled for May 16th from 16:00 - 17:00, will offer a deeper insight into the personal memories and experiences of those closest to the comedian.
The celebrations will also include a production of the hit West End show 'Eric and Ern,' which will run for two nights at Morecambe Gardens on May 16th and 17th at 19:30. This production will provide a theatrical tribute to the comedy duo, allowing audiences to experience the magic of Morecambe and Wise in a live setting.
Finally, a screening of the duo's French Riviera-based comedy, 'That Riviera Touch,' will be aired at a free but ticketed event on May 17th at 16:00 at Morecambe Winter Gardens. This event will provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the duo's comedic talents in a different setting, adding to the diversity of the celebrations.
The week-long celebration of Eric Morecambe's life and career is a testament to his enduring appeal and the joy he brought to people's lives. It is a chance for the community to come together and celebrate a legend, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
