Plans afoot in comedian's home town

Eric Morecambe’s home town should organise a raft of events to celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday, local politicians say.

Lancaster City Council will next week debate a motion to mark the centenary of the comedian’s birth in Morecambe on May 14, 1926.

He was born John Eric Bartholomew but adopted the name of his home town as his stage name and a statue of him now graces the resort’s seafront.

A group of eight Labour councillors on the Green-led council have submitted a motion to be debated at a meeting next week. 

It notes that the comedian’s  ‘legacy continues to attract visitors and remains a source of civic pride and cultural heritage for Morecambe’ and says his  centenary ‘provides an opportunity to promote the town’s cultural identity, tourism, and local economy’. 

The proposal calls on the council to work with local groups and business to ‘plan and deliver public events, exhibitions, and other commemorative activities’ – and try to secure  sponsorship or other funding to pay for it.

They say informal discussions have already starred – but they may have to dig into council coffers to help support the event.

Their motion adds: ‘Working collaboratively with partners to commemorate the 100th birthday of Eric Morecambe supports delivery of aspects of our Council plan including providing access to and involvement in arts, culture, leisure and recreation, supporting our thriving arts, culture and heritage sector and ensuring local communities are active, engaged, involved and connected.’

Morecambe was born in Buxton Street to George and Sarah Bartholomew – and died in 1984, aged 58, after collapsing in the wings of the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.

The BBC is currently adapting his Reluctant Vampire children’s books and last night announced a star-studded cast.

Published: 31 Oct 2025