The Morecambe Bay Podcast

Open-water swimming is booming around Morecambe Bay — and for good reason. More and more people are discovering the benefits it can bring to both mind and body.

The M.A.L.L.O.W.S. Morecambe and Lancaster Lancashire Open Water Swimmer — are helping to grow the community, welcoming swimmers of all abilities into the water.

In this episode, Rev Ian Dewar takes the plunge for the first time. As Lead Chaplain for the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust, Ian is no stranger to caring for others. He’s also swimming the equivalent of the English Channel to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

And as one of the people behind the Bay Health Festivals, he’s considering how open-water swimming could become part of future wellbeing events around the Bay.

So, how did he find his first dip in Morecambe Bay?

Cold water, big challenges and a brand-new swimmer — dive in and find out!

It’s a sport that can be enjoyed by almost anyone — whatever your age, background or experience.

Archery is thriving around Morecambe Bay, with Morecambe Bay Archers recently welcoming another group of newcomers eager to discover the sport.

There’s something strangely satisfying about drawing the bow, releasing the arrow and hearing that unmistakable thud as it hits the target. And once you’ve experienced it, it seems, it’s hard to stop.

In this episode, we meet some of the people discovering archery for the first time and find out what makes the sport so enjoyable — and why so many newcomers quickly become hooked.

Ready, aim… discover why archery is hitting the mark around Morecambe Bay.

Morecambe Bay Archers

They say tide and time wait for no one. Andy Bradbury knows that better than most.

As one of the pilots responsible for guiding ships safely into Glasson Dock and Heysham, Andy has a job where timing, local knowledge and nerves of steel are essential. The huge tidal range of Morecambe Bay and the narrow approaches to the ports make every voyage a challenge.

Born and raised close to the sea, Andy was always drawn to life on the water. Attempts to steer him away from a career aboard ships simply backfired — and eventually led him to the role he has today.

In this episode, Andy explains what it takes to guide vessels of all shapes and sizes safely into port, why navigating the passage to Glasson is such a demanding task, and how he unwinds when he’s back on dry land.

Step aboard for a fascinating insight into one of Morecambe Bay’s most challenging and unusual jobs.

Spivs, American cops, classic cars and buses - there's a real mix in Morecambe this weekend.

The podcast has been out an about capturing some of the sounds of the event which has brought big crowds to the town.

Join us on this mini tour!  

* Morecambe’s Vintage by the Sea Festival is back — and it’s promising another weekend packed with style, creativity and nostalgia.

The hugely popular event returns with a celebration of 20th-century design, fashion, vehicles and entertainment, alongside food, drink, art and plenty of opportunities to dress up.

The 2019 festival brought an estimated £1 million into Morecambe, underlining its growing reputation as one of the Bay’s biggest entertainment events.

Morecambe-born designer Wayne Hemingway and Lauren Zawadzki from Deco Publique reveal what visitors can expect from this year’s festival and why they hope it will once again bring thousands of people to the town.

A colourful celebration of the past — and one of Morecambe Bay’s biggest weekends of the year.

*Recorded August 2022

Around 500 people braved unseasonably strong winds to take part in one of Morecambe Bay’s most spectacular traditions walking across the sands from Arnside to Grange-over-Sands.

Some had travelled from as far away as New Zealand, drawn by the chance to experience the Bay while raising money and support for the campaign to reopen the iconic Grange Lido.

Campaigners hope swimmers could return by 2025, giving the historic Art Deco lido a new lease of life.

Leading the latest crossing was Flookburgh fisherman Michael Wilson, the Queen’s Guide to the Sands. In this episode, Michael explains what the role involves, the challenges of organising crossings with his partner, and how their walks are on course to raise an incredible £700,000 for charities and good causes.

A story of adventure, community spirit and a remarkable campaign to bring one of Morecambe Bay’s most iconic landmarks back to life.

Battling unseasonably windy weather 500 people raising money and interest in the fight to reopen Grange lido became the latest group to cross the wide expanse of Morecambe Bay from Arnside to Grange.

For an update on the latest news from the lido and an insight into life as the Queen's Sand Pilot listen out for the next edition of the podcast, coming soon.

After a gap caused the pandemic, Morecambe's Vintage by the Sea Festival is back with organisers expecting strong interest in an event that features everything from food and drink to art and design. It's estimated over a million pounds was brought into Morecambe by the 2019 event and Morecambe-born Wayne Hemingway is hoping the event on 3 and 4th Sept will bring a similar boost to the Bay.