We do like to be beside the (Morecambe) seaside!

A fabulous evocation of the seaside entertainment and holiday atmosphere, enjoyed by millions in Morecambe’s heyday, is provided by the resort’s forthcoming ‘We do like to be beside the sea!’ festival.

The festival takes place over the weekend 12th and 13th September and centres on the Platform venue and seafront in Morecambe where, as the town’s old motto proclaims, ‘Beauty surrounds and health abounds’.

A fantastic array of entertainment and attractions will be featured including a proliferation of Punch and Judy professors, escapology and sword swallowing, a flea circus, salty storytelling, sea songs and shanties, a pierrot troupe and a seaside variety show, which includes ‘The Great Deckchair Challenge!’

There will also be sand sculpting, an aerial display by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the annual visit of the Bradford to Morecambe Historic Vehicle Run. A vintage bus and coach will provide a special express service along the promenade.

Almost all daytime events are free, with a modest charge for evening concerts at The Platform.

Full details are available in the festival programme, available from Morecambe and Lancaster Visitor Information Centres and Customer Service Centres at Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls.

• For more information telephone 01524 582808 or visit www.lancaster.gov/events .