A film festival is putting Morecambe on the international cinema map.
The Bay International Film Festival returned to Morecambe for its third year, drawing audiences from across the UK and beyond.
The festival featured a packed 10-day programme of UK and international short films.
Organisers announced that the festival will return for a fourth time from January 29 to February 7, 2027.
Anna Henderson, festival producer, said: "When we started the festival three years ago, we had a simple dream: to bring world-class short films to Morecambe and prove that great film festivals don't just belong in big cities – they belong right here, in our community.
"And here we are – three years later with an absolutely incredible festival edition behind us and more to come.
"The warmth, the laughter, the conversations, the tears, the words people shared with us throughout this journey meant everything.
"People travelled from many countries and all across the UK just to be part of what we're building together here in Morecambe.
"And that blows my mind every single time."
The festival drew filmmakers from Canada, Prague, Amsterdam, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Ireland, and beyond.
Many stayed overnight in Morecambe during the event.
Homegrown UK film talent was also well represented, with an industry jury selecting several UK entries for awards, including Best Film, Best Documentary, Best Northern Short, and Best Local Community Film.
Organisers said audience numbers were up and participation had widened across the board.
They also confirmed that the festival's summer touring edition will visit Morecambe, Carnforth, Ulverston, and Barrow later this year.
Themed short film programmes will return in 2027, including a Northern Day celebrating regional voices, family-friendly screenings, and a dedicated LGBTQ+ showcase, which sold out this year.
Organisers are also exploring the use of virtual reality film experiences.
Roger Ashton-Griffiths, who played DS Lestrade in Young Sherlock Holmes, attended the festival and presented the award for Best Film.
He said: "One of the most remarkable things about The Bay International Film Festival is just how effectively it combines its global outlook with events that involve the local community.
"I presented the award for Best Film to an extraordinary English production, but other awards testified to the diverse range of international submissions.
"The festival brought the wide world in, yet sent the local community out, and I congratulate the organisers on their remarkable achievement."
Festival patron and director of ITV’s The Bay, Daragh Carville, described the third edition as "an absolute blast".
He said: "The third Bay International Film Festival was an absolute blast, a celebration of the talent and creativity that's long been at the heart of the Morecambe Bay area.
"Congratulations and thanks to the organisers and the team of tireless volunteers for all their hard work in putting together the best festival yet!"
Guest filmmaker Suzanne Procter praised the organisers and volunteers for creating a warm, welcoming environment.
She said: "Morecambe provided a beautiful and fitting backdrop for such an inspiring event, and we very much hope to return in the next few years with another film.
"I would highly recommend submitting."
John McMeeking of REEL Cinema Morecambe also praised the event.
He said: "An absolute pleasure to be involved.
Read more
"From the films to the wonderful guests to the film community who attended.
"A huge congratulations to the organisers for putting together an amazing experience and a credit to Morecambe for hosting.
"Can't wait for next year."
Share