Last night at Morecambe Winter Gardens Benie Marsden played at the venue in the first rock concert there in over 30 years. It was particually significant that people had told the Trust lead by Evelyn Archer that they would never put a major music gig on in the Winter Gardens again and with the help of local MP David Morris their dream to put on a rock concert became a reality.
Last night Bernie played to an enthusiastic audience all of whom appreciated his music and wanted to support the venue. Support at the concert was provided by local band Tin Pan Alley and band member Tanny had to lend David Morris MP his guitar and amp so David could play the song ‘Fool for your lovin’ in the encore.
David Morris MP said:
‘it was fantastic that the community came out in force to support the Winter Gardens at this gig. The gig was only organised at two weeks notice and made well over two thousand pounds. If a gig on this scale has been done once it can be done again. I have put Evelyn and the Trust in touch with a local promoter who will be able to attract acts and fill the venue each month, this will be a huge income stream for the Trust and should help Trust to further regenerate the building.
Last night was a real community effort and I would like to thank Bernie and his band for playing for free, English Lakes for donating the bands stay in Morecambe and Pete Dutton for providing the PA System for the event. I would especially like to thank Tin Pan Alley for playing on the night and especially Tanny who lent me his guitar so I could play the encore with Bernie.’