Music group's new season to include day marking 20 years since Morecambe Bay cockling tragedy

Morecambe's More Music has announced its new season line-up for 2024 including an event to mark the 20th anniversary of the Morecambe Bay cockling tragedy.

The deaths of 23 Chinese cockle pickers who died after being trapped by incoming tides near Bolton-le-Sands on February 5 2004 will be commemorated with a special event on February 4.

Sigh of the Sea starts with reflections on the beach followed by an evening of music and food at More Music’s venue featuring the Long Walk Chinese Ensemble and virtuoso flautist and cook Guo Yue.

The West End-based music organisation kicks off its year on January 5 and 6 with something for the youngest members of our community, children under four and their adults, called Raven Tales.

Fresh from a sell-out success at Lancaster Music Festival, this is a very special story show with songs, shadows and lots of joining in.

The image below of Raven's Tales is by Robin Zahler.

More Music and The Platform will also host a showcase of emerging artists on January 20 and 21 and February 24 and 25.

The gigs will also be supported by local artists and will give aspiring sound and lighting engineers the opportunity to gain valuable experience at a live event.

Recognising the importance of Holocaust Memorial Day, a day which is dedicated to encouraging remembrance in a world scarred by genocide, there will be commemorations and reflections at Lancaster Town Hall on January 25.

The week also sees an interfaith service at Lancaster Priory, an exhibition from Morecambe Artist Colony at Morecambe Library and the film, One Life (PG) will be screened at The Dukes.

The exceptional This is the Kit return, and this time they will play at Kanteena on January 28.

Kate Stables and her band promise a “joyful antidote to this current point in our confusing history”.

More Music’s ‘All the Right Notes’ gigs continue with a colourful and exuberant celebration of African music from Anna Mudeka on February 3 and then on March 2, Angeline Morrison folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist visits the Morecambe venue.

On February 23 the inimitable Blowzabella return, this time in collaboration with the distinctive, joyful and diverse National Youth Folk Ensemble.

Birdsong is a new work commissioned by Baylight 2024, which will explore the extraordinary bird life of Morecambe Bay. It’s a sensational installation of animation and music, taking place at Morecambe’s famous Winter Gardens for three nights only during half term.

More Music’s Youth Programme offers fantastic opportunities for young people to gain skills and to perform. During March, there will be Stages Live and Loud, a showcase event featuring emerging young artists and Girls Can (pictured below), an inspirational weekend for young women to develop their musical, technical and professional practice.

The season culminates with Magic Islands of Music on March 29 and 30.

This is for children under three and their parents or carers, and includes immersive and interactive activities blending singing, music, light, texture, colour and shadow.