Winter Gardens

The present Winter Gardens theatre was built in 1896 and was, with the exception of Blackpool, the largest variety theatre between Manchester and Glasgow.

Over the years it has had a succession of owners but its high point was from 1953 onwards when the theatre became part of Moss Empires Ltd. Amongst the artists who performed on the stage of the Winter Gardens were George Formby, Ken Dodd, Richard Tauber, Gracie Fields, the Crazy Gang, Wilson Kepple and Betty, and the Goons. In 1977 a shock report on the state of the building forced its closure, followed in 1978 by the closure of the Dixieland Bar. In the same year the buildings were "spot listed" as Grade II, but this has more recently been revised to Grade II*. In 1982 the adjoining Ballroom was demolished and a new building erected on the site.

The current refurbishment of the Winter Gardens is part of the Regeneration of Morecambe funded by Government SRB money with partners including the City Council. The first phase has been to make watertight the exterior of the building, work which has dramatically improved the appearance of this superb exterior. It is occasionally open to the public for viewing.

The Friends of the Winter Gardens were formed in 1986 to support the restoration of this beautiful building - please contact the Friends on 01524 422180 to find out more.

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