The People's Palace: The great and the good

The People's Palace podcast tells the story of how Morecambe's historic and iconic Winter Gardens building was saved from wreck and ruin and is undergoing renovation led by the Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust, Chaired by University of Sheffield academic Professor Vanessa Toulmin and nationally recognised as recipients of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The series explores the rich history and architecture of the building; the amazing people helping to run, maintain and restore the venue; and what the future holds for the space.

From Elgar and Vera Lynn, to The Who and The Rolling Stones. Wrestling, magic and acrobatics... you name it, the Winter Gardens has had it all. In the third episode we look at the performers who've trodden the Winter Garden's hallowed boards. We also hear about the new Young Creatives programme, which will support local young people with industry recognised experiences and training, creating tangible pathways into employment through the regeneration project by providing learners with unique opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge through a range of innovative work experiences at the venue.

Opened as the Victorian Pavillion Theatre in 1897 as an extension to the original Winter Gardens, Bath Houses and Aquarium.  Following the demolition of the original building the Theatre was saved from demolition and is now led by the Preservation Trust under the leadership of Professor Vanessa Toulmin.  The volunteer-led transformation is a nationally-recognised exemplar of culture-led regeneration and has received grant-funding from a range of national organisations.

The restoration of the Morecambe Winter Gardens is supported and funded by the UK Government, Coastal Communities Fund, The King's Award for Voluntary Service and Arts Council England.