The People's Palace: Memories and new beginnings

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.

In the final episode of this series, we hear personal memories and recollections of 'The People's Palace', including stories of the fun and joy people experienced there, their love for the building, and how through the Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust these personal attachments and passion for the venue has been drawn on to inspire change and deliver best-practice culture-led regeneration.

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.