Community Life

In the early 19th century the Friendly Societies held meetings and processions often ending in suppers and dances attended by the vicar. The Methodist church was a strong force in the religious and social life of the Morecambe fishing community from the 1850s. 

The Morecambe Fishermen's Association, founded in 1893 to represent and protect the interest of the local fishing industry, also organised social events including potato-pie suppers.

A big event in the Morecambe calendar was the annual regatta in which many fishing boats took part. It began in 1830 but became an annual event in the 1850s. In 1852 there were races involving rowing boats and sailing boats over a course of six miles. The carnival was also popular, especially with the tourists who flocked to Morecambe in summer.

Many fishermen also operated pleasure boats during the summer tourist season when fishing was slack. It was a useful additional source of income although some trawlermen regarded it as lowly work.