Background
Zuppa is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada and have been touring the UK for many years. In 2021 an idea was born to bring This is Nowhere, a work previously done in Halifax to Morecambe and so began a series of trips to meet artists, arts organisations and residents in Lancaster and Morecambe. Both Lancaster Arts and Derelict have been partners in these visits in hopes that a production in collaboration with many others could be realised. HereNowThis is a version of This is Nowhere and included locally based artists as well as artists from across the north.
HereNowThis embraced the seriousness of a game. It took the form of a treasure hunt, encouraging close observation of surroundings by giving participants clues to find things that were happening in secret sites in Morecambe. This secrecy was integral to the whole thing – not for its own sake, but as a playful way of engaging with Morecambe, its history and possible futures.
HereNowThis took place over two days from the evening of Friday 24 October to Saturday 25 October 2025.
The Launch | Friday 24 October | 6.30 - 8.30pm |
The Hunt | Saturday 25 October | 2.00 - 5.00pm |
The Gathering | Saturday 25 October | 7.30 - 9.30pm (open from 7.00pm) |
Over the weekend, the streets, buildings, nooks and crannies of Morecambe were the stage for an undercover scavenger hunt.
A phone app gave partcipants clues, guiding them through the town in search of performances and installations hidden amidst everyday life. In the process, they experienced surprising encounters, heard unique perspectives and saw Morecambe in new ways.
HereNowThis was a celebration of Morecambe as we know it now, while asking people to imagine what it might become.
Performers at The Launch and The Gathering
Back Chat Brass
Leeds-based 8-piece, Back Chat Brass, redefine what it is to be a brass band, shedding the confines of a traditional brass ensemble, and developing a reputation as party starters, storming stages across the world with their signature take on popular songs. Back Chat Brass don’t just play music, they create unforgettable experiences that will get you moving and grooving!
Susan Kempster
Choreographer and performer, Susan Kempster's performance, “On the futility of looking backwards”, will immerse you in a world of contemplation, peppered with a few minutes of boogie, and the beauty of an unexpected landscape of moving bodies. Headsets were provided for this interactive performance.
Mizzen Crew
Morecambe's very own Shanty Crew keeping traditions alive with sea shanties and songs about life on the water.
Barton Road Community Choir
Crowned the People’s Choice Choir of Lancashire at this year's Lancashire Choir of the Year Competition
HereNowThis would not have been possible without all the following partners and funders.
