The Morecambe Bay Bell

Overview
Location
Tides
The Morecambe Bay Bell
Morecambe Bay is the largest continuous intertidal area in the whole of the UK fed by five major rivers, the Leven, Kent, Keer, Lune and Wyre. Approximately 120 square miles (310 square km) of mainly sand- flats and mudflats are exposed at low tide and covered on most high tides. Morecambe Bay is given the highest possible level of conservation designation in the form of European RAMSAR site and Special Protection Area. The underlying reason for this designation is that Morecambe Bay supports large numbers of shellfish, crustaceans and other mud-dwelling creatures, also over 200,000 birds, mainly waders and wildfowl, spend the winter months in Morecambe Bay. In addition to overwintering birds, many thousands of migrating waders use the Bay as a refuelling pit- stop on their way to and from their breeding sites, connecting this site to Africa, Greenland, and Siberia. The Morecambe Bay bell was installed on Friday 8th March 2019.

The Morecambe Bay Wharf  website
Located on the Thames side of the river Wall opposite the Lighthouse
March 2024

At the highest tide of March 2024 (at 12.37) Pete dedicated this ring, including trumpet solo, to many many things, particularly standing up to racism, calling out to people across the world.

In memory of the cockle pickers who died 20 years ago

This month Pete rings the bell in memory of the cockle pickers who died in the disaster 20 years ago. The piece starts with 23 chimes - one for each of the people who died. The highest daytime tide of February 2024 will be at 1 pm on Monday 12th. The event below was held […]

Ringing for Peace in Gaza - February 12 2024

This ringing of the bell is dedicated in memory of all those who have died or been displaced in the war in Gaza. The chimes call for a ceasefire - for Peace.

A cornucopia of bell ringing

Here is a wonderful collection of Pete Moser's and friends' ringing of the bell at high tides from the latter part of 2023, working backwards from December. Firstly, below, Beth and friends play the bell on the highest daytime tide of the month, December 15th, this month thinking about world peace and and the phasing […]

June 2023

Dedicated by Pete Moser, at 1.31 on June 23 2023, to the strikers of the NEU and the people of Palestine.

April 20 2023

A beautiful sunny, and windy, day. As ever, the highest tide of the month, played this and last month by Beth de Lange.

March 2023

Thinking about the Facing the Past project in Lancaster that is focused on the slave trade. Beth singing a sing by Angeline Morrison called 'Unknown African Child' while playing the bell.

Jan 24 2023

Here is a particularly successful improvisation with two performers, at High Water Springs in January 2023.

September 2022

This month's recording at high water springs is dedicated to mothers: Pete's mother-in-law Eileen McDonald, his mother, who died in February aged 100, and Barbara Wood, who died in August.

Easter Monday 2022

This month Pete used a new clanger, in memory of his friend Tim Fleming. Sadly there will be a pause in Moser's tour of bell sites, as he has upcoming operations on his knees.

March 2022

Pete Moser's salute to high water springs on March 4 2022. His grand tour has been delayed a bit - but it will definitely happen.

January 2022

Pete Moser ringing the bell on a chilly day at High Water Springs, January 5 2022.

In honour of COP26

On a windy day in Morecambe, Pete Moser rang out the bell for COP26. The same day that Barack Obama arrived in Glasgow....

High Water Springs October 2021

This month Pete Moser is accompanied by Ben McCabe. For the non-initiated, Springs (the opposite of Neaps) is the highest tide of the month.

High Water Springs in Morecambe, August 2021

This month Pete Moser dedicates the bell ringing to his friends in Hong Kong. May you live in peace and may your communities grow stronger in the face of terrible hostility.

Bell ringing July 2021

Pete Moser's playing of the bell at high water springs brings out its extraordinary harmonic properties this month.

Recording at High Tide, May 27 2021

Photos from throughout May.... One of the unusual features of the Morecambe Bell is that it only rings due to the waves at higher tides, those either side of springs.

Seasonal tunes, High Tide in Morecambe, December 2020

Pete Moser and friend celebrate the highest tide in December 2020.Wrapped up warmer than in August , and with less wind. Thanks, all!

The bell is rung at high tide, August 21 2020

Exploring the full range of harmonics, using a variety of mallets and strikers - multi-instrumentalist Pete Moser is at it again.

Installing the bell

The unusual installation of this bell took place in challenging weather in February and March of 2019. After extensive engineering work to the Stone Jetty, undertaken by VolkerStevin, the bell was hoisted into place and final adjustments were made by Marcus Vergette - shown in the photo. This is a project of the Morecambe Artist […]

 Registered Company   No: 11575853
 Charity No: 1182967
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