John Fox had a profound impact on the town since he move to Ulverston in 1980.
The keen artist, published poet, filmmaker and musician is responsible for founding many of the events the market town is best known for.
John created the beautiful Ulverston Lantern Festival in 1983, inspired by the lanterns he saw on a trip to Japan.
(Image: BLAST Furness)
He was one of the co-founders behind the iconic street band BLAST Furness, as well as co-founder of the pioneering group of artists Welfare State International (WSI).
John received a lifetime achievement award from Arts Council England in 2006 and was appointed MBE in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his ‘unstinting contribution as an inventor of forms of creative participation and celebration.’
The Ulverston-based street band BLAST Furness announced his death, saying: “It is with great sadness we share the news John died peacefully on Tuesday morning at home with his family.
“John was a creative Titan, one of life’s great enthusiasts.
“He was soaring the scales on his soprano sax with the band until our last gig just before Christmas- on home turf at the Ulverston Dickensian Festival.
“We send our love to Sue Gill his wife, to Dan and Hannah and to all the Fox family.
“The family have advised that the funeral will be a private occasion for immediate family members only, with a joyful celebration for us all to join, later in the year.”
(Image: BLAST Furness)
The organisers behind Ulverston Lantern Festival also paid their respects.
They said: “So very sad to hear of the passing of John Fox. He founded Lantern Festival with wife Sue Gill and leaves the most incredible legacy.
“Their core belief as John puts is that ‘art should be there for everybody, a way of being, a way of enjoying life.’
“And multitudes have enjoyed life more because of their work.
“RIP John and THANK-YOU.”
