Kendal Festival boosts economy by £2m
KENDAL Mountain Festival, the social event for outdoor enthusiasts in the UK, attracted 14,000 visitors and generated £2m in visitor spend in and around Cumbrian town, according to newly released figures.
The economic report commissioned by South Lakeland District Council examined the the weekend of the 2015 event from November 17 to 20.
It calculated that for every £1 spent by organisers of the event, visitors spent £6.40 in local shops, restaurants and hotels.
The festival, which included an international film competition, screenings, exhibitions, workshops and a trail run, largely attracted visitors from outside Kendal – 60% of attendees were from elsewhere.
Kendal Mountain Festival is an award-winning event which has now run for 16 years.
Thousands of outdoor enthusiasts, artists, photographers, adventurers, explorers and inspirational speakers gather every year to share adventures and celebrate the very best in outdoor and adventure sports culture.
Steve Scott, Director, Kendal Mountain Events, said: “The findings reinforce the value of the event to the town and region and the fact we are attracting more visitors from around the UK and overseas is great news to us.
“As an organisation we continue to grow and take ‘brand Kendal’ around the world. There are many exiting new developments for 2016 which we are all working hard to develop. Long may this growth continue.”
Matt Williams, from Invest in South Lakeland, the South Lakeland District Council-run programme which encourages business growth, investment and promotes the district’s lifestyle offer, said: “Delivering these kinds of high quality events is a great opportunity to showcase the very best of what the area has to offer.
“Festivals also give a huge boost to the local economy and our town centres. The return on investment is substantial and visitors have such a good time they are very likely to come back again.”
