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Creamfields’ £7.2 Million Bonus For Cheshire: 30.12.08 |
| The now annual Creamfields music festival in the Cheshire countryside generated a massive £7.2 million bonus for the area’s visitor economy, it was announced this week. |
Total visitor spend was £7.2 million; much of this spend remained within Cheshire and 100% was retained within the Northwest region.
Approximately 65,000 tickets were sold for the Creamfields event at Daresbury, Halton, during the August Bank Holiday weekend, 86% of them coming from outside Cheshire. This year was the first year the event was held as a 2-day event, and this appears to have strengthened the economic impact in the local area.
This year’s total spend, including the cost of tickets, represents a 7% increase on the income generated from the 2006 Creamfields. However, analysis shows that spend on accommodation had more than trebled to £700k and event attendees spent £780k on retail in Cheshire and the Northwest.
The figures were revealed this week by England’s Northwest Research Service, which was commissioned by Cream to conduct a detailed study into the event’s economic impact on the area.
The report showed that visitors, who came from across the UK and Europe, spent an average of £151 per visitor. Almost a third of those at the event (29%) were staying in the local area before or after the event; a total of 2,900 nights in Halton, 3,200 nights in Cheshire and Warrington and 6,300 nights in Merseyside.
Visitor satisfaction ratings for the event were high with an average score of 4.5 out of five; 62% were likely come to future festivals. Reinforcing the success of the event as a 2-day festival, an overwhelming 69% believed future Creamfields events should be 2 days.
Visit Chester & Cheshire Chief Executive Chris Brown said: "Creamfields is now in its third year in Cheshire and it is fantastic to see this event has managed to gather such momentum over the years. I am delighted the visitor economy has benefited enormously in Cheshire and the North West region. We look forward to hosting the festival in 2009."
Creamfields CEO James Barton said: This report once again demonstrates the positive impact that Creamfields brings to the Halton and Warrington area’s of Cheshire. We are delighted that overall numbers have increased and the local economy has benefited from the two day concept that we introduced in 2008.
Creamfields at a glance…
* 97% was the average hotel occupancy in the area on Saturday night.
* 29% of visitors stayed in the area beyond the event itself; on average for 2.0 nights, with 44% using serviced accommodation.
* 96% of visitors were aged 18-30
* 52% were male; 48% female
* 59% were on a repeat visit to Creamfields, compared to just 42% in 2006.
* 60% were in full time employment and 25% were students.
* 95% rated their overall enjoyment of the event as ‘good’ or ‘very good’
* 76% rated the event organisation and staff as ‘good’ or ‘very good’
* 72% rated it ‘very good’ or ‘good’ value for money
Creamfields will return as a 2 day festival in 2009, Early Bird tickets are already on sale at 2008 prices, and can be paid for in 2 installments, buy tickets online by clicking here.
2009 Event Details: Click Here
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