Music festival boost UK economy

UK music festivals are likely to contribute approximately £450 million to the British economy this year, according to PRS for Music - the organisation responsible for collecting royalties for performers. The recently-released study estimates that two million people will attend around 150 music festivals this summer.

The royalties collecting society is predicting most of this year’s festivals will be ‘recession-proof’ owing to the weak pound – which it believes is making UK festivals more attractive to foreign and young audiences, for whom the effects of the recession are negligible. Most significantly for the wider tourism industry, the figures also suggest that a sizeable portion of the money to be generated from UK music festivals will come from money spent on festival short breaks, not just from ticket sales.

The research is particularly good news for Leicester, home to two of the country’s most renowned music festivals – the Big Session and Summer Sundae Weekender held at De Montfort Hall and Gardens. To capitalise on the continuing success of these high profile music events in the city and to maximise the associated benefits to the local economy, Leicester Shire Promotions, the official Destination Management Organisation for Leicester and Leicestershire, is working with a range of local accommodation providers to offer an attractive short break package with discounted accommodation for festival-goers.

For just over £27 per person per night, visitors to this weekend’s much anticipated Big Session festival (19-21 June) can enjoy a night’s accommodation and breakfast at a centrally located hotel. The environmentally-conscious and award-winning event, which has seen record ticket sales this year, showcases the best of the world’s folk music and this year includes performances from Billy Bragg , The Levellers and Oysterband.

The hugely popular Summer Sundae Weekender, held during 14-16 August, is a mix of big name indie and alternative acts, as well as local artists. This year’s performers include The Charlatans, The Zutons and The Streets. Revellers can book accommodation and breakfast during the festival from £27 per person per night.

All exclusive accommodation offers for the Big Session festival and the Summer Sundae Weekender can be found at goleicestershire.com/shortbreaks.

Martin Peters, Chief Executive of Leicester Shire Promotions, commented:

“Leicester’s festivals and events are a vital contributor to the local economy so it’s very encouraging to see these predictions. We’re in the privileged position of having nationally renowned festivals such as the Big Session, Summer Sundae and the Leicester Comedy Festival held here every year and we will continue to work with tourism partners to encourage this important visitor sector to stay longer in the area and importantly, return to visit more of the destination in the future.”

Accommodation at Campanile Leicester. Rate of £27.50 is per person per night and is based on two people sharing. Includes breakfast.