Economic Impact Study on Music Festivals

An update to an Economic Impact Study has recently been produced, which builds on a wide-ranging economic research project that was undertaken across six Kirklees festivals and events back in 2007. The latest study focused on the three music festivals that were part of the original research; Marsden Jazz Festival, Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and Cleckheaton Folk Festival.

Focusing on visitor numbers and profiles, visitor spend and organisation spend over the period 2015 – 2017, the work is part of the wider project and partnerships currently underway in Kirklees to set out and realise an ambition to deliver a world class music offer that culminates in a ‘year of music’ in 2023. This landmark ‘year of music’ will be the District’s contribution to the Leeds City Region cultural celebrations and programming.

The study found that since the original research in 2007, the combined economic impact of the three festivals over the period 2015 – 2017 has increased by almost 54%, to reach approximately £2,248,597 per year. The study also calculates that this income equates to support for at least 88 full-time jobs in the district.

The report identifies key factors that have contributed to this increase, which include an uplift across the total audience numbers attending the festivals, higher levels of visitor spending in the local economy and the money that the festivals themselves spend and invest locally – which is approximately £429,000 each year.

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet member for Corporate Strategy, Cultural policy and Asset Strategy, said: “Working with our many partners we will continue to work towards developing Kirklees’ world-class music offer over the coming months and years. This annual economic impact of over £2 million per year, created by just 3 of our festivals, is a clear indication of the scale and importance of the combined contribution that our music events, venues and organisations make to the financial and cultural wellbeing of the district.”

Commenting on the study, Graham McKenzie, Artistic Director of Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, said: “The findings of this updated Economic Impact Study really shine a light on the huge benefit and value that local music festivals and events bring to the district – not only through the contribution that they make to the cultural and social life of local residents, but also in attracting significant numbers of visitors and thereby income to the local economy. As arts businesses, our festivals also provide direct jobs as well as supporting employment in the wider community.”

A recent audit has also revealed that Kirklees is now host to 17 music festivals and 4 concert seasons hosted throughout the year, ranging from the Grand Northern Ukulele Festival and the Love All Reggae Festival to the Mrs Sunderland Piano Competition and the Yorkshire Brass Band Championships.

See the full report here:
http://bit.ly/EconImpactReportFestivals