Most recent edition of Bristol Light Festival massively improves tourism and spending
Posted on: 29 Apr 2024Bristol Light Festival illuminated the city's streets once again from February 2nd to 11th this year – treating visitors to ten enchanting evenings of stunning light installations. Drawing crowds of 275,000 people, the festival transformed Bristol's city centre into a mesmerizing spectacle of immersive artworks.
From the captivating debut of Studio McGuire's truly mesmerising Ascendance to Real Hackney Dave bravely putting a neon sign near a bridge, the festival showcased a diverse array of installations that brightened both familiar paths and unexpected corners of the city. As usual for the recurring festival, these spectacular displays injected warmth and vibrancy into the cold winter nights – but that’s not all.
New reports have come to show that the economic impact of the festival was extremely significant: visitors contributed a staggering £10.4 million to the local economy, and notably, overnight stays in the city increased, resulting in a 100% spending surge from the previous year. All in all, that amounted to £1,593,380 for the hospitality industry.
.jpg)
On average, visitors spent £26.20 per person, representing an 11% increase from 2023, and for every pound invested in the event, a remarkable £25.77 was generated for the local economy.
Despite facing adverse weather conditions for two days, the 2024 festival attracted a 10% increase in visitors compared to the previous year, with 75% of attendees specifically journeying to Bristol for the event – a statistic worth keeping an eye on as event organisers try to figure out how to draw tourists in.
.jpg)
Looking ahead to 2025, the Bristol Light Festival continues to evolve as a cornerstone of the city's cultural calendar. Organizers are now seeking expressions of interest from artists to participate in next year's event – so if you think you have what it takes to be the next bright-shining star in the city’s artistic pantheon, it could be worth heading to their website to find out more information.
Read more:
-
Music: Time is running out to catch one of rap’s most distinctive voices live in Bristol
-
Comedy: Cutting-edge Bristol fringe comedy venue announces summer season
Article by:
Patrick is a filmmaker with so much Bristol in his blood the white blood cells are graffiti'd. Educated at the Northern Film School in Leeds, he’s returned home to be a Videographer and Reviewer for 365Bristol and BARBI. When he’s not messing about with cameras, he enjoys playing guitar, spending far too much time on tabletop RPGs, and being an awful snob about cider. Have a look at his work here, or get in touch at patrickb@365bristol.com.
