September 22, 2009 14:03

Independent festivals are bringing in millions to local economies

'Festivals make a huge contribution to the local businesses,' states festival boss

Independent music festivals last year brought in £16.3m to the UK's local economy, according to a new survey carried out by the Association Of Independent Festivals (AIF).

AIF's survey saw 3,300 people questioned about their festival habits, with the results showing a total of £139m was spent on tickets to festivals, along with travel, food and drink in the past year.

Hugh Phillimore, founder of the Cornbury Festival suggested that independent festivals are of huge economic importance to the areas where they are based.

"Not only do we fill every B&B, pub and hotel within a 10 mile radius; lots of local shops stay open to benefit from the extra custom," he explained. "Cornbury not only makes a huge contribution to the local economy but also supports fundraising for local schools, brownies, and scouts."

The survey also reveals that Bestival fans spend roughly £600,000 on ferries to the Isle Of Wight each year, while 70 per cent of people who go to Secret Garden Party spend less than half of their time watching bands play.

See Aiforg.com for more information.