The wide range of popular festivals and events held in Gwynedd this summer has already provided a £4 million boost to the county’s economy.
Gwynedd Council says that providing financial and practical support for sporting and cultural events has proved to be a resounding success as local companies benefit from them, either directly or indirectly.
Among the highlights to date have been:
- The Slateman and the Snowdon race which attracted around 10,000 people between them to the Llanberis area
- The Urdd National Eisteddfod in Bala which attracted competitors and visitors from all parts of Wales during the last week of May
- Wakestock – Gẇyl y Môr in the Llẏn peninsula
- Etape Eryri where around 1,500 cyclists of all ages raced around Gwynedd
- Gẇyl Drum House Ffest where mountain bikers from all parts of the world came to Blaenau to race down the slate slopes.
Forthcoming events are also expected to contribute at least a further £1 million to the economy before the end of the year. These include:
- Toppers Worlds – yachting races in Pwllheli
- Festival No6 at Portmeirion which has now become a well-known event throughout the UK
- Racing the Train at Tywyn where around 2,000 people will be running on the hills and paths around the town
- The Bala Medium Distance Triathlon and Snowdonia Marathon will end the season in October.
Welcoming the success of the events, Councillor John Wynn Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Economy, Community and Leisure Portfolio Leader:
“Supporting sporting and cultural events is a key activity for us as a Council. They create a feeling of pride and vibrancy in our communities, and are also a powerful instrument to raise awareness of Gwynedd and its residents and virtues to visitors from outside the county. It is also an opportunity to show Gwynedd as a vibrant and attractive place for investment.”
Sioned Williams, the Council’s Head of Economy, Community and Leisure, added:
“A comparatively small investment and practical help by the Council for these events provide huge dividends for the county. For an investment of £50,000 the economy has had a boost of around £5 million by the end of the year as a result.”
