Member Article

Liverpool’s cultural events bring £55 million to local economy

A report has revealed that Liverpool’s events in 2014 brought in £55 million to the local economy securing nearly 1,500 jobs.

The review, presented to the Culture and Tourism Select Committee has looked at the achievements of the city council’s culture department and found that three of 2014’s major events – the giant spectacular Memories of August 1914, International Mersey River Festival and Liverpool International Music Festival- brought 1.4 million people, with 173,000 coming from outside of the North West and 34,000 from overseas.

The report also found that £3.2million was invested in 41 of the city’s cultural organisations, safeguarding 1,345 jobs and levering further investment, resulting in a turnover of £33 million.

Other achievements include 272 film and TV productions filmed in the city in 2014, which added up to 795 film days, bringing in £10.7 million to the local economy.

Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for Culture, Events and Tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “This report highlights just how important culture is to Liverpool.

“From events that boost the local economy by millions and bring in record numbers of visitors, right through to supporting local arts organisations and facilitating a wide variety of filming in the city – Culture Liverpool’s contribution has a vital impact on the city as a whole.

“We always knew that 2014 would be a big year in terms of events with the return of the giants, but it’s reassuring to see other parts of the culture portfolio thrive.

“Cruise liner visits are on the increase, more people than ever are choosing to get married in the city gem that is St George’s Hall and we’re continuing to support our local and grassroots arts organisations which are an essential part of this city’s cultural fabric.”

Director of Culture, Claire McColgan said: “Although it’s often the events that get all the attention, they form only part of an incredible arts ecology in this city.

“The grassroots and major arts organisations provide a year-long cultural offer that is world class.

“The visitor economy is thriving and we are leading the way in using culture as a driver for growth.

“Liverpool is an incredibly ambitious thought provoking international place and an inspirational canvass for all artists, creative and entrepreneurs.

“And 2015 promises to build on this, with ships…lots of them!”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .