critical in attracting tourism : “ The important thing for us is that events help supplement what is there all of the time . Events and festivals can be used specifically to drive people to the city during off peak or times when the city may be quieter . They ’ re a fundamental part of the visitor experience .”
During the pandemic , the vast majority of outdoor events and festivals were cancelled and the sector ’ s revenues dropped by 90 %. Says Inman , “ The predominantly
Liz Harkman
Melissa Inman
Bristol Balloon Fiesta
freelance workforce and other parts of the festival supply chain have been similarly affected . With Covid-19 restrictions continuing , and knock-on impacts in areas such as the current supply chain issues and staffing shortages , the challenges the sector face persist .”
While the council ’ s role is to act primarily as a facilitator of events , there are some council-managed events that it works with contractors to deliver . These include two annual road races – the Bristol half marathon and the Bristol 10k – which attract around 20,000 participants . It also works on the Bristol Harbour Festival , which has seen attendance top 250,000 .
The council also supports partner organisations in the delivery of events , including the Bristol Lights Festival - a partnership between Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District and BCC
Arts and Events Team . The first event , in February 2020 , saw 100,000 people get involved , resulting in 58 % of local businesses reporting an increase in footfall .
All the city ’ s public and open spaces across the city are managed by the council , many of which have become synonymous with local festivals and events . They include the Harbourside , Castle Park and Eastville Park . The Clifton and Durdham Downs , an iconic location for many of Bristol ’ s events , is owned by Bristol residents and is managed by both the council and the Downs Committee .
While the pandemic has presented many challenges , Harkman says a lot of creativity has come out of Covid : “ The festival offering in the city has been quite healthy throughout the pandemic because a lot of people still delivered events online and reached their audiences and communities that way .”
Among the many festivals impacted by the pandemic once again this year , but finding alternative ways to make an impact , was Bristol Pride Festival . The event was moved from the Harbourside to the Downs in 2019 to celebrate its tenth year and in the process increased its capacity from 30,000 to 40,000 . This year it featured a programme of events across two weeks in July , but the parade had to be cancelled for the second year running .
Music and arts event Redfest ,
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