Independent music festivals and events, generated an estimated £1 billion for the UK economy in the last four years, according to a new report.
The money was spent between 2010 and 2014 at 50 events across the country that are members of the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF). Last year alone, audience spend was a record high of £296 million, while local businesses near festivals have also benefited by £80 million over the four years.
AIF has released the figures as part of its Festival Fever campaign to highlight the cultural and economic impact of independent festivals. All participating members will display a digital 'badge' across social media stating 'Proudly independent'.
Included is The Hebridean Celtic Festival on Lewis which is marking its 20th anniversary this July. It generates around £1 million annually for the economy of the Outer Hebrides. Its audience of about 15,000 is more than double the population of its host town Stornoway, with half the fans coming from outwith the islands, including hundreds from across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US.
Caroline Maclennan, the HebCelt director, said: "As these figures show, independent festivals make a hugely significant contribution to the economy and can provide major benefits to local businesses.
"HebCelt is now one of the biggest events of the year in the islands and is regarded by businesses as their biggest earning period outside the festive season. It encourages tourism to the islands and the impact is felt way beyond the main centre of activity in Stornoway."
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