“It was a fantastic weekend, my family came to visit especially for the event. Saturday was a wonderful day of really good and free entertainment, we had a lovely time.”
Ripon Theatre Festival, returned in July 2024 for the third year with renewed energy and purpose. This year’s festival showcased a fantastic variety of performances and served as an important catalyst for community togetherness and economic growth.
Following the summer, and allowing ourselves a bit of a breather, we have worked through all the festival stats and feedback to produce an impact report which demonstrates how the festival influences the economy, community engagement, and the overall cultural vitality of Ripon.
One of the most striking findings of the impact report is the economic boost Ripon Theatre Festival provides to the local economy. The festival attracts thousands of visitors, generating increased footfall for local businesses.
This year, the festival attracted over 5,800 attendees to ticketed events, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. Of note, was the number of visitors from further afield.
“This was our first experience of Ripon Theatre Festival and we absolutely loved it. Booking tickets was easy and smooth, we were always welcomed very well and the events themselves were fabulous. Such a brilliant advert for a very lively city. Thank you.”
The data shows an uplift on spending over the festival weekend, and over 65% of survey respondents spent over £10 in the city when they visited.
Beyond entertainment, the festival emphasises inclusivity and engagement, featuring workshops and community outreach activities both in the lead up to and during the festival. Thanks to project funding, we were able to partner with local community groups to hold a variety of workshops which provided valuable opportunities for creative expression and skill development.
“People went to the theatre and the theatre went to the people – excellent!”
Ripon Theatre Festival Summer 2024 successfully affirmed its position in the region’s cultural landscape. The positive feedback from attendees and local businesses highlights the festival’s importance, setting a positive note for 2025 and beyond.
As we look forward to next summer, we encourage everyone to support local theatre and get involved in the upcoming festival—whether through attendance, volunteering, or simply spreading the word!
Read the full 2024 impact report online here.
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“A great range of performances seemed to be rewarded with large audiences from a diverse cross section of people. A gift to the city and the region!”
