Radio 1's Big Weekend to bring £3.5m to local economy

Radio 1’s Big Weekend is set to bring £3.5million of benefits to the local economy, new figures reveal.

Teignbridge District Council and Exeter City Council have invested £100,000 each in the event, which will see 50,000 people enjoy some of the best acts in the world, for free, at Powderham Castle this May.

Dr Andrew Dean, from Innovation Impact and Business at the University of Exeter worked out the calculations in terms of both spend and marketing exposure.

He said the local authorities would be getting greater than 7 times their return on investment.

“When all of the final benefits are calculated, previous Big Weekends have been estimated to have generated around £3.5million for their local economies” he said.

“We have deliberately been very conservative – for instance we have not included local people’s earnings from the event if they are employed to work there by the BBC (and others) nor the fact that some BBC staff will have to be staying locally for a good few days to oversee the start-up and planning of the event. The £3.5m figure looks like a pretty safe estimate for the Exeter (Powderham Castle) Radio 1 Big Weekend.”

The challenge to get the event at Powderham involved officers and key members from both councils working hard behinds the scenes for many months.

Karime Hassan, Chief Executive and Growth Director for Exeter City Council said: “After the Rugby World Cup came to Exeter – people asked ‘What is next?’

“Was it our crowning achievement, or was it something that we could build on?”

He said that Pete Edwards, leader of the Exeter City Council, had made it a priority to seek out events that created footfall, supported businesses and make people proud of where they live.

“There is a mind-set of being prepared where an opportunity like this arises” he said.

“Teignbridge have it as well.” When officers were first approached about the event, the BBC made it clear that there were a number of cities looking to host it.

“Powderham was the compelling offering” Cllr Edwards said.
“Teignbridge were incredibly positive about it all. They saw the opportunity of having a world class event on their doorstep.

“I feel there is an impression that local government seems to be about older people. “We wanted to show that it isn’t, and it is very relevant to them.

“We have an issue with young talented people heading away from the city after their studies, and wanted to do something tangible to create pride in living and working here.”

Karime added: “Where else can you invest £200,000 and get £3.5million back?”

Teignbridge and Exeter’s close working relationship with Exeter through the Greater Exeter, Greater Devon initiative fostered trust and cemented their collaborative ‘can-do’ attitude, something which secured the event for the area.

Nicola Bulbeck, Chief Executive of Teignbridge District Council, said: “Teignbridge District Council has a proven track record in delivering large scale events. Examples include Muse’s homecoming concerts in Teignmouth in 2009 and working with partners on the Devon stages of the Tour of Britain. It also gives staff the opportunity to develop and showcase their skills in putting on events of this kind and supporting the communities they serve.”

Cllr Jeremy Christophers, Leader of Teignbridge District Council, said:“Teignbridge District Council invests the aspirations of our communities , especially our young people, we want our youth to stay with us, to live, work and play. The R1BW and Academies are the perfect way to show them we care.

“The numerous events in the coming weeks have been delivered in partnership with Exeter City Council and it goes to show by councils working together just what can be achieved, both in terms of delivering events that inspire young people and boost business.

“We are all very excited to see the BBC light up the sky with entertainment that will be a real legacy for our youth.”