WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL SALES BUCK NATIONAL DOWNTURN ON SPENDING
27 DEC 2014 – 1 JAN 2015
THE LARGEST GATHERING OF ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS IN AUSTRALIA
Only nine days away from launching into the Woodford Folk Festival’s 29thyear, Queensland’s internationally renowned event is experiencing welcome growth in pre-festival sales, bucking declining national spending trends in entertainment and tourism.
This year’s pre-festival ticket sales are consistent with positive figures from a recent independent study into the economic impact of the Festival, which showed the 2013-2014 event contributed over $21 million to the Queensland Economy.
The report by Strategic Facts, “Tourism Value, 2013/14 Woodford Folk Festival”, shows festival attendees collectively spent 209,616 visitor nights in Queensland, 85% of which were specifically to attend the iconic annual event. A spending analysis detailed in the report showed festival-goers travelling to the region spent on average $461 per person, with international visitors spending the most of any attendees, at $910 per person.
The release of the report coincides with a major win for the festival, which recently picked up the Gold award for Major Festivals and Events at the QLD Tourism Awards for the second year running.
Commercial Manager, Kim Pengelly and Executive to the GM, Eileen O’Shea
“It feels great to contribute to the economy, but for us it’s a value added extra. Our principal goals are cultural and that our programme focuses on cultural outcomes and patron comforts,” Festival Director, Bill Hauritz said.
”We know a clean toilet is the difference between whether or not our visitors return next festival. It’s a camping festival, but we endeavour to always pay attention to the small details – they count. We want folks to have a really fantastic time here.”
Moreton Bay Region Mayor, Allan Sutherland, said Woodford Folk Festival’s economic contribution was great news for the region.
“I’m very proud of what the Queensland Folk Federation has achieved with the Woodford Folk Festival, which is held annually at council’s Woodfordia complex,” Mayor Sutherland said.
“The Woodford Folk Festival has confirmed its reputation as the Sunshine State’s premier destination event by remaining fresh and engaging, and it’s based right here in the Moreton Bay Region.”
Held annually for 6 days from 27 December – 1 January, the Woodford Folk Festival received a total aggregate attendance of 122,472 patrons last year. Situated on a 500 acre former dairy farm with 35 performance venues, the Woodford Folk Festival is the largest gathering of musicians and artists in Australia.
Woodford Folk Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a growing calendar of sporting, cultural and regional events throughout the state.
