Arts, culture and sporting events supported by Welsh Government
through Event Wales generated more than £40m for the economy in
2024.
This represented a ten to one return on investment, with
approaching £4m provided to support a total of 35 events last
year.
Successful events included the Women's Tour of Britain cycle
race, Wheelchair Fencing World Cup, Hijinx Unity Festival and the
first Cardiff Music City Festival.
Almost 170,000 additional visitors were attracted into Wales by
funded events last year, and they also supported over 900 jobs in
the wider tourism economy.
They created around 4,000 work experience and
volunteer opportunities, and showcased almost 1,000 Welsh,
or Wales based, performing artists.
Providing funding support to events that draw visitors to Wales
is a key aim of National Events Strategy for Wales 2022-2030.
The Between the Trees Festival, which takes place in Candleston
Woods in Merthyr Mawr, Bridgend, attracts almost half its
audience from outside the country each August bank holiday
weekend.
In 2024, with Event Wales support, the festival attracted around
20 per cent more visitors. It also provided up to 50 volunteer
placements to community groups across the Bridgend region, and
received national newspaper coverage.
Between the Trees Festival organiser Andrew Thomas said:
"With the support of Welsh Government, we were able to implement
a professional marketing strategy, which allowed for a more
effective early ticket release for 2024. This boost in brand
awareness has had a lasting, positive impact on the festival.
“The funding also strengthened the event's management and
organisation, allowing us to hire experienced freelancers -
significantly enhancing the visitor experience and overall
satisfaction. Thanks to this support, our vision of a festival
that connects people to nature, has truly been brought to life."
Major future events are already secured up to 2030, including a
stage of Tour de France in 2027 and six matches of EURO 2028
being held in Cardiff.
This July, the AIG Women's Open will also be staged at The Royal
Porthcawl Golf Club – the biggest women-only sporting event ever
to be held in Wales.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, , said:
“Cultural, sport and business events make an important
contribution to the economy of Wales. They also showcase our
world-class venues, help us to celebrate our distinct Welsh
culture, and deliver much wider benefits, like supporting mental
health and well-being, and helping increase participation in
sports and the arts.
“Event Wales helped the sector enjoy a hugely successful 2024,
with huge return on investment and almost a thousand jobs
supported in the wider tourism economy. Whether it is beer
suppliers, street food vans or stage technicians – there are
people and businesses thriving across Wales because of the range
of events taking place.
“We are committed to securing more exciting events in the years
to come and I look forward to seeing them continue to deliver
tangible benefits for the people of Wales.”
