Welsh Government funding for arts, culture and sporting events last year in Wales generated a ten times economic return of £40m.
In 2024 the Cardiff Bay administration, through its Events Wales initiative, invested nearly £4m in 35 events. These included the Women’s Tour of Britain cycle race, Wheelchair Fencing World Cup, Hijinx Unity Festival and the first Cardiff Music City Festival.
As a result of its support the Welsh Government said it resulted in 170,000 additional visitors into Wales, which supported more over 900 jobs in the wider tourism sector.
They also 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 the Welsh Government’s 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.
Wth Event Wales support, last year’s festival attracted around 20% 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.
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“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, Rebecca Evans, 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.”