A WEEKEND music festival held at a spectacular beachside setting on the Isle of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides boosted the local economy by £1 million on its return after a two-year Covid-enforced break.
The three-day Eilean Dorcha Festival (EDF), held in July, was headlined by George Bowie, performing his acclaimed GBX show, plus Skerryvore and local favourites, Beinn Lee and Trail West.
A record crowd attended the event and an economic impact study carried out by MKA Economics of Stirling has revealed a 61% boost in visitor spend to £999,845, described by festival development manager Roddy MacKay as “a remarkable result given the challenges faced in the return after Covid”.
MacKay said: “We could see during the weekend that the festival was a big success, but we have been blown away by the findings.
“The study demonstrates the power communities have when they pull together to organise an event that helps build a positive, ambitious future, and that was particularly relevant this year after a last-minute hitch when the tent suppliers pulled out.
“Suddenly we had to re-arrange the full event from indoor to outdoor at the last minute. A call went out for assistance and the community came to the rescue in their droves.
“It meant a change of stage, sound, lighting, a new event safety plan, everything. It effectively meant a completely new event had to be drawn up in a week but, somehow, we managed to pull it off and people clearly enjoyed themselves.
“We would particularly like to thank SUAS, Ceòlas, DJ Buchanan Haulage, MacInnes Bros, MacAulay’s Askernish, Laing Brothers, Nevis Range, TMF, Coda Production Services, Security Scotland and our sponsors Mowi, Ask Car Hire, CalMac and Loganair who all, in the circumstances, went above and beyond to ensure the event was a great success.
“We did fall victim to the weather on the Saturday, leading to a delayed 6pm start, but it certainly didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the festival-goers and once again everyone danced the night away and got home safely afterwards.”
Mackay added: “We are very proud that, for just a £10 weekend ticket, children of primary school age can enjoy not just the music, but a variety of fun activities, while anyone under five years receives free admission. It lends to a great family-friendly atmosphere.”
