Music tourism welcome boost to economy as summer of festivals continues

The Economy Minister, Edwina Hart, has spoken of the importance of Wales’ music festivals in attracting visitors to Wales as a summer of music continues this weekend, with Brecon Jazz kicking off its most international line-up yet.

As part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to attracting major events to Wales it is continuing to support a rich and diverse range of music events this summer, with Focus Wales, Gregynog Festival and the Steelhouse Festival already having taken place and continuing with others including Brecon Jazz, Green Man and Festival No.6.

Brecon Jazz remains one of Wales’ signature cultural events, attracting global performers and drawing visitors from around the world. While later this month the Green Man Festival brings a variety of music, comedy and the arts to the Brecon Beacons and in early September Portmeirion is filled with music, art and culture as Festival No.6 comes to town.

The Minister, who is attending today’s opening of Brecon Jazz, said:

“The recent UK Music report ‘Wish You Were Here’ confirmed that music tourism is an important contributor to our economy and I am pleased that we continue to support music and art events, such as the Brecon Jazz, to ensure they develop and grow as important signature events for Wales.

“This is one of the largest events of its kind in Europe, attracting performers and visitors from around the world. It provides us with an excellent opportunity to showcase Wales’ food and drink and hospitality sector, as well as our stunning national park.”

Additional Welsh Government support provided to the Brecon Jazz this year is helping to ensure that the event is accessible to a wider audience.  Ticketing initiatives and opportunities to participate are being offered to a number of aspiring music students, young children and youth groups in the Powys area and free carer tickets for disabled patrons. There are also opportunities for organisations from Communities First areas to participate in the wide range of free street entertainment that will be on offer to visitors over the course of the weekend.

This supports the aims of the Welsh Government’s Fusion: Tackling Poverty through Culture programme, which brings together Communities First and cultural bodies to engage with and inspire young people and adults who wouldn’t normally have the opportunities to participate in culture and the arts.

The Minister added:

“As well as being a boost to the local economy, these music events help Wales’ arts and cultural scene to thrive, and it is important as many people as possible have the opportunity to participate. I hope that people will come out in support of this weekend’s Jazz Festival and I wish everyone involved the best of luck for a successful event.”