Cricket Economy Boost

12th January 2018

Categories: News

An annual cricket match has boosted the economy of a Conwy village and surrounding area by nearly £250,000.

Last year’s County Championship Match between Glamorgan v Sussex was held at Colwyn Bay Cricket Club on Penrhyn Avenue, Rhos-on-Sea, at the end of August.

The event’s sponsor, Conwy County Borough Council, has now revealed the event generated £248,000 for the surrounding area.

Last year’s three-day match was attended by over one thousand cricket fans on the first day, nearly 900 fans on the second day, and over 700 on the third day. The event generated around £150,000 for nearby hotels and bed and breakfasts. It’s estimated that cricket fans spent £98,000 on food, drink, and shopping.

The figures were released following an economic evaluation, which used an industry standard formula developed by Sheffield Hallam University, to calculate the value to the area.

Conwy County Borough Council is again hosting the event with Colwyn Bay Cricket Club in late August and early September this year when Glamorgan will play Warwickshire.

Cllr Louise Emery is the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and said, “Events like these are vital in making sure Conwy county continues to flourish as a tourist destination. Conwy is now one of the leading counties in the UK for tourism and events. With the sporting events at Stadiwm Zip World, the Rally, and the World Shore Angling Championships in October 2018, Conwy is building a sporting portfolio of events we can be proud of. But these events also help boost the economy, and I’m sure businesses in Rhos-on-Sea and the surrounding area will be glad of annual events like the cricket, which brings so many people to the area, many of whom stay to enjoy the area’s wealth of tourist attractions, pubs, restaurants, and shops.”

A survey completed by 94 cricket fans revealed over 44% of fans at last year’s event had travelled from England and around 41% from Wales outside Conwy. The information was compiled in a report by Conwy County Borough Council.

Earlier this year, Conwy County Borough Council revealed the annual pop concerts at Parc Eirias have generated £2.3m for the local economy since 2012.

Glamorgan vs Warwickshire will take place at Colwyn Bay Cricket Club in Rhos-on-Sea between August 29th and September 1st, 2018. For more information contact 02920 419 311 or visit www.glamorgancricket.com