The City Corporation is rethinking its flagship programme to attract visitors following evaluation of the Bartholomew Fair programme that staged 250 events during September.
By David Wilcox
The City Corporation is rethinking its flagship programme to attract visitors following evaluation of the Bartholomew Fair programme that staged 250 events during September.
The Fair was held over three weeks at 17 venues across the Square Mile, with the aim of attracting visitors, workers and residents whose spending would help support businesses hit by working from home.
While surveys showed high levels of appreciation among visitors, the programme only yielded an estimated additional spend of £1.8m against the cost of £1.5m.
Policy and Resources Committee heard that the Corporation was unlikely to fund or organise similar events in future, and would instead look to commercial sponsors. There will also be more focus on promoting existing cultural and heritage attractions.
Initial findings of a review of the programme, reported to Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, said:
“A focus on visitor numbers and spend needs to be balanced with attention to social inclusion and equity – Destination City must embrace the City’s long-standing and impressive commitment to serving the public good.”
“Destination City is therefore not only about place marketing (although this is essential and needs more attention) but the future development of a liveable, lively and connected City in a uniquely historic, cultural and characterful setting. Future decisions on allocation of the Destination City programme budget should flow from this collaborative approach”.
A full report of the review is due by February. Councillors pressed for more engagement with residents in developing ideas for a Liveable City, and that may be organised through the Residential Reset engagement programme.
Meanwhile Councillor Brendan Barns, Resident Representative on the City Envoy Network, has volunteered to organise informal Citizens Forums, and the first event is on Monday 15 January 2024 from 6.30-8.30pm. It will be free to attend and hosted at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business at One Bartholomew Close. Sign up here.
Contact [email protected] with any other queries or ideas for Destination City.
Blog posts about the committees available here, together reports on Destination City and my ideas for a Guide and information hub.
