An Economic Evaluation survey undertaken by Visit Chester and Cheshire, on behalf of The North-West Development Agency, has shown that this year’s Thundersprint brought £4.37 million to the region in the form of participant, trader and visitor expenditure.
Not only did Northwich, and its surrounding districts, benefit from what is now a two night and two day event but Thundersprint visitors were filling hotels throughout the region – and beyond. More than half of participants interviewed at the event indicated that they were staying overnight in the region, their average stay being three days.
Better still, the Thundersprint was given as the main reason for visitors coming to Northwich and fans then stayed on in the area.
Customer satisfaction with the Thundersprint was incredibly high. 98% of visitors indicated that they would recommend the event to friends and family, 97% indicated that they would consider attending again.
But perhaps most importantly, the Thundersprint continues to attract visitors from the whole spectrum of society. The Economic Evaluation says: “The demographics of visitors also reflect these findings suggesting that Thundersprint attracts visitors from all age groups, singles, couples and groups of friends and families alike.
“An analysis of visitor profiles indicates that the event attracts people from across the social and cultural spectra.
“Indeed the evidence suggests that Thundersprint fills a gap in the festival and event calendar, servicing particular groups who we would not typically expect to engage with cultural events and festivals.”
Cllr. Mike Jones, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “The Thundersprint is one of the region’s success stories both in terms of the amount of revenue it generates but also in the way that it provides an event which the whole community can enjoy.
“The Thundersprint is also very important because it puts Northwich on the map and is a key driver for the local economy, being one of the major events in Cheshire West and Chester”
Thundersprint organiser, Frank Melling, was just as enthusiastic: “The Thundersprint is a huge credit to Cheshire West and Chester Council without whose support the event would not happen. For me, the most exciting thing is that with the help of the Council we are able to provide a world class event which has free admission, free parking and free grandstand seating. This means that the whole community can enjoy the Thundersprint instead of being excluded by the high admission fees prevalent at many other events.
“The interest in next year’s Thundersprint from riders, traders and the public is already incredible and we are looking forward to making Thundersprint 2010 the best ever.”
