Max SteventonNew economic impact reports show major UK festivals continue to generate significant financial benefits for host towns and regions.
Warwick Folk Festival and Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival (pictured) have both released findings from independent economic impact assessments, highlighting the contribution of the festivals to local economies through visitor spending, tourism and employment.
An independent economic impact assessment of the 2025 Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival found that the event generated £11.2 million for Scotland’s economy. Of this, £7.8 million was attributed to net economic impact in the Highlands.
The report found that visitor spending directly linked to the festival totalled £5.6 million. When wider economic effects were included, this rose to £7.8 million for the Highlands and £11.2 million nationally. The assessment also found that Belladrum supported the equivalent of 102 tourism-related jobs in the Highlands and 147 across Scotland.
Almost half of Belladrum attendees travelled from outside the Highland Council area, with more than three-quarters stating that the festival was their main or sole reason for visiting the region. The report also noted that Belladrum’s economic impact has increased by 70% since 2014.
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival will return for its 22nd edition from 30 July-1 August, operating at its final capacity of 25,000 attendees per day.
“It is incredible seeing the economic impact Bella has annually in both the local community and across the wider Highlands & Scotland”, said Belladrum festival producer Dougie Brown. “We strive wherever possible to work alongside regional partners and suppliers and look forward to working alongside current and new companies, organisations and charities over the coming years.”
An Economic Impact Analysis of the 2025 Warwick Folk Festival found that the event generated just under £1 million in additional economic benefit for Warwick. The report identified increased spending in local restaurants, shops, accommodation providers and transport services during the festival period.
Footfall data showed that festival days in 2023, 2024 and 2025 recorded an average increase of 46% in Warwick town centre compared with the same non-festival days. In 2025, footfall during the festival period rose by 59%, the highest increase across the three years analysed. Survey data indicated that 70.5% of visitors stayed overnight either in Warwick or on the festival site, while 70% travelled from outside Warwickshire.
Warwick Folk Festival is scheduled to return to Castle Park in Warwick this year from 23-26 July.
Warwick Folk Festival director Dick Dixon said, “Many of our festival goers support the town by buying meals in local restaurants, going to local shops, staying in local hotels and using local and regional transport. It’s great to learn how much the festival gives back to the town.”