Four of Cumbria’s key annual events have received a cash boost, thanks to the success of the county’s longest-running trade show.
The two-day, not-for-profit Lakes Hospitality Trade Show returns to the J36 Rural Auction Centre near Kendal for its 47th year next month. Following a formal application process, it’s now been revealed that four event organisers will each receive marketing grants of £2,000 directly from the show’s proceeds to help publicise their upcoming events.
They are: Amblefest, Keswick Film Festival, Muncaster Castle Sausage Festival and the Westmorland Dales Festival.
This year marks the return of the popular scheme for the first time since before the pandemic, as part of the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show’s commitment to re-directing financial proceeds back into the local economy.
To qualify for the funding, applicants planning an event between March 2024 and February 2025 were asked to demonstrate how their events will benefit the Cumbrian economy and achieve
significant visitor impact for the county. Each successful applicant will now benefit from a package of PR and marketing activity delivered by Cumbria Tourism’s industry experts to promote their event.
James Tasker, a Director of the Lakes Hospitality Association, says, “One of the underlying principles of the Lakes Hospitality Show is about ploughing money back into the industry, so we can help give businesses and supply chain companies the practical support they need to thrive in challenging economic times.
“Amblefest and Muncaster’s Sausage Festival are fantastic new events, both in their second year, and we hope this contribution will help them to grow and prosper for the benefit not only of our economy, but our local communities too.
“Meanwhile, the Westmorland Dales Festival and Keswick Film Festival have proved to be a massive success in recent years, and continue to grow. We want to do our bit to help them reach new audiences and get to the next level.”
The news comes as final preparations for the 47th Lakes Hospitality Trade Show on 28 and 29 February 2024 are well underway.
With more than 150 exhibitors alongside live cooking demonstrations, expert advice and industry networking, the county’s longest running trade show will have a firm focus on embracing sustainability in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
The show will bring together not just hospitality businesses and suppliers from Cumbria and the North of England, but companies of all shapes and sizes from an increasingly wide range of industry sectors.
Exhibitor stands will range from catering equipment, and food and drink suppliers, to IT technology, transport, furnishings, visitor attractions and professional services such as insurance, legal and financial support.
Visitor registration for the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show is now open, with free entry and free parking for all attendees: www.lakeshospitalitytradeshow.co.uk
