The Highest Point festival is just weeks away, and it’s been revealed that the event provides a multi-million-pound boost to the North Lancashire economy.
Beyond Radio caught up with organiser, Richard Dyer, to find out how preparations have been going ahead of the four-day event next month at Williamson Park.
Only limited tickets remain for the festival between May 12th-14th, which sees headliners Richard Ashcroft, Clean Bandit and Kaiser Chiefs in town, along with dozens of other internationally acclaimed artists and bands. The festival ends with a big family fun day on Sunday, May 15th.
Related:
Kaiser Chiefs and Clean Bandit to headline Highest Point Festival in Lancaster
Highest Point Festival Big Family Day Out to return
Highest Point organisers issue low ticket warning
‘’We’re buzzing to be back,’’ said Richard. ‘’In about two weeks’ time we head into the park to begin work. Gradually over the next couple of weeks people will see us putting our new fence up and the park being transformed into the Highest Point site.
‘’It’s my favourite weekend of the year.
‘’The site at Williamson Park comes with its challenges, but I was born in Lancaster, I used to come here all the time growing up and the place means so much.
‘’There are not many festival sites that include tarmac roads, butterflies and play areas! We work with a wonderful team at Lancaster City Council, who help make it all happen. The site is already amazing, we just add some music to it!’’
Click here to listen to Beyond Radio’s Nathan Hill in conversation with Highest Point organiser, Richard Dyer:
Richard recognises the disruption an event of such magnitude causes the local area, but says most people understand the huge economic benefits the festival brings to North Lancashire.
An economic study after the 2021 event showed an estimated £4.68 million pounds was generated in the local area as a result of the event.
‘’For most people in North Lancashire, they are positive,’’ he said. ‘’We have lots of shops on board, we fill local hotels, we use local suppliers where possible, and the fact that Lancaster is booming all weekend long is just magnificent. We attract about 35,000 people over the weekend, both locals and outsiders.’’
Charity is also a very important element to the festival, and this year money is being raised in memory of Chris Glaba, who passed away after a battle with cancer in 2018.
Richard adds: ‘’Chris was a great friend of ours who worked to establish us at the very start.
‘’After he died, we wanted to do something in his honour, as his memory lives with us forever.
‘’He introduced us to Macmillan Cancer Support, and this year, we invite festival goers to ‘buy a (virtual) drink for Chris’ when they’re at the bar. This will be a donation straight to the charity as a thank you for the work they did for Chris and everyone else they provide services for.’’
Remaining tickets for Highest Point can be purchased at www.skiddle.com
Appeal launched to help save Morecambe sports and social club
Reopening date announced after Morecambe Jobcentre closes for repairs
Lancaster charity urges residents to know how they’re affected by Renters' Rights Act
Lancaster district residents urged to check their details as annual electoral canvass begins
E-bikes and e-scooters seized during police crackdown on Lancaster cycle track
Four vehicles involved in road collision in Carnforth
LISTEN: Popular vlog tells story of couple's second-hand bookshop dream in Morecambe
Emergency team in Silverdale receives donation of life-saving kits
MP offers support to staff after Morecambe FC reported to The Pensions Regulator
Track night at Lancaster sports club to launch police safety scheme for women and girls
PHOTOS: Live music day to raise funds for homeless people in Lancaster hailed as huge success
Former bank turned live music venue in Morecambe to reopen under new management
New parking system set to launch at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Museum in Lancaster up for award launched by TV historian David Olusoga
MP fights for refunds after Heysham medical centre patients get parking fines in error
Two teenagers arrested after car stolen during Hest Bank burglary
Parents demand further action after health watchdog probe into asbestos complaints at Lancaster school
LISTEN: Lancaster medical students praised for helping man who collapsed
Man arrested on Morecambe beach after report of assault
Police probe burglaries in villages near Carnforth
