Tall Ships event costs Hartlepool Borough Council £3,701,000

Hartlepool Borough Council estimates it has spent £3,701,000 in direct connection to hosting the Tall Ships event, which takes place in August.

But as the council has received sponsorship and grants towards the event, the net cost to the council will be £800,000 over four years.

An itemised summary of total costs incurred by the council has recently been released, following a Freedom of Information request.

The figures show that event management comprises the biggest expense, costing £1,061,000.

A council spokeswoman said: “The net cost to the council is £800,000 over four years. The Tall Ship Races 2010 event in Hartlepool is anticipated to generate around £16m in the town and surrounding area.

“The Tall Ship Race represents a fantastic opportunity to showcase all that is good about Hartlepool. It will put the town on the map.”

It is hoped that one million visitors will flock to see around 70 Tall Ships sail into town from Kristiansand in Norway on the final leg of the Races.

And the Federation of Small Businesses predicts the wider regional economy could benefit by as much as £50m as visitors spend their cash on food, gifts and entertainment.

The council has received financial backing from a number of sponsors. And EDF Energy, which owns Hartlepool power station, is the latest to sign up.

Paul Newman, station director said: “It is fantastic to see the Tall Ships event landing in Hartlepool, marking the town’s obvious maritime heritage while also promoting it as a 21st century destination.”

Tags: Event Magazine, Hartlepool Tall Ships Event, Tall Ship Races, Tall Ships 2010

Category: Event Management