Outdoor Events for 2012 in Tamworth

Monday, March 19th, 2012

More than 100,000 people are expected to come to Tamworth to attend one or more of the spectacular outdoor events being staged this year.

The arts and events team has unveiled a packed programme for 2012, which includes the return of crowd-pulling favourites such as the St George’s Day celebrations, the Children’s Festival and Fireworks Night, alongside showpiece events to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Festival.

In 2011, more than 100,000 visitors took part in or attended outdoor events in Tamworth, and spent almost
£2 million in the local economy.  The highlights of last year’s calendar were:

  • St George’s Day, which attracted 9,000 visitors and generated £67,700 for the Tamworth economy
  • Saxon Festival – 17,000 visitors, £425,000 for local economy
  • Stars and Stripes line dancing event – 4,000 participants, £83,600 for local economy
    Fireworks – 25,000 visitors, £420,000 for local economy
  • Christmas lights switch-on – 6,000 visitors, £146,000 for local economy

In addition, the Staffordshire Hoard exhibition drew 14,000 visitors from near and far in the three weeks it was on show at Tamworth Castle, and generated an estimated £358,000 for the economy of Tamworth.

Now the arts and events team are gearing up for an even bigger 2012 and are expecting even more visitors to flock to this year’s events.

The events programme for 2012, which is sponsored by Ankerside, includes:

  • Sport Relief – Sunday March 25
  • St George’s Day Event – Saturday April 21
  • Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend – Saturday June 2 to Tuesday June 5
  • Olympic Event – Saturday June 30
  • Gate Gallop – Sunday July 1
  • Children’s Festival – Wednesday July 25 to Sunday August 5
  • Bandstand Concerts – Every weekend from July to September
  • Tamworth Royal Pageant to select Tamworth’s Royal Family for 2012 – Saturday August 4
  • Heritage Weekend Event, incorporating the Saxon Festival which was such a hit last year – Saturday
    September 1 and Sunday September 2
  • Stars & Stripes – Saturday September 15
  • Fireworks – Saturday November 3
  • Christmas Lights Switch-On – Saturday November 17

The Saxon Festival, which last year attracted more than 17,000 visitors, returns this year in a slightly different format, as part of the Heritage Weekend on September 1 and Visitors will be able to experience life in Saxon times through a host of events and displays, including the recreation of a Saxon village in the Castle Grounds, living history
displays, Saxon battle re-enactments and two replica Saxon boats.  There will also be discounted admission to the Castle throughout the weekend.

The Diamond Jubilee weekend will feature a number of street parties and community events throughout Tamworth,
with the council giving support to communities to host their own events.  A free street party information pack is available to groups, as well as support and information from the arts and events team.

Anyone interested in doing their bit to help celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee should contact the arts
and events team on 01827 709314 or email TAROutdoorevents@tamworth.gov.uk.

The team is also on hand to help and support groups and organisations which want to run any kind of event in the borough, but do not know how.  The team can guide organisers through the process and support them to find funding.

Cllr Steve Claymore, Cabinet member for Economic Development and Enterprise, said, “Tamworth’s events programme is the envy of the Midlands, as it not only generates millions of pounds for the local economy but also attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from Tamworth and further afield. This year’s programme is set to be even bigger and better and there is something for everyone to enjoy. Our arts and events team is also offering help and support to groups wanting to host their own events, which will a huge boost to community pride, especially
in this diamond jubilee year when all eyes will be on Tamworth as it welcomes the Olympic Torch.”

For more on Tamworth’s Year of Events, please see tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk or join the Facebook group Castle Grounds.