Following the catastrophic effects of Storm Desmond on the Lake District last December, a new initiative, backed by The Lake District National Park (LDNP), Cumbria Tourism and others, is being launched to attract more visitors to the area and to support local businesses.
The idea for Illuminations for Windermere was born out of a now infamous review of Beech Hill Hotel & Spa on Trip-adviser by Paul S from London, in November 2015. Paul suggested that local council consider flood lighting the lake area. The idea was picked up by LDNP and Cumbria Tourism, to name but a few.
To view the original review go to the Hotel’s Blog posts on their website here.
The initial reaction to Paul S’s review was one of derision, however the more people thought about it and considered the potential positive impact the idea could have on the Lake District and wider area, the more the idea was taken seriously. Within a short space of time, a suitable initiative in keeping with the unique style of the Lake District was put forward.
The first phase of the initiative, will be to introduce night-time running of Windermere Lake Cruise’s Ferries, which will be decorated in illuminations in a similar vein to the illuminated trams in Blackpool. This will be coupled with a feature attraction opposite Bowness of a computer controlled illuminated water fountain, similar to the famous fountain opposite the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
The illuminations are set to transform the whole atmosphere of the Lake District. Visitors to the area will for the first time be given the unique chance to wander around the Lake District at night, shopping, going to restaurants as well as picking up a bargain in one of the many late night retail outlets, in comfort and safety.
The first phase will be completed in plenty of time for the big switch on, in September 2016. The person(s) who will switch on Windermere Illuminations has yet to be confirmed, but we assume it will be a famous celebrity - our vote would be for Peter Andre!
Further plans and designs for subsequent phases of the project will involve input from the wider community, with competitions to suggest the best illuminations ideas around the Lake happening in the near future.
Recent figures show that tourism is on the increase in the Lake District, despite the tough economic climate. The annual STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) analysis of the areas visitor economy, shows that in 2014 the tourism industry grew by 9% and is now worth £1146 million.
However, it is estimated that with the addition of Illuminations to Windermere, growth could increase by 14%, which could bring an additional £50m to the area. Which is a substantial gain for a relatively modest investment.
Many local businesses support these radical plans. Avril Fous-Blague, Marketing Director at Sunshine Holiday Tours based in Bowness commented that:
“With the many pressures on local businesses such as the introduction of the national minimum wage and the ever increasing rates bills, any initiative that can increase visitor numbers and visitor days to the area, has to be welcomed.”