TENS of thousands of visitors have poured more than £6 million into the city’s economy in just the first weekend of Chestival.
Organisers, who released the figures, say 20,500 more people turned out this year than last to take part in Roman Weekend, taking the total visitors to the city to more than 124,500.
Events which took place included a gladiator show, a parade of Roman guards from across Europe and a chance to explore an authentic working Roman Village.
And it is thought as many as 16,000 people came to the city for Outdoor Cinema showings and the Carnival of Giants – now the world’s biggest “giants” parade with more than 100 creations. Although spending figures have not yet been released, it is thought the amount could be just under an extra £1 million.
Chester city management co-ordinator Stephen Wundke said the news showed Chester was bucking the national trend with footfall increasing eight per cent from last year, even while it was down in other parts of the country by as much as 11 per cent.
He said: “I cannot think of any other city where so much has gone on in the span of 10 days. We have had a giant festival, a Roman festival, international polo, as well as an outdoor cinema in a Roman theatre and not forgetting we are the only city in the world to have put 100 giants on its streets.
“It is great to talk to retailers afterwards and all of these things going on. On average each visitor spends £48, so roughly the 20,000 extra visitors means close to a million pounds more than last year.”
He added: “However, I think the only thing is that certain retailers in Foregate Street did not get as much of a benefit because the road was closed due to gas works.
However, that is open now, so they will start to feel the benefits.
“Footfall is up as it was last year, I think the most important thing is there is a real buzz around the city, there has been so much going on.”
Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cllr Mike Jones, said: “I am delighted but not surprised by these figures. Having been to the event, there were 4,000 people in the Amphitheatre watching the gladiator fight on Saturday.
“When I walked around town it was still busy at 5.30pm. People I met said it had been a great day. That is exactly why we are supporting Chestival. It is bringing people to the city. We absolutely rely on visitors for our survival.”