Minister Barr: Record-breaking success for Enlighten 2015
- Written by ACT Government
Released 09/06/2015
The Enlighten festival has again smashed the record books, attracting huge crowds and making a significant contribution to the ACT economy.
This year’s trademark architectural projections, buzzing entertainment precinct and late night openings at 12 national institutions attracted 287,874 people – more than double the 2014 attendance figure of 131,556.
With this year’s attendance at the Night Noodle Markets by far exceeding all expectations, the Government is working hard to ensure that next year’s Noodle Markets will be even bigger- providing more opportunities for local business to participate.
Highlights of the 2015 program included two spectacular Australian firsts – the extraordinary Spanish aerial act, Voala Station, and a visually-spectacular light installation on Lake Burley Griffin called Voyage – as well as the addition of the new Enlighten Night Noodle Markets run by Fairfax Events.
An estimated 10,434 interstate and international visitors came to the ACT specifically for Enlighten, which represents a significant increase of 97% on the 2014 figure of 5,302. Visitors stayed an average of 1.9 nights and spent an average of $175.29 each day they were in the capital.
The event increased the ACT’s Gross Territory Product by $3.72 million and the Total Direct Visitor Expenditure – as a result of the people that visited Canberra because of Enlighten – was $3.35 million. This represents an increase of 45% on the 2014 figure of $2.3 million.
The total economic impact as a result of staging Enlighten from 27 February to 7 March in Canberra was estimated at $2.5 million – an increase of 76% on the 2014 figure of $1.4 million.
These are fantastic results for Enlighten in its fifth year, further demonstrating that bringing and hosting major events make a significant contribution to our diverse city- enhancing its reputation as a great place to live, work and visit.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
