The Skegness Annual Beach Race, which takes place on 7 and 8 November, is helping to extend the tourist season, according to a report by East Lindsey District Council. Last year’s race attracted over 20,000 spectators – the largest number to date.
The event is popular with both out of town visitors and local residents, injecting nearly 750,000 pounds into the local economy.
The race is organised by the Amateur Motorcycle Association (AMCA), a not for profit organisation which exists to promote grass roots participation in off-road motorcycle sport, particularly motocross.
What local authorities think
Commenting on the event, Councillor Adam Grist, now Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy, said:
“Since the race first came to Skegness in 2010, AMCA has helped to provide a huge boost to the town at a traditionally quieter time of year – last year with upwards of 20,000 people attending the two day event.
“This provides an increased footfall in the town which supports local businesses, amenities and attractions with people staying, eating and shopping locally”.
Town Manager Lisa Collins explained it was particularly helpful to seaside traders: “(The Race) is helping Skegness extend its traditional visitor season: it allows traders to remain open for an extra weekend, in particular the traditional seaside traders on the seafront”.
“It is key to the town’s future that we retain such events to actively promote Skegness as an all year round visitor destination.”
Empowering local authorities to organise motor sport events
UK Government research informed last year’s decision to pass legislation making it easier for local authorities to stage their own motorsport events.
The UK Government press release which announced the introduction of new legislation included this statement from Roads Minister Robert Goodwill:
“Motor sport events are great fun, extremely popular and make a valuable contribution to the economy. Allowing local authorities to organise carefully managed motor sports events is great news for the industry and will potentially benefit local communities around Great Britain.”
More information
You can find out more about the beach race here: http://amca.uk.com/beach-racing/skegness-beach-race
To learn more about MCIA and AMCA please contact Stevie Muir on +44 (0) 79 89 37 85 97 or email her at [email protected]
