Lantern Festival Injects $3M Into City Economy

Liverpool Council's three-day Lunar New Year festival – Lanterns and Lights – drew 47,000 people to the city and pumped more than $3 million into the area's economy.

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the result – a huge attendance and an economic boost – showed the worth of the Council's festivals programs.

"Not only did tens of thousands of people get out of their houses and enjoy a relatively affordable entertainment event, but the festival was a catalyst for economic development.

"Liverpool's festivals attract visitors, boost tourism, and increase demand for local goods and services, benefiting small businesses, restaurants, and hotels.

"By supporting events that cater to a wide range of interests and cultural groups, the council can help bridge divides and foster a more harmonious, connected community.

"It also shows that Liverpool is a hub of cultural activity that can tourists, media atention, and potential investors.

"Lanterns and Lights cost the council $200,000 to stage. It brought $3.2 million into the local economy. That's why these festivals are so important to both Council and the community," he said.

At this year's festival we were entertained by lion dances, roving entertainers, traditional dance troupes and a performances by Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese and Japanese performers.

Activities included face painting, free Chinese Calligraphy workshops, kids' activities including paper lantern making, hand fan decorating, lion mask colouring and other arts and crafts.

To top it off there was dazzling entertainment and a vast array of appetising food from China, Vietnam, Japan, Cambodia, Laos, Taiwan, the Philippines, as well as other flavours from around the world.

Macquarie Mall played host to food, dancing, culture and performers from across the nations of Asia.

"Lantern and Lights is part of our award-winning "Experience the World" series of festivals that last year brought 1.5 million visitors to the city and pumped $25 million into the Liverpool economy," the Mayor said.

"Festivals such as Most Blessed Nights, Pasifika and Primavera show our commitment to celebrating the multicultural diversity of our wonderful city and celebrate the commonalities that unite us.

Source: National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR) ©2024. Compiled and presented in economy.id by .id (informed decisions).