More than 24,000 locals and visitors have turned out for Winter in the City this month, with the City Renewal Authority event helping to boost spending at City Centre businesses.
The event – which contributed almost $1.8 million* in local economic activity – saw 20 percent more attendees than last year drawn to the outdoor ice-skating rink, eight metre toboggan slide and night-time dance parties.
City Renewal Authority Branch Manager Place Experience Jennifer Ramsay said that the two-week event meant Canberrans only had to take a ‘short trip to the snow’ this year.
“From playdates to first dates, Winter in the City gave people of all ages a fun, unique and affordable experience in Civic Square and Ainslie Place,” Ms Ramsay said.
“It was magical to see children, their parents and carers delight in the snow play and hurl down the toboggan slide with beaming smiles. We were also thrilled to see Canberrans embrace our evening dance parties, ice-skate under the sky, and roast more than 20,000 marshmallows across the two weeks.
“Our post-event estimates show that Winter in the City resulted in about an additional $1.8 million spent in cafes, restaurants, retail shops and transport over the two weeks.”
Nearby, the Canberra Museum and Gallery saw record crowds throughout the July school holidays, with many identifying as first-time visitors.
A total of 8821 visitors – nearly double the number seen last year – experienced the interactive How Cities Work exhibition along with Poetic City Festival, Everyday Art Festival and Uncharted Territory.
Ms Ramsay highlighted the strong economic support these events provide to city businesses, contributing to 30 per cent more visitors to Civic during the winter school holidays than last year.
“We are thankful to residents and neighbouring businesses, including the Canberra Centre, for their great support throughout the event..
“From the pop-up events run by Jazida Productions to the experiences offered by nearby cultural institutions, this event demonstrates the value of working together to enliven our City Centre and make it a place people want to keep coming back to.”
The City Renewal Authority also partnered with about 20 cafés, restaurants and retail shops, who offered single-use deals to festival goers to encourage local business support.
Black Fire Restaurant Manager Diwas Poudel welcomed the opportunity to make his establishment part of the Winter in the City experience.
“Customers really enjoyed coming and getting a discounted meal,” Mr Poudel said.
“I think this event is good for the local business to encourage people to go out and spend money.”
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*The $1.8 million figure for economic impact is a conservative estimate based on this year’s visitor numbers (24,000) and an average spend of $75 per visitor after the cost of tickets. The figure for average spend per visitor to the City Centre is based on independent market research.
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