Lancashire and Blackpool Will Bewitch The Business Visitor In 2012

31st January 2011

The witching hour and a once-every-20 year city celebration are attracting some of the biggest high-tech businesses to Lancashire and Blackpool.

History is set to make 2012 a record year as Lancashire & Blackpool Conferences & Meetings (LBCM) bosses cement the region’s position as the UK’s most unusual and diverse business tourism destination.

A combination of events, such as the 400th Anniversary of the Pendle Witch trials and the unique Preston Guild celebrations, are raising the area’s national profile and have already prompted interest from some of the country’s leading edge businesses, as they look for venues which are different and inspiring.

One-off projects planned for the year also include turning Preston’s Moor Park into a ‘Future City’, with a 5,000-seat temporary arena, which will be available for conferences and exhibitions.  

With the region also hosting the 19th UK Corporate Games and Preston becoming a European City of Sport for the year, hosting some of the teams competing at the London Olympics, LBCM has urged conference organisers to plan their events early to take full advantage of what is on offer.

Lancashire & Blackpool Conferences & Meetings is a joint initiative between Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board (LBTB) and visitBlackpool.

Tony Openshaw, Director of Marketing at LBTB, said: “The historical and contemporary events being celebrated in 2012 have already raised the profile of the region and highlighted just how unusual and distinctive many of our venues and business tourism offerings are.

“A host of events are being planned which delegates can participate in and enjoy as part of their stay and many of our venues are playing an active role in commemorating these anniversaries and events.”

·  The Pendle Witches are the most famous witches in English history. In 1612, at Lancaster Castle, 10 people were hung for the murder by witchcraft of 17 people in and around the District of Pendle.

·  Preston Guild 2012 will mark 833 years since King Henry initially granted a ‘Guild Merchant’ to Preston, allowingcitizens with special rights the ability to control trade within the town. Next year will be the 23rd Guild since the decree to hold community celebrations every 20 years was made in 1542. 

·  The 19th UK Corporate Games is Europe’s largest corporate multisport festival. It has been estimated that the games will boost the Lancashire and Blackpool economy by at least £3million. Those taking part are known as “weekend sports warriors” and work for a multitude of businesses and organisations of every type and size.

·  As a European City of Sport, Preston has ambitions to hold an international sporting conference and will also host Olympic teams from countries including Thailand and Fiji. The award recognises Preston for its dedication to providing sports and sports facilities that are inclusive and easily accessible.

For information on what the area has to offer, contact Lancashire & Blackpool Conferences & Meetings on 0845 371 4453/4 or e-mail:

enquiries@lancashireandblackpoolconference.com or visit

www.lancashireandblackpoolconference.com

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