Success by numbers for Alice in Spring

The BID-backed, interactive Alice in Spring weekend on 13 and 14 May was a brilliant event, taking place in seven different areas of the town centre.

It was a terrific example of outstanding partnership working with the hugely talented students and staff from Arts University Bournemouth.

And it showed just what a difference something like this can make.

A review of the weekend showed that an impressive 56 businesses got involved.

There were 4,162 additional visits specifically for Alice in Spring with 2,885 people spending more time in the town centre than they otherwise would have.

Meanwhile, 2,077 people visited locations they would not normally visit, 2,858 used one new business, 2,060 used four new businesses and 844 patronised six new businesses.

The BID’s Business Liaison Officer, Susie O’Neill, said: “All our visitor and levy payer surveys tell us this is exactly the kind of thing that will encourage people to come in and stay longer, and that has been borne out by the facts and figures.

“It was also wonderful to see so many of our levy payers actively participating and I hope it’s the sign of things to come.

“Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want to get involved in something we are organising, planning, or helping others to put on. The level of business participation we saw with Alice in Spring can only be a good thing. It is so encouraging.”