Helen talks inflation, tourism, and music on Alderford Lake visit

Helen Morgan MP visited the much-loved Alderford Lake earlier this week, with an aim of hearing more about the challenges and opportunities that the family business and wider sector is facing.

The MP was joined Alderford Lake Director Rob Bebbington and Business Development Manager Kelly Lowe, who spent time on the tour discussing the economic impact of inflation and wage bills, and the state of play for tourism and leisure businesses in Shropshire.

Rob and Kelly are backing calls by the Association of Independent Festivals to lower VAT on festival ticket sales for three years, to give promoters time and space to adapt to the post-Covid landscape.

During the visit, Rob and Kelly took Helen on a tour of the Lake by electric boat, viewing the five islands including one used for Santa’s grotto visited by 7,500 children and families last December.

Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, said, “It was fantastic to visit Alderford Lake and to see first-hand the fantastic destination the team have built.

"Special thanks must go to Rob and Kelly for taking the time to show me around, and for such a useful discussion about inflation, Shropshire tourism, and the challenges many live venues and music festivals are facing.

“Across Shropshire, there are hundreds of entrepreneurs and businesses working hard to improve our county, grow our economy, and create good jobs. The Government must support businesses through the continued cost of living crisis, because far too many are doing everything right but are struggling to see when conditions will improve for them.”

Helen also viewed the AlderFest site where top artists including S Club, Example, Scott Mills, Boyzlife and Atomic Kitten are due to perform on July 5th and 6th this year.

Rob and Kelly are backing calls by the Association of Independent Festivals to lower VAT on festival ticket sales for three years, to give promoters time and space to adapt to the post-Covid landscape.

Rob Bebbington, Director at Alferford Lake, said, “We absolutely love putting on the festival, but we can’t carry on if we can’t turn a profit. With so many festivals already lost from the local area, it’s imperative we do all we can to protect not only our festival but other existing and new festivals locally and nationally. A three year VAT reduction on ticket revenue as the Association of Independent Festivals are calling for would make a real difference for us.

“So many businesses are suffering from the results of the economic impact of Covid. This is people’s livelihoods, their jobs, we as a business can’t cut over costs anymore, wages have already been slashed to the bone.

“We need some help and support. All my team and I are extremely passionate about this business, something rare, I feel it is my duty to protect the team and give them the chance they deserve.”

Kelly Lowe, Business Development Manager, added, “For every £10 spent on tickets for a live music event, £17 goes back into the local economy driving business for local transport, hospitality outlets and retailers. The future of the festival is important for the stability of local businesses and for community efforts.”

“The association of independent festivals has highlighted how many festivals are closing this year, 21 have now announced they are being postponed, cancelled or closed in 2024. They fear that up to 100 festivals could go under due to rising costs.

“Locally, BlueDot in Cheshire has finished, and the Green Man festival in Clun won’t happen this year. Others like Nozstock say this year will be their last. With many festivals already lost from the local area, it’s imperative we do all we can to protect not only our festival but other existing and new festivals locally and nationally.”