Accrington Food & Drink Festival delivers more than £700K boost to local economy

The Amazing Accrington Food & Drink Festival 2026 generated an estimated £701,600 for the local economy, according to a new visitor survey report commissioned by Hyndburn Borough Council.

The annual festival, held in Accrington town centre on Saturday 6 June, attracted an estimated 10,000 visitors, with survey findings showing that 97.3% of attendees travelled to the town specifically because of the event. The visitor spend figure represents a remarkable 90% increase on the 2025 estimate of £369,600.

The independent survey, conducted by Scott Dawson Advertising, found that visitors spent an average of £70.16 each during their visit, with more than 90% expecting to spend over £40. Visitors travelled from across Lancashire and beyond, including Burnley, Clitheroe, Rawtenstall, Nelson, Penwortham and Liverpool.

The festival also introduced new audiences to Accrington, with 12% of visitors stating it was their first-ever visit to the town.

Murray Dawson, Managing Director of Scott Dawson Advertising, said:

“These figures demonstrate the real value that events like the Amazing Accrington Food & Drink Festival bring to our town centre. Generating more than £700,000 of visitor spending in a single day is a huge achievement and highlights the importance of investing in high-quality events that attract people into Accrington.

“What is particularly encouraging is that almost every visitor came specifically because of the festival, while 12% were visiting Accrington for the very first time. That means we’re not only supporting local businesses on the day, we’re also helping to showcase everything Accrington has to offer to new audiences across the region.

“The feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the festival as getting bigger and better every year. We’re already looking forward to building on this success in 2027.”

Councillor Munsif Dad, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said:

“The Amazing Accrington Food & Drink Festival has become one of the borough’s flagship events and there was a great turn out in our town centre. The festival not only drives footfall and spending but also helps strengthen Accrington’s reputation as a vibrant destination for visitors.

“It is especially pleasing to see visitors travelling from across Lancashire and beyond, and that so many people experienced Accrington for the first time. Events such as this play an important role in supporting our regeneration ambitions and creating pride in our town.”

The survey also highlighted the festival’s strong community impact, with 100% of respondents reporting that they felt safe during the event. Families accounted for more than 60% of visitors surveyed, while a growing number attended as groups of friends, underlining the festival’s appeal as a social and family-friendly day out.

Social media was identified as the most effective promotional channel, accounting for 40.5% of responses when visitors were asked how they had heard about the event.

Key Findings

• Estimated attendance: 10,000 visitors
• Estimated visitor spend: £701,600
• Average spend per visitor: £70.16
• 97.3% visited Accrington specifically because of the festival
• 12% were first-time visitors to Accrington
• 100% of respondents felt safe during the event
• Visitors travelled from across Lancashire and beyond, including Liverpool

The event was sponsored by Hyndburn Borough Council, Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa and Financial Affairs, and organised by Scott Dawson Advertising.

For more reaction from the event, visit www.amazingaccrington.co.uk