Insider Media Limited

The Lincolnshire Events Centre injects £44m into the national economy every year. That’s according to a new economic impact survey. The county’s Showground attracts an average of more than 600 visitors every day.

The annual County Show attracted 65,000 visitors earlier this year and six antiques fairs held at the site have each brought in 3,000 antiques traders from across Europe.

Chief executive Mark Farmer said: “It’s good news for the county against the backdrop of economic recession and public sector cuts, and a big justification for the £1m injection of investment made by the county council.”

An additional £250,000 was invested into the centre by West Lindsey District Council in 2007. It is estimated that about half of the income generated stays in the East Midlands economy each year at a value of £22m.

The study was carried out to help guide future growth plans for the Lincolnshire Events Centre, and it demonstrates how successful the Lincolnshire Events Centre has been in attracting big events and boosting tourism.

Farmer said: “The annual County Show is a big earner for the economy and a major tourism attraction, alongside the city’s Cathedral and Castle. But it’s not just about the Show nowadays, as we have expanded to become a major year-round regional conferencing and outdoor events centre.”

The £7m EPIC Centre at the Showground was opened two years ago, providing a conference and events facility.