A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ECONOMNIC AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF FESTIVALS ON THEIR HOST COMMUNITY: CASE STUDIES HAT FAIR AND BOOMTOWN FESTIVAL IN WINCHESTER

Abstract

This research project critically explored and analysed the economic and social impacts of festivals on their host community by using two case studies: Boomtown Music Festival and cultural festival Hat Fair, in Winchester. In order to achieve this aim, the researcher made a list of five objectives to be met. The objective began with a critical review of the literature on different types of festivals, the impact of events on host communities, the economic and social impacts and Hat Fair and Boomtown Festival. A suitable methodology was developed and primary data was collected through triangulation with 7 qualitative structured interviews with local businesses and 101 quantitative questionnaires with local residents, in order to gain a deep understanding. The researcher used thematic analysis to identify key themes in the qualitative data, whilst statistical analysis was used to identify patterns and trends in the quantitative data, followed by analysis and discussion of the findings, compared and contrasted to the earlier findings of the secondary research. The findings of the research project highlighted there are significant differences in the social and economic impacts of cultural and music festival felt by host communities. However, traffic was highlighted as the biggest impact to both local residents and local businesses. Whilst both types of festival did have benefits, cultural festivals proved to be more beneficial to host communities overall. The study made crucial contributions to theory, methodology and practice in this area of festival literature. It concluded with identification of limitations and recommendations for industry and future research.