News & Events

Langport International Walking Festival has got legs

(Langport)

Project Update: the 2nd Langport International Walking Festival took place over the weekend of 9th/10th June and attracted over 780 walkers.

Langport Area Development Trust (LADT) organised a 2nd International Walking Festival, funded by Defra and the European Union through the Levels and Moors Leader+ funding scheme. This year LADT started work in August and hoped to have one of the largest Walking Events in Britain

The Festival was a weekend of non-competitive walks, which were open to anyone on payment of the appropriate fees. The aim of the walks are to provide a focal point for people who enjoy walking, to encourage physical activity of the kind that everyone can enjoy, to provide a challenge and reward and to show some of the delightful countryside around Langport.

This was an opportunity for all Individuals and charities in and around Somerset to gain sponsorship for their particular Charity and walk in the knowledge that the event has been organised safely and professionally. Walkers came from as far as Japan to take part.

The weekend has its benefits to local businesses and residents alike. Jane Wilson from the Market Towns Forum explains:

“Langport is a thriving Market Town thanks to various initiatives by LADT. Last year we commissioned Bournemouth University, a government recognised independent organisation, to conduct a survey of the Inaugural International Walking Festival to look at the Tourism and Economic advantageous to holding such an event. It concluded that over one weekend alone a total of £119,776 was spent in and around Langport. It also concluded that over 47% of visitors would return to Langport and its’ surrounding Parishes. It is initiatives like these that will keep our Market Towns in the forefront of the Tourism industry in Somerset and this particular Festival has benefited businesses and residents in Langport and will continue to do so in the future”

For more Information contact Rick Coldicott at the Langport Area Development Trust, Bow Street, Langport, TA10 9PR. Tel: 01458 253567/07772258065 or email: rickladt@onetel.com.

Created on July 1st 2007

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