Festival 2012

Would you like to partner with us and support the ongoing development of the festival?

If so then we think we have something we can offer you.

Traditionally our festivalgoers spend more than the 3 - 4 days of the event in the area. Our area has a rich and diverse range of activities. However festivalgoers tend to stumble on opportunities, as perhaps they aren't as visible as they could be, or many are new to the area and require assistance. HebCelt can offer a wider window of opportunity and encourage the development of private enterprise or diversification by existing providers.

The project has the potential to provide our festivalgoers with the opportunity to dip into a range of quality Hebridean experiences and enhance their visit to the area. This in turn could extend the positive effect of the festival throughout the community that encourages repeat tourism.

Working with local partners we are keen to promote a range of experiences, many of which are already currently available, in a format for the festival market. These could be teaser sessions or tailored particularly for the more proficient depending on the experience. A flexible approach is essential by potential providers.

Possible experiences could include:
Surfing
Fishing / Kayak / Canoe or boat trips
Guided Walks
Craft Sessions
Harris Tweed demonstrations

This is only a small cross-section that demonstrates the variety of experiences we know appeal to our festivalgoers. Equally we would be delighted to consider wider opportunities.

How does it work?

The marketing would be integrated into the current strategy for the event utilising the festival's social networking tools such as Facebook and twitter, our extensive emailing database, and other methods as and where thought appropriate by our communications team.

We'd guarantee the following:

• Facebook link to your Facebook page - which is a permanent 'connection' (if available).
• One Facebook mention in the month preceding the festival with links to the business website, which remains on the Facebook page.
• Emailing opportunity with link to business website in the preceding two-three months to festival. One featured business packaged per eblast.
• Twitter mention with link to business website in the month prior to the festival. This has the additional power to be shared, retweeted and forwarded; indeed the onward traffic is limitless.
• Additional permanent link to your website/Facebook page through official festival website.

Bookings for each experience would still be handled purely by the provider, and therefore they retain all customer information. In essence the festival works purely as a catalyst in reaching a new and developing market. But it is a powerful marketing tool.

Cost?

Initial cost per business for this opportunity to partner with the festival and buy-in to social networking marketing scheme is £100.

Our marketing is carried out by a compact team of dedicated professionals and the reach of the event is global. However we are realistic and appreciate that we all have to work harder to make a living within tighter budgets.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hebridean-Celtic-Festival/70400006768
Twitter @Hebcelt

Statistics

The festival attracts in the region of 8000 individuals to the event each year.

45%* of these are visitors to the area.

The event attracts people from across the age ranges from children, families, couples with time on their hands to senior citizens.

A business survey conducted in 2011 highlighted the very different profile of visitor attracted by the festival.

The festival Facebook page has over 6,000 'likes' or people with an interest in the festival. In the last month alone over 7,200 viewed the festival Facebook page.

The festival twitter account has over 1000 registered followers and activity is maintained throughout the year keeping content fresh and followers constantly engaged.

We have an emailing database of 12,000, 80% of whom are active, which we share with no third party. However we can use this to promote events or activities that we believe relevant to the area and the festival. The geographic spread of this database reflects the global audience the event attracts.

And more?

Other advertising opportunities will arise for arena on-site promotion to festivalgoers or on the official website for a 'partners' scheme currently under development. Expressions of interest for that are currently being sought and experiential partners would qualify for a 10% discount on future opportunities.

Caroline Maclennan
office@hebceltfest.com

*Based on 2011 statistics