New hope for Skegness as 2020 dawns

According to businesses who had suffered a challenging 2019, it proved visitors had finally realised the resort really is open 52 weeks of the year - and with tills ringing into the early hours brought renewed hope 2020 would be better.

Skegness Mayor Coun Mark Dannatt owns the Seaview Pub on North Parade and said: “As a business owner New Year was very good and we haven’t seen it that busy for many years.

“Hopefully, people were celebrating the end to 2019 and all the uncertainty that had been looming for many months.

“It was great to see skegness thriving this New Year’s Eve and, having looked down the seafront on New Year’s Day, I think it’s finally sinking in that Skegness is open 52 weeks a year and we will continue to drive it forward.

“May I take this time to wish you all a Happy New Year 2020.”

Lisa Collins, Visit Lincs Coast BID manager, saw in the new year in Skegness town centre, along with other partygoers,

She confirmed the pubs were very busy and it was a great atmosphere,

Many people were in fancy dress, as is tradition, gathering at the Clock Tower at midnight to watch the fireworks,

“Thanks must go to all those in the hospitality sector that have worked so hard across the Christmas holiday period to ensure everyone has a great time,” she commented.

“New Year is a time to reflect and also to look forward to the year ahead.

“The BID team have had a busy 2019, we have increased our year round marketing campaign and also produced a new Destination Guide.

“Fift thousand copies have been distributed across the UK, including airports, TICs, motorway service stations and businesses and attractions. It can also be ordered on our website.

“We felt the guide was important to reach potential new visitors.

“Our out of season and natural coast offer is now much stronger and this year has seen an increase in visitor numbers out of the traditional summer holiday season. Our radio and digital marketing campaign and our lorry advertising have been extremely effective and we continue to build on these.

“We have increased our street management budget and now employ two street rangers doing an excellent job, as well as helping improve the environment they are also developing our business watch scheme, with them and the introduction of the Disc App the scheme is much improved.

“Patrolling through the town enables businesses to talk directly to the BID team and we seek out and welcome feedback and in-put. We work closely with the local police team and partner agencies and networks and communication is strong which is key to making a difference to shop-thefts and anti-social behaviour.

“2019 was a very successful year for events, our reggae festival was incredibly popular with visitors and local residents as was the vintage seaside festival. “We also helped fund the Armada kite surfing festival, AMCA, The carnival parade, bowls tournaments, the scooter weekend, churches festival, gold wing parade and the teenage market.

“This year we are excited to be introducing an Octoberfest style event and our reggae festival returns, as does the Armada event.

“Events are only part of what we do, but they are important to help increase footfall and raise the profile of the town. Through earlier adverting via our guide we expect increased numbers again this year.

“I would like to thank everyone that has supported and worked with us,

“We are on this journey together and look forward to continuing to build on work carried out to date, without the BID funding for the town there would be no UK advertising or marketing campaigns, no website and very few events,

“This would have a serious detrimental affect on the local tourism economy.

“We are stronger working collaboratively to ensure everyone benefits.

“Other local businesses are not each other’s competitors but the other major UK seaside resorts are - all of whom have BIDs and who have strengthened their tourism offer,

“My advice is get involved and let’s work together to maintain our status as one of the best seaside towns in the UK, now that really is something to be proud of and celebrate.”

Figures for footfall over the festive period are still awaited, but Steve Andrews, manager of the Hildreds Centre, said revenues are up.

He said: “I am pleased with the overall trade over Christmas, Footfall was slightly down but sales have remained buoyant and slightly above last year.

“We had around 500 children come and see Santa in our grotto, which is an increase on last year, too.

“We have lots planned for 2020 already and will be making an announcement on our Facebook page soon.”