Provost Praises Arbroath's Seafront Spectacular

Less than five years after the first Seafront Spectacular was held in Arbroath, the organisers, Arbroath Events, were awarded with the title ‘Angus Tourism Ambassador’ at the 2009 Angus Ambassador Awards.

“We were delighted to be presented with this accolade,” said Howard Cargill, one of the five-strong Arbroath Events Committee. “Arbroath – and Angus - is at the heart of everything we do so it’s good to be officially recognised for how we’ve encouraged large numbers of visitors to this area by establishing one of the premier events in the county.”

During a meeting with the Arbroath Events Committee, the Provost of Angus, Ruth Leslie Melville, heard how last year’s Seafront Spectacular attracted approximately 18,000 people from all over the UK. “Seeing everyone pouring in the gates at the entrance to Victoria Park makes all the hard work involved in holding such a massive event worthwhile,” said committee member Jean Stewart. “Our principal aim with the Seafront Spectacular is to attract visitors to the town and statistics show that this is happening – and they’re coming back again, providing a double boost for the local economy and the local tourism industry.”

Howard Cargill explained that the Seafront Spectacular is an updated version of the extravaganzas which were held at Victoria Park in the 1950s. “We wanted to create something similar but with a modern concept so we gave the event a transport theme,” explained Howard. “This enabled us to feature exciting demonstrations by the local lifeboat, car and motorbike stunt shows and air displays, which all proved popular.”

Wilson Robson, another member of the Committee, added that it had also been a wise decision to include more traditional attractions. “We’ve always tried to ensure it’s a fun day out for all the family, with crowd-pleasers including fun fair rides, bouncy castles and pipe bands,” he said.

The Seafront Spectacular was a success right from the start and the committee members revealed that display teams and stall holders from across Britain queue up to participate in the event, which is fast becoming known as one of the best-organised large-scale events in the country – in one of the top locations.

“The wing walkers who performed last year told us that the backdrop of the high sandstone cliffs, the atmosphere of the event and the great crowd combined to make Victoria Park one of the best venues they’d performed at – and they perform all over Europe,” said Howard. “In fact, they asked almost immediately after their performance if they could return in 2010!
“We agreed - and they’re going to follow the lead of many of the other performers and use their booking at the Seafront Spectacular as an excuse to stay in Angus for a week so they can explore the area further.”

The committee members informed the Provost that plans for this year’s Seafront Spectacular are well underway and, although they refused to give too much away, admitted that their aim is for the event to be bigger and better than ever. “However,” added Committee member Ann Birse, “last year’s Seafront Spectacular was so good, I don’t know how we can better it!”

After congratulating the Committee on their success at the 2009 Angus Ambassador Awards, the Provost revealed that she was highly impressed by the commitment shown by everyone involved in organising the Seafront Spectacular. “Not only does this world-class event bring a great many tourists to the area, it also gives Arbroath’s civic pride an immense boost,” said the Provost.

“The Seafront Spectacular showcases the very best of this area to a national audience, considerably raising the profile of the county of Angus as a destination which offers something for everyone. The Seafront Spectacular is certainly fulfilling its obligations as Angus Tourism Ambassador.”

Harbour Nights Guest House in Arbroath and The Hideaway Experience at Balkello were both highly commended in the Tourism Ambassador category.