Stamford’s Georgian Festival ‘Bull Run’ re-enactment will be even more spectacular this year, thanks to stunning light shows.
From 7.30pm on the Saturday of the festival – September 23 – there’ll be amazing light shows to enjoy as you follow a processional route with performers and costumed actors.
Stamford’s churches will play leading roles in the event as the Bull Run re-enactment winds its way through the town’s ancient streets, involving local people, schools and community groups.
The route starts on St Mary’s Street with performers and illuminated trees in St Mary’s Church, leading through to St George’s Square, where there will be performances and light installations in St George’s churchyard. The procession will then move up St Leonard’s Street to the High Street, before making its way past St Michael’s Church.
Historic Red Lion Square will then stage a dramatic finale with a 3D projection of the story of the Stamford ‘Bull Run’ on to All Saint’s Church. Many visitors will be amazed to learn that Stamford held its own bull run for 700 years – pre-dating even the famous Pamplona event in Spain which continues to this day – which finally ended in 1839. The evening will finish with a firework display.
The light shows have been made possible by grant funding from the EU LEADER grant programme.
“We’re always looking for ways to make the Georgian Festival even more memorable, so we’re delighted to be able to end a fantastic day’s entertainment with a spectacular light show,” says SKDC Leader, Cllr Matthew Lee.
“The LEADER programme grant is an enormous vote of confidence in the event and will help us attract even more visitors in 2017. We are extremely grateful to them for their support.”
In 2015, town centre footfall on the Saturday of the festival was up by 154%. Some 70% of all visitors were drawn specifically by the festival and 60% of visitors were from outside Stamford.
“Its total economic impact on the local economy in 2015 was estimated at nearly £1m and more than 70% of businesses surveyed increased turnover or found new customers. By improving the evening attraction we hope to increase this impact and I would urge all retailers and food and drink providers to stay open and make the most of this opportunity.”
The Stamford Georgian Festival runs from September 21-24. Most events are free but to book tickets and to see more details of what’s on when visit www.stamfordgeorgianfestival.co.uk or contact Stamford Arts Centre 01780 763203.
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