Latest news with #Devafest
Business News Wales
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
North Wales Can Lead the Way in Regional Tourism Growth
It's just over a year since we acquired Hotel Wrexham – formerly Holt Lodge Hotel – and the journey since has been nothing short of transformative. We've invested significantly in the site, refurbished the food and beverage offer, and as a team launched Connect Wrexham, a business network that's helped us build strong relationships across Wrexham Industrial Estate and into the city centre. It's been a rewarding 12 months and a reminder that when businesses embed themselves in their communities, everyone benefits. As someone with long-standing ties to the hospitality sectors in Chester and Liverpool, I've always believed in the value of working collaboratively. Now, with a growing footprint in North Wales too, that belief is stronger than ever. We've had nothing but support since arriving in Wrexham and we're continuing to invest. From launching The Savvy Fox within the hotel, to developing Wrexham's first aparthotel, The Old Registry, due to open this August, we're backing the city's growing reputation as a visitor destination. But the potential doesn't stop at the city limits. If we're serious about attracting international visitors and building a tourism offer that can stand on a global stage, we need to think regionally. That means looking beyond individual postcodes and collaborating across borders – between North East Wales, Cheshire and Merseyside. The reality is this: international visitors aren't coming here to spend a week in one place. But if we work together, we can offer them a compelling itinerary that takes in Wrexham, Chester and Liverpool – and beyond. Whether it's the natural beauty of North Wales, a trip to Chester Zoo, or a cultural weekend in Liverpool, this region has everything it needs to be a globally competitive destination. And the best part? All of it is accessible within an hour's drive or train ride. That's why events like the FSB North Wales Small Business Conference matter. Not just as a platform for local businesses to connect, but as an opportunity to build new partnerships between regions that have more in common than they often realise. When businesses collaborate, they become a stronger voice – not just locally, but nationally and internationally. And that's exactly the sort of voice we need if we want this part of the UK to reach its full potential. The days of viewing neighbouring towns or cities as competition are, I hope, behind us. The pandemic taught us many things, but one of the most enduring lessons has been the importance of working together. When Chester does well, Wrexham does well. When Wrexham does well, Liverpool benefits too. It's not a zero-sum game. This is about building a stronger, more resilient and more attractive visitor economy – and the private sector has a critical role to play in that. Through Devafest – which I co-direct – we've seen first-hand how much appetite there is for cross-border events. The festival takes place on the Cheshire border and attracts thousands of people from North Wales every year. That sort of shared audience is proof, if it were needed, that people don't view these areas in isolation. And neither should we. We've only just started scratching the surface of what's possible in Wrexham, and we're already actively exploring more opportunities in the area. But this isn't just about one business, or one city. It's about being part of something bigger. It's about recognising that if we get this right – if we pool our ideas, energy and ambition – then the northwest of the UK can compete with the best destinations in Europe. That will take leadership, collaboration and a willingness to look beyond old boundaries. But I genuinely believe the private sector is up to the task. We just need to keep the conversation going – and keep building those bridges. If we do, the potential is there for all to see.
Leader Live
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
North Wales and North West locations for DevaFest giveaway
With festival season just getting started, Deva Fest is giving people the chance to win £5,000 worth of tickets in a Deva Fest Giveaway, and it's happening in towns across the North West and North Wales. Deva Fest takes place from August 7-10, 2025 at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire and this year has an impressive line-up including Gloria Gaynor, The Fratellis, Happy Mondays, Matt Goss, and Sigala. With its blend of live music, free family entertainment and exceptional food and drink experiences Deva Fest is a festival that has something for everyone. 'This year Deva fest is bigger and better than it's ever been and this is our biggest giveaway ever, we're so excited to get out there and surprise some lucky festival-goers,' says festival organiser Phil Marston. OTHER NEWS 'Whether you're into live music, comedy, family fun or all of the above, Deva Fest this year is going to be unforgettable and now 10 people will get to experience it all for free.' Starting on Saturday the Deva Fest team will be hitting the road and hiding golden-ticket-style envelopes worth £500 each in 10 secret locations across the North West and North Wales. Clues to the locations will be released via Deva Fest's social media channels and those who crack the code first will be walking away with a £500 Deva Fest voucher to spend on tickets for themselves and their crew. Clue videos will drop on Deva Fest's Instagram, Facebook and TikTok starting on Saturday, May 31. Each video will hint at a mystery location where a golden envelope will be waiting. Be the first to find it – and the £500 Deva Fest voucher is yours – simple! The £5k giveaway will run until Wednesday, June 4 with two locations being revealed each day. With only 10 vouchers up for grabs, every second and every clue counts. Follow @DevaFest on social media and tag your festival crew to join the adventure. Clues as to where exactly the golden envelopes are hidden will be shared on Deva Fest's social media channels on the day so make sure to check them out to be in with a chance of winning one of these epic prizes.
