INTERVIEW: ‘We’re buzzing to be back’ – Highest Point organiser on musical superstars, multi-million-pound economy boost and the importance of charity

Wednesday, 20 April 2022 11:44

The Highest Point festival is just weeks away, and it’s been revealed that the event provides a multi-million-pound boost to the North Lancashire economy.

Beyond Radio caught up with organiser, Richard Dyer, to find out how preparations have been going ahead of the four-day event next month at Williamson Park.

Only limited tickets remain for the festival between May 12^th-14^th, which sees headliners Richard Ashcroft, Clean Bandit and Kaiser Chiefs in town, along with dozens of other internationally acclaimed artists and bands. The festival ends with a big family fun day on Sunday, May 15^th.

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‘’We’re buzzing to be back,’’ said Richard. ‘’In about two weeks’ time we head into the park to begin work. Gradually over the next couple of weeks people will see us putting our new fence up and the park being transformed into the Highest Point site.

‘’It’s my favourite weekend of the year.

‘’The site at Williamson Park comes with its challenges, but I was born in Lancaster, I used to come here all the time growing up and the place means so much.

‘’There are not many festival sites that include tarmac roads, butterflies and play areas! We work with a wonderful team at Lancaster City Council, who help make it all happen. The site is already amazing, we just add some music to it!’’

Click here to listen to Beyond Radio’s Nathan Hill in conversation with Highest Point organiser, Richard Dyer:

Richard recognises the disruption an event of such magnitude causes the local area, but says most people understand the huge economic benefits the festival brings to North Lancashire.

An economic study after the 2021 event showed an estimated £4.68 million pounds was generated in the local area as a result of the event.

‘’For most people in North Lancashire, they are positive,’’ he said. ‘’We have lots of shops on board, we fill local hotels, we use local suppliers where possible, and the fact that Lancaster is booming all weekend long is just magnificent. We attract about 35,000 people over the weekend, both locals and outsiders.’’

Charity is also a very important element to the festival, and this year money is being raised in memory of Chris Glaba, who passed away after a battle with cancer in 2018.

Richard adds: ‘’Chris was a great friend of ours who worked to establish us at the very start.

‘’After he died, we wanted to do something in his honour, as his memory lives with us forever.

‘’He introduced us to Macmillan Cancer Support, and this year, we invite festival goers to ‘buy a (virtual) drink for Chris’ when they’re at the bar. This will be a donation straight to the charity as a thank you for the work they did for Chris and everyone else they provide services for.’’

Remaining tickets for Highest Point can be purchased at www.skiddle.com