Manchester is bracing itself for a May Bank Holiday filled with fancy dress and pub crawls, as more than 2,400 stag and hen revellers descend on the city.
An estimated 53,652 more pints will be pulled and 1,453 kebabs served across Manchester – pumping more than £650,000 into the economy, a report predicts.
More than 2,000 stags and 400 hens are expected to spend £194,000 on accommodation and £14,500 on transport, providing a boost to Manchester’s local businesses.
Mike Ferguson, owner of events company Stag and Hen Manchester, said this weekend he had 30 different groups staying across the Noth West, double the average booking.
He explained that it was a popular time for hen and stag events, but spending varied.
“It’s a necessary disposable spend, a necessary part of wedding planning it just depends on personal circumstances and the budget of everyone in the group,” Mr Ferguson added.
“Manchester is a city that’s very unique with a lot of different things to do all within walking distance of the city centre accommodation, that allows the groups not only to enjoy a large variety of different activities, but also a large variety of different areas,” he said.
Russell Coates from Attic Fancy Dress in the Northern Quarter’s Afflecks Palace said May was a traditional time for hen and stag parties as it used to mean people paid less tax to get married in this month
Mr Coates explained it was difficult to pick out costume trends, but recommended: “Keep your eyes on the movies, the big ones coming out this summer and don’t be afraid to try something new.”
The report predicts a 44% annual increase in UK stag and hen parties, with more than 70,000 revellers descending in record-breaking numbers.
Top pre-wedding party destinations include Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Brighton, Newcastle and London.
James Baddiley, chief executive officer of the events company Chillisauce.co.uk, who released the report, said: “Towns and cities will be buzzing.
“Local businesses need to be prepared for the influx of people out to have a good time, but the money they spend will surely be very welcome.”
The full report can be accessed here: http://www.leisurestats.com/
Picture courtesy of avlxyz, with thanks.
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