THE Neighbourhood Weekender festival generated around £1.7 million for Warrington’s economy.

Festivalgoers flocked to Victoria Park as the popular event took over the town on May 25 and 26 – with headliners George Ezra and Richard Ashcroft among those to take centre stage.

It was organised by SJM Concerts.

Council chief executive Steven Broomhead delivered a report on the event to the licensing committee at the Town Hall on Tuesday.

A total of 14,606 people attended on the Saturday, May 25, with 19,115 turning up on the Sunday, May 26.

Attendance on the first day presented a drop of around 20 per cent on the previous year, with attendance on the second day presenting a drop of around eight per cent.

Mr Broomhead confirmed organisers worked with the authorities to ensure the event was managed safely.

The number of people found in possession of drugs increased from 32 in 2018 to 63 in 2019.

Mr Broomhead said noise level monitoring seemed to be ‘lot better’ this year and that the police were pleased with the ‘overall conduct’ of the event.

He also told members there were reductions in complaints about anti-social behaviour, as well as over traffic and urine-related issues.

He added: “I would say that this was a positive success and it worked well.

“This year, SJM, the organisers, have estimated it generated about £1.7 million into our economy.

“That is spending in our economy outside of the event itself – hotels, taxis and a busier town centre.”

Committee member Cllr Brian Maher said a ‘big thanks’ needs to go to Cheshire Police for its efforts during the festival.