THE TEAM behind a new Exmoor-based music and festival say it is set to bring a £150,000 boost to the local economy.

The Samphire Festival, which will be based on Porlock Hill from July 8-10 will welcome 1,000 people from all over the UK for the inaugural event.

Tipped as ‘one of the festivals to watch’ by a global WGSN survey, and the visitor and production spend before, during and after the festival is expected to give a monetary boost to the local economy, while also helping to raise the profile of the area within the UK, the organisers say.

According to a six year report from the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), the average amount of money spent in the local area during a festival per person was £30.77.

This does not include the money spent on off site accommodation, for a lot of Samphire’s clientele seem to be swapping canvas for a bed and shower in the nearby hotels and B&Bs.

Tanya Miller, director of Millers Hotel, Porlock Weir, said: “Not only is Samphire putting our establishment on the map which is great but its bound to have a knock on effect on all guests visiting the area and spending money on our services.

"The organisers of the festival are local themselves and have our interests at heart. We wish them all the best and hope this will be an annual event”

Director of Exmoor Adventures, Dan French, also based in Porlock Weir said: “Samphire is looking like a fantastic event which will benefit the whole community.

"People will be able to enjoy the festival, the amazing surroundings, some fantastic activities and enjoy the other attractions in the area”

There are dozens of other local businesses involved with the the festival, including Miles Tea and Coffee, Styles Ice Cream, Stacked Wonky, C.J. Lynch & Sons, Churchgate Gallery, Allerford Mini Bus Company, Clive Down Butchers, Exmoor Luxury Loos, Exmoor Ales and Cotleigh Brewery.

Other local suppliers and contractors will be called for with other production costs for example scaffolding, farming supplies such as haybales and woodchip, fencing and labour which will increase the total revenue pumped into the local economy. Not to mention the cheeky pint punters have before they head to the site, or the Sunday roast they have before setting off home again!

Samphire Festival co-founder, Flora Blathwayt said: “With only a handful of tickets left to sell we’re so excited to introduce Samphire into the festival calendar and show off such a special place. With visitors spending money on and off site we’re confident it will be extremely positive for the area.”

This ‘back to basics’ festival, taking place from the 8th-10th July 2016 on Porlock Hill will see over 40 live acts and DJs perform across two main stages, including Will and the People, Ardyn, Hunter & the Bear and Krywald and Farrer. The last few remaining tickets can be found at: www.samphirefestival.com.