Weymouth BID: Driving Culture, Community, and Commerce
The Weymouth Business Improvement District (Weymouth BID) brings together over 600 businesses to collaborate and create a sustainable, thriving town that harnesses its rich heritage and culture to drive its tourism and economic growth.
What is Weymouth BID?
Weymouth BID is a dynamic initiative, founded in 2012 called We Are Weymouth. Their members shape the direction of the town’s growth, development and marketing. This collaborative approach has allowed Weymouth BID to not only improve the town but also position it nationally as a vibrant cultural destination.
With an annual budget of about £300,000, the BID dedicates 50% of its efforts, and around £100,000, to culture.
Celebrating Weymouth’s Heritage and Diversity
Weymouth’s history is integral to its identity, and the BID ensures that this heritage is both preserved and celebrated through its programme of events and projects:
Trails: Four guided walks, and using digital QR codes on town maps, lead visitors through Weymouth’s historic landmarks.
Steampunk Weekend: An annual event showcasing an exciting and eccentric subculture. The BID collaborates with Weymouth College to design and showcase students’ costumes, and provide talks to support their professional development as well as offering eco-friendly workshops for all ages.
Pirate Festival: Now the second-largest pirate festival in the UK, attracting swashbucklers from across the nation, sponsored by BID since 2022. BID draw together local businesses to provide a packed programme of crafts, and interactive activities across various sites to enhance the work of the main programme delivered by the organisers of the festival.
Dusk til Dark with Activate Performing Arts: This popular annual event explores Weymouth’s creative potential, blending art and performance into a magical experience. In 2023, 70% of people asked wouldn’t have visited Weymouth without Dusk til Dark 2023, and 78% people spent money in Weymouth during this time.
A Calendar of Cultural Events
Weymouth BID strategically schedules events to support businesses during quieter times of the year. By filling gaps in the town’s calendar, the BID ensures a steady stream of visitors and economic activity, benefitting local businesses year-round.
The BID also delivers unique programming that attracts diverse audiences at peak times:
Dino Week: A celebration of the Jurassic coast, held in February half term every year in association with local students and in support of a local charity, combined with workshops, fossil rubbing and a new fossil trial created by local artists as well as animatronic dinosaurs and either a dino installation or AR dino trails
Elf Weekend: A festive celebration with costumed characters, parades, and eco-friendly workshops for kids. A storm in 2023 resulted in activities relocating to local businesses, which increased footfall and sales, a model they’ve now embraced every year since.
Zombie Week: In collaboration with Portland Island community action and Weymouth College, this event involves costume and makeup workshops, live acting performances and combines combining local talent with engaging, family-friendly activities.
Images by We are Weymouth
Marketing Weymouth Nationally
Weymouth BID’s targeted marketing strategy plays a crucial role in its success. By collaborating with national outlets like The I-newspaper and The Telegraph, the BID reaches wider audiences and drives visitors to its events. In-town tools like public maps, QR codes, and dedicated Weymouth tourism websites enhance visitors’ experiences, providing real-time event information and highlighting the town’s attractions.
Collaboration and Community
Weymouth BID thrives on collaboration, partnering with local businesses, creatives, and institutions to maximize the impact of its initiatives. Events are designed to harness local talent while occasionally incorporating outside expertise to deliver fresh perspectives. This balance ensures a diverse yet locally rooted cultural program.
Legacy and Vision
As Weymouth BID continues to grow, it remains focused on fostering partnerships, supporting local talent, and strengthening the town’s cultural identity. They continue to achieve increased footfall, national recognition, and a town bustling with creativity and commerce.