The two sold-out concerts Harry Styles played at Emirates Old Trafford this summer helped give Manchester's economy a near £30m boost, according to new figures.
Gigs from The Killers and Red Hot Chilli Peppers also contributed to the economic impact of the events staged at the iconic cricket ground this year, as well as five T20 Blast games, four Hundred matches, an England test match against South Africa and two one day internationals.
The figures have been compiled by Marketing Manchester, the not-for-profit agency charged with promoting Greater Manchester on a national and international stage.
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They have been calculated using the eventIMPACTS Toolkit and based on the number of visitors to Emirates Old Trafford’s highest attended events throughout 2022.
The research estimates the broader financial impact of these visitors by using industry benchmarks for spending habits - for example accommodation, plus food and beverage costs - from both commercial and non-commercial visitors within the Manchester area, as a direct consequence of staging events at Emirates Old Trafford.
Lancashire Cricket chief executive Daniel Gidney said: "This summer saw an incredible run of events that delivered record-breaking numbers for the venue and it’s really pleasing to see the broader impact that this success is having in the local business community. 2023 is going to be even bigger and better, on and off the pitch.
"With an Ashes Test Match, the Arctic Monkeys plus the completion of the next phase of Emirates Old Trafford’s redevelopment, these are really exciting times for the venue and the cricket club.
"Emirates Old Trafford prides itself on being a place where experiences are made and next year promises to deliver many more amazing moments for hundreds of thousands of visitors."
Marketing Manchester’s managing director, Sheona Southern, added: "It's clear that hosting major events helps generate positive economic impacts and we are lucky to have some of the most recognisable sporting institutions in the world on our doorstep in Manchester.
"2022 has been a major success story for Emirates Old Trafford and 2023 promises to be even better with an Ashes Test Match scheduled for local residents and fans from around the world to enjoy."
Next year Emirates Old Trafford is set to open a 100-room extension to the current Hilton Garden Inn, a new Members’ restaurant, lower tier stand and concourse, and a new conference and events space.
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