Why Brighouse has seen visitor numbers rise in 2023

Events, such as the Artisan Markets, Fiver Fests and Easter egg trail, along with the growing number of shops, venues and businesses choosing to invest in the town have led to the increase, according to analysis of new data from the town’s Business Improvement District (BID).

The busiest period was June when the 1940s weekend brought tens of thousands of visitors to Brighouse.

About 555,000 trips to the town centre were recorded – a quarter more than the same month in 2022, helped by sunny weather which greeted the annual event.

Some town centre shops, cafes and bars reported they took a full month’s takings in just one weekend on Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4, as the 1940s weekend made Brighouse a destination from across Calderdale, Yorkshire and beyond.

Tracey Broadbent, BID director and head of retail at Overgate Hospice, which has four shops in Brighouse town centre, said: “The 1940s Weekend was an incredible event that brought tens of thousands of people into Brighouse.

"Our Overgate shops were packed, and the town centre was buzzing - it was a brilliant advert for everything Brighouse is about as a destination for those who live nearby and those who travel from further afield.

“Thank you to everyone across our community who came to Brighouse, shopped and enjoyed that weekend, and throughout the past six months, and we know that the many new visitors will return time-after-time.”

The information comes from Place Informatics who provide footfall and behaviour insight for town centres, retail parks, shopping centres, leisure parks and outlet parks nationwide based on anonymous use of data from visitors.

It has been analysed by the town’s BID which represents all businesses in the town centre – from shops to cafes, offices to bars – who are automatically members of the organisation, with voluntary membership also open to those outside the town centre boundary.

The BID’s aim is to make Brighouse a destination town, which is vibrant, lively and interesting for visitors and shoppers.

Its focus is to create a family-friendly atmosphere with welcoming and inclusive events, activities and engaging initiatives to encourage shoppers and visitors to the town.

Its mission is to also ensure the town is clean, safe and secure for shoppers and business owners.

This summer will see Dinosaur Fortnight return to Brighouse.

Next month will see the launch of the Dinosaur Trail, offering themed prizes, running throughout the fortnight.

The dinosaurs from The Dinosaur Experience will also be in town once again for two days on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20.