A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset CouncilI’ve frequently spoken about our thriving city and town centres, which attract a great mix of residents and visitors who boost our local economy enjoying so much that’s on offer in Bath & North East Somerset. And it is fantastic to see this is further supported by the film industry, which according to figures we’ve shared, brought in an estimated £3.4 million to our local economy last year. The council’s Film Office, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, acts as a vital cog, liaising between productions of all sizes, council services and supports the needs of residents and businesses. It also makes sure the city and surrounds are an attractive option for film makers when they scout for locations. Of course, filming also brings money into the local economy through film tourism. I was pleased to see Visit West’s 2023 Visitor Survey showed 18% of visitors said that television had played a small part in motivating their visit, and 3% of visitors said it had played a strong part. They estimate that is more than million visitors a year being motivated to visit Bath by what they’ve seen on films or TV. The same survey reveals an impressive 28% of day visitors associated the area with Bridgerton generating an estimated £5m into our economy. These figure on the back of the recent announcement that more than one million people visited the Roman Baths & Pump Room in 2023 is a great boost for local business. This week I was especially honoured to be joined by members of the Bath Submariners Comrades Association and their president Commodore Andrew McFarlane OBE (pictured) to celebrate the city’s long relationship with the Royal Navy with the unveiling of The Dolphin Bell in the Guildhall. The bell which is mounted on two historic brass dolphins from the sloop of war HMS Dolphin 1882, was for many years the mascot of Bath’s White Ensign Old Comrades Association, formed in 1932, and was passed to the Bath Submariners Group in recent years. This remarkable mascot is an important tribute to the naval community and the Royal Navy’s connection to our wonderful city. As a former member of the Royal Navy this continued connection with the senior service and Bath is something I am personally very proud of. I am therefore delighted that the Dolphin Bell has a permanent home in the Guildhall where residents and visitors can learn from and enjoy it. Take care and have an enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend. | 
