Visit West Showcases Christmas Attractions with Media Events in Bath and Bristol

Sunday, November 17, 2024

Visit West recently hosted two spectacular media events to launch its Christmas consumer campaigns, showcasing the festive charm of Bath and Bristol. The events brought together around 100 Visit West members alongside 100 media professionals and influencers, creating a platform to spotlight the region’s seasonal attractions while fostering collaborations.

Bath at Christmas: A Festive Celebration at The Assembly Rooms

On Tuesday, November 12, the historic Assembly Rooms in Bath provided the perfect backdrop for the Bath at Christmas launch event. Emma Frayling, PR & Communications Manager, introduced the city’s new Christmas campaign, highlighting its seasonal attractions, dining options, accommodations, and festive events.

Alana Wright, Experience and Visitor Programming Manager at The Assembly Rooms, detailed the venue’s restoration plans ahead of its reopening in 2026. Guests were serenaded by a heartwarming performance from the Bath Abbey Choir and enjoyed refreshments from Bau Drinks, complemented by beverages from Thatchers Cider and Electric Bear Brewing. Festive pies from Pieminister Bath added a delicious seasonal touch.

Media attendees received special media passes to explore the city’s festive offerings and create content using the hashtag #BathAtChristmas, which is linked to dedicated Visit Bath Christmas pages. Goody bags filled with gifts donated by Visit West members further inspired attendees to share their experiences. Last year’s campaign reached an audience of 756,000 views, with this year’s efforts aiming even higher.

Merry Bristmas: A Cracking Christmas Launch in Bristol

On Thursday, November 14, the festivities moved to Bristol’s Friary Building at Cabot Circus for the launch of the Merry Bristmas campaign, themed “Everyone’s Welcome to Our Place this Christmas.” Over 100 attendees gathered to celebrate Bristol’s vibrant seasonal offerings.

Jon Chamberlain, Head of Marketing, presented the campaign’s creative vision and highlighted festive experiences awaiting visitors. The event also previewed the Wallace & Gromit: Cracking Christmas Experience, introduced by Kate Statham from Bakehouse and Suzanne van Maurik from Cabot Circus. Guests explored Wallace’s Workshop and the Cracking Christmas Cafe while enjoying a festive performance by the Filton Concert Brass and capturing memories at a green screen photo booth with Wallace & Gromit.

Seasonal treats included canapés and drinks from The Bristol Loaf, mulled wine from the Bristol Christmas Market, and cheese samples from The Bristol Cheesemonger, who also hosted a “guess the weight” competition with a cheese wheel prize. Media attendees were encouraged to share their experiences using #MerryBristmas, building on the campaign’s 1.37 million estimated views from 2023.

Festive Highlights for the Region

Visit West’s efforts not only celebrate the unique festive charms of Bath and Bristol but also strengthen ties between members, media, and influencers. These campaigns are set to captivate audiences far and wide, bringing seasonal joy and promoting the region as a must-visit destination this Christmas.