Big Day Out is back for 2010!

Saturday 27 March 2010 will see the Big Day Out return for a fourth year, organised by Visit Kent as part of its preparations for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Kent's Big Day Out aims to showcase the county’s attractions and venues, encouraging local people to explore where they live and discover hidden gems on their own doorstep. It is hoped that in 2012, the people of Kent will be able to recommend the best destinations to visit when entertaining guests or talking to visitors to Kent.

More than 18,000 free tickets were made available to local residents as part of this year’s (2009) event and many of the county’s attractions, including castles, museums, historic gardens and sports venues will again be available to visit in 2010.

A Visit Kent Survey of 2009’s event found 93% of visitors to a Big Day Out attraction would recommend it to friends and family, 80% said they would be returning for another visit, and everyone said they were keen to enjoy another Kent Big Day Out!

Opportunity for Kent businesses

Tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses in Kent and Medway can now sign up and become a participating venue for Big Day Out 2010. The event has proven to be an excellent showcase opportunity for large and small businesses looking to raise awareness of their particular destination. Businesses involved can also look forward to being supported and promoted by all of the county’s key print and broadcast media as part of the event.

Fran Warrington, head of Visit Kent at Kent County Council, said: “The Kent Big Day Out has gone from strength to strength since it was launched in 2007 with more attractions and destinations taking part and more free tickets for local people year on year.

“In return for pledging free tickets for local residents, they gain tremendous publicity before the event and then benefit from months of word-of-mouth marketing – as people tell their families, friends and guests about where they have been and what they have enjoyed.”

To find out more about Kent Big Day Out 2010 business opportunities and how to take part, please visit www.visitkentbusiness.co.uk. To sign up, complete the online application form.