West Country plays 'starring role' in new Wonka film, out today
B&NES Council say they're confident the new film will bring a boost to the local tourism economy
B&NES Council say they're confident the Wonka film will bring a big boost in tourism numbers.
The movie, which tells the origin story of Willy Wonka, was partly filmed in the city, and is out on general release today.
They say the economic impact can't be underestimated - with swathes of Bridgerton-related tours already bringing a big boost to the region.
Wonka stars Timothée Chalamet in the title role, along with newcomer Calah Lane and an ensemble cast including Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Tom Davis, Olivia Colman, and Hugh Grant.
The city became a winter wonderland with iconic locations such as Parade Gardens and Bath Street being dressed in artificial snow for the filming.
Filming was co-ordinated by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Film Office, which promotes the district as a film and TV location and helps productions to access public areas with the minimum of disruption to residents and businesses.
Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, said: “Bath continues to be a magnet to film makers. Already well known for period dramas such as Bridgerton and contemporary dramas such as McDonald and Dodds, Wonka shows Bath can also provide spectacular backdrops to fantasy worlds as well.”
“Film production not only generates direct economic advantages for the city but also serves as a catalyst for tourism growth.”
Warner Brothers recently revealed their Barbie movie contributed more than £80 million to the UK economy and created 685 jobs, with the economic impact being felt far and wide.
It's is hoped Wonka will give tourists another reason to visit Bath.
Kathryn Davis, CEO of Visit West, said: “Screen tourism, or setjetting, has been identified globally as a trend and a motivator for inspiring visits that is only growing. We have seen the impact particularly of Bridgerton, but content created for our VisitBath website focussing on film locations have a huge impact.
"With such a star studded cast and being one of the year’s most anticipated family films, we are confident that Wonka, showcasing Bath on the big screen, will be a catalyst to visit for many keen to tick off the location spots. We’ve already published our location blog with help from Bath Film Office, and now can’t wait to catch the film and develop new ideas to encourage visitors, particularly post-Christmas.”