THERE’S no Scrooge in Bournemouth – quite the opposite.

Over the last eight years, Bournemouth has resisted the most severe effects of the recession with a business strategy to increase trade as an all-year-round festival town.

This programme now includes the annual Wheels Festival, Air Festival, Arts Festival and Marathon Festival, with an estimated two million local residents and visitors attending these events throughout the year, generating millions of pounds to the local economy and sustaining and creating jobs.

In response to Mr Hughes’ recent letter about the appeal of the Gardens of Light, this relatively new event has already established itself as an award-winning festival and last year attracted an estimated quarter of a million people to the town over the six-week period.

The Town Centre BID, representing local retailers and businesses, has funded the event again this year to ensure that Bournemouth’s Christmas offer is strong and to support employment in retail and transport.

Bournemouth is unique in having a range of high-profile major events jointly backed by local businesses, event organisers, sponsors, BID companies and the council.

In addition, this year we have seen a small army of local, enthusiastic volunteers giving their time freely as festival makers.

This spirit of celebration and generosity is appropriate for the season of goodwill and giving.

Bournemouth events and the people supporting them help make the town a happier place to be.

‘Bah Humbug’ is for our less successful competitors.

MARK SMITH, Director of Bournemouth Tourism