Wales is known for many things, including mesmerising scenery, an abundance of dramatic castes, and stunning coastlines. But in recent years, the entertainment industry has made a name for itself, and is now regarded as one of the most successful in the country.
The creative industry has received significant investment from the Welsh government in the last decade due to its potential for growth and, evidently, this has paid off. In 2023, sectors supported by Creative Wales, a Welsh Government agency providing support for the Welsh creative industry, reported an annual turnover of £1.5 billion – over 10% higher than the previous year.
So it’s clear that the Welsh entertainment industry is becoming a significant economic driver for Wales, but why has it seen so much success in recent years? Let’s explore.
Surge in International productions
The film and television sector has experienced substantial growth in Wales. A number of successful productions such as HBO’s House of the Dragon and Netflix’s original series, Sex Education, have filmed across areas of Wales, leading to hundreds of jobs and opportunities for locals in the creative industries.
Additionally, filming across the country has helped put Wales on the map and has increased tourism with fans travelling from all over to visit these Welsh filming locations, which is a huge advantage for the Welsh economy.
Festive popularity growth
In addition to the film and television sector gaining popularity, so has the festival industry. Popular music festivals like Green Man Festival and independent activist festivals such as the Green Gathering are bringing in people from all over the world and contributing significantly to employment levels.
Increase in online entertainment
There has also been an influx of online entertainment options in recent years, particularly in the gambling sector, and this growth has opened up new avenues for Wales. People are constantly on the lookout for the best online casinos and this demand for better game play has resulted in hundreds of jobs in tech and customer service.
What is the future of the Welsh entertainment industry?
The entertainment industry has shown to be an important aspect of the Welsh economy, with creative industries bringing in a significant amount of revenue and providing a large number of jobs for Welsh residents. As Wales continues to make a name for itself in film and television, music and festivals, and online entertainment, the opportunity for further growth will continue to soar.
