Bridlington welcomes back fishing competition
Anglers from the UK and abroad will take part in the Paul Roggeman European Open Beach Championship this weekend
Bridlington is welcoming back back the Paul Roggeman European Open Beach Championship (EOBC) this weekend.
Anglers from the UK and abroad will be taking their place today (Friday 11th March) to Sunday (13th March) from the north end of North Marine Promenade to Pilot Jetty at Spurn Point.
Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for economic development and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We are proud to yet again host this prestigious angling competition to our coastline. It was a great shame to see the event cancelled due to COVID last year so I am sure we will see a successful return for keen fishers this year.
“It is without doubt the largest three-day beach fishing championship event in Europe, so we’re excited that competitors from countries such as Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands can enjoy our surroundings.
“We also welcome the economic benefits the event will bring for local businesses, as we know from previous years’ experience it generates an estimated half a million pounds each time.”
Rick Arrand, President of Bridlington's Tourism Association, said: "I think it's great really. It was cancelled last year and it gives the people in Bridlington and the hospitality sector the chance to start the season of in a good way. There's going to be quite a lot of people here which can only be good for the whole of the east coast.
"I had a meeting with the Tourism Association the other day and everybody is upbeat. Same as us, we own a B&B and we've got more bookings now for the summer than we've ever had in March, so it looks like it is onwards and upwards and people are going to spend more time in the UK rather than go abroad.
"Anything that comes in and brings money into the hospitality sector can only be good. We've all been struggling, B&Bs, hotels, pubs and restaurants so they get the chance now and it's only March. We've got off to a good start especially with a big competition like this.
"Bridlington's got so much to offer for old and young alike. You have Sewerby Hall and then if you go down to Withernsea or Hornsea, they're all the little niche places, they all have something different to offer. We are open for business. We will welcome you, we hope you have a good holiday here and hope you'll come back again."
For information about the event head to www.eobc.co.uk.