New winter celebration for Beecraigs
The people behind the acclaimed Wondrous Woods events and Christmas celebrations for Glasgow, Dundee and Perth are set to bring their festive magic to Beecraigs.
Bathgate-based GC Live have been awarded the commercial license for the Beecraigs winter event by Council Executive at their meeting on Tuesday 28 May 2024.
GC Live have proven experience of delivering high-profile events, having designed, built and delivered a number of successful illumination trails, Christmas events and festivals across Scotland in recent years.
The five-year agreement is also expected to generate over £210,000 for the council, which can then be reinvested in local services.
Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: "It's fantastic to see a West Lothian company with an impressive track record in delivering high-profile events has been successful in their bid for the license for Beecraigs.
"I've heard many positive reports about their previous events such as Wondrous Woods, and look forward to seeing what they can do at our fabulous Beecraigs Country Park.
"This deal represents best value for the council and ensures the future of a winter event at Beecraigs for the next five years. It also helps boost the local economy by supporting a West Lothian business, who will also be encouraged to also use local suppliers where possible.
"We look forward to enjoying a positive working relationship with GC Live to deliver this event during the license period."
Geoff Crow, Director of GC Live added: "We are delighted to secure the license for future winter events at Beecraigs.
"As a West Lothian business, we are looking forward to working with the Council and the Beecraigs Country Park team on site to produce an event that will bring much enjoyment to locals and those travelling from further afield."
After the previous lease for the event expired, officers carried out a comprehensive marketing exercise to seek bids to deliver the event at the Beecraigs Country Park.
A number of bids were received and GC Live Limited's bid was assessed as delivering the best value for the council. The previous operator did not submit a bid to continue to run the event.
Under the terms of the license, the council will receive both a set fee and an agreed percentage of the ticket sales with a guaranteed minimum income of £30,000 per year, which is nearly double the income under the previous agreement.
