The impact of ‘seasonal urban event’ to the hosting city’s urban vitality: case study of Summer beach and Winter Wonderland in Nottingham, UK

Abstract

Hosting seasonal urban events in open public spaces has a significant impact on urban vitality. By reviewing the categorisation of urban events, this paper explains the charactersitics of ‘Seasonal Urban Event’ through time, scale, location, format, content, function, and aim. It mainly focuses on leisure and entertainment events through two cases, Summer Beach and Winter Wonderland at Old Market Square in Nottingham, UK. The research explores ‘Seasonal Urban Event’ by literature review, open data, observation, and the survey data analysis of participants’ responses. The survey result indicates positive spatial and social engagement levels ranging from accessibility, legibility, permeability, flexibility to participation, satisfaction, and inclusivity. The potential benefits of social impact have been emphasised by participants’ responses to elevating civic pride and improving the level of social inclusion. It concludes that ‘Seasonal Urban Event’, as a useful supplement method, may enhance urban vitality in the hosting city.