IBMA World Of Bluegrass Attendance & Economic Impact Figures Released

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IBMA World of Bluegrass, which includes IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC, saw a combined attendance of 101,368 with the return to an in-person event in Raleigh, North Carolina this fall.

Last year’s IBMA World of Bluegrass took place virtually due to health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the interest of health and safety, attendance and participation in all registered and ticketed IBMA World of Bluegrass activities this year required proof of vaccination.

This year’s festivities also generated more than $5.7 million in direct economic impact within Wake County according to figures released by the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh). According to a release from IBMA, the $5.7 million is from tourism economic impact only, and does not include spending from locals, nor does it include a multiplier of indirect or induced impacts.

“It was vitally important to get back to live bluegrass music, as both musicians and fans were impacted by the events of the last two years,” says Pat Morris, executive director of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). “The IBMA was able to accomplish holding a great weeklong event in a safe environment and we are so grateful for the lead support of PNC Bank and all of our partners in Raleigh who helped make the event possible, and to the fans that returned, again, to make this the best week of bluegrass in the world. It was a tremendous event, and we can’t wait to be back in Raleigh in 2022!”

Earlier this summer, the IBMA announced a three-year extension to keep the event in Raleigh through 2024. Next year’s IBMA World of Bluegrass will take place Sept. 27 – Oct. 1, 2022.

LB Cantrell
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