Footfall doubles at Coventry museum as curator receives major national award
A Coventry museum has seen its footfall double over the last year with the city’s music heritage in the spotlight and its curator receiving a major award.
Coventry Music Museum has thrived in its 10th year with the launch of new exhibitions and the national success of BBC drama ‘This Town’ putting the city’s music back on the national stage.
The successful year for the museum was topped off by curator Pete Chambers receiving the coveted Visit England Tourism Superstar Award.
After being named winner earlier this year, this month he collected the national award at The Visit Britain Awards for Excellence.
Pete was nominated for the award by Destination Coventry, the city’s destination management organisation (DMO), which is part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP).
Pete, a music historian and journalist, is a volunteer who founded and opened Coventry Music Museum in 2013.
The museum, which is in the heart of the 2-Tone Village, celebrates the history and heritage of music in Coventry.
Pete said: “We’ve definitely seen a rise in visitors over the last year, footfall has doubled and there are a number of factors which have contributed to that.
“We’ve seen growth in domestic visitors, with our overseas visitor numbers staying steady, and I think that can be put down to the national success of This Town.”
Visitors to Coventry Music Museum will see the trophy take pride of place on arrival at the museum.
Pete collected his Visit England Tourism Superstar Trophy in Liverpool to the sounds of The Specials.
The ceremony saw Pete recognised for providing exceptional hospitality and personalised experiences he provides to visitors, for example a special package for an autistic music fan.
“I’ve put the award in a cabinet at the museum and many visitors have asked me about it. People are definitely aware of me winning it and it has certainly positively boosted the profile of the museum,” said Pete.
“It was fantastic to represent our city at the ceremony, it was an amazing night and really brought home what we have achieved at the museum over the last decade alongside a team of dedicated volunteers.
“We had the chance to speak to people from all across the UK on the night who didn’t know about our museum and have promised they will come down to Coventry to check us out.
“For me representing Coventry was the most wonderful part of the night.”
Claire England, Senior Destination Manager at Destination Coventry, said Pete is a ‘brilliant ambassador’ for the city.
“Coventry Music Museum is an important asset to the tourism offer in Coventry, Pete is the driving force behind the museum and a brilliant ambassador for the city,” said Claire.
“Pete is a passionate individual who deserves all his success. It’s fantastic news that the national profile from the VisitEngland award and This Town is helping to bring more people to the museum.
“We would encourage anyone planning a visit to Coventry to ensure that the Coventry Music Museum is on their itinerary.”