Tourism boost for Mildenhall ahead of anniversary celebrations

20 Mar 2024

West Suffolk Council has allocated £15,000 to Mildenhall Town Council from its share of the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) for tourism improvements. 

Sky high celebrations will be taking place this year to mark the 90th anniversary of both The Great Air Race and RAF Mildenhall Base opening. This follows the excitement surrounding the Masters of the Air Apple TV drama, based on the 100th Bomb Group in World War Two, the modern incarnation of the group being the 100th Air Refueling Wing who are based at RAF Mildenhall.

The money will be used to capitalise on these events and honour Mildenhall’s history. At the same time the funding will be used to educate visitors about the area and attractions including Mildenhall Museum and the Market Cross. The funding will provide new signage to these and some of the more modern attractions in the town such as the pump track.

Cllr Ian Shipp, Mayor of Mildenhall, said “I am delighted that we have secured £15,000 to support the tourism industry in Mildenhall. It seems fitting to announce the funding during English Tourism Week, which works to highlight the importance of tourism and celebrates the amazing people, attractions, and experiences at the heart of England’s tourism sector. The investment from this fund will help inform visitors of Mildenhall’s fascinating and varied past and signpost people to areas of significant importance.” 

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council, said “West Suffolk has a vibrant tourism industry and allocating this funding to Mildenhall helps ensure the town and surrounding villages will continue to reap the rewards that the sector offers for the unique history of the area. Tourism has the power to deliver economic growth to the local area, from increasing footfall at attractions to boosting sales at local businesses; everyone benefits. I am keen to work with partners and businesses alike to promote the area and get Mildenhall and the wider West Suffolk area to the top of people’s staycation and day trip lists.”

The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) is a rural top-up to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund - £2.6 billion of new funding for local investment to support levelling up across the UK. The Rural England Prosperity Fund allocates an additional £110 million to councils between 2023 and 2025. The Rural Fund supports the aims of the government’s Levelling Up White Paper and Future Farming Programme. It funds capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure. This will help to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities. For more information, visit GOV.UK - Rural England Prosperity Fund Prospectus. 

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