Lichfield Cathedral has been awarded the Tourism Business of the Year Award at Lichfield District Council's second Beacon Awards, a celebration of local businesses and charities. 

The evening saw business leaders from across the district celebrating each other’s successes together. In the category of Tourism Business of the Year Lichfield Maize Maze came Commended and Lichfield Garrick Theatre was Highly Commended.

The category was judged by Chris Nobel (Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police), Tom Shepherd (Upstairs by Tom Shepherd) and Lizzie Barton (Assistant Director of Lichfield District Council).

Lizzie Barton presented the award on the night: “The judges were really impressed at the way you’ve expanded your visitor numbers and your reach, attracting people from far further afield than you ever have before, and a far younger demographic, cementing your position as not only an icon for people in Lichfield but also a really supporting mechanism and destination for people and businesses across the district. So, thank you for all that you do for us and for businesses in the district. You’re a fantastic venue and thank you.”

The judges also commended the support the Cathedral gives to other businesses across the city and district and for being a cultural icon in the heart of the city.

Simon Warburton (Chief Operating Officer) and Jan McFarlane (Dean of Lichfield) went up to accept the award on behalf of Lichfield Cathedral.

In her acceptance speech Jan McFarlane, Dean of Lichfield said: “It’s often the case that people who live in a city with a cathedral never go in it, and the people who visit are the people from further afield. If you’ve never been to see us, come and see us because the cathedral is just stunning, and it is your cathedral. Not only is it a big, beautiful church, it is a great tourist attraction and the only reason we’ve won this award tonight is those fabulous people over there (the table of Lichfield Cathedral staff) and this amazing person just here (Simon Warburton, Chief Operating Officer). Team Cathedral you’re the best! Thank you”