North Devon tourism videos launched with film premiere at Barnstaple station
Hollywood came to Barnstaple last week at the film premiere of four new promotional videos showing how easy it is to explore North Devon by train and bus.
The films highlight the easy onward bus connections at Barnstaple railway station to destinations including Ilfracombe, Instow, Bideford and Lynton.
Venue for the premiere was Barnstaple station itself. The Stationmaster’s Café there created a ‘pop-up cinema’ with guests from Devon County Council, Great Western Railway, the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership, Filers bus company and the Tarka Rail Association walking the red carpet and then being given a tub of popcorn and a limited edition film ticket ready for the showing.
The videos – produced by the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership – will be promoted using targeted social media advertising to encourage new and younger audiences to visit the region by public transport. The films were directed by the Partnership’s new Social Media & Content Officer, Betsy Saunders, whose role was made possible thanks to the GWR Community Rail Major Projects Fund.
Richard Burningham, manager of the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership said:
“Devon County Council and GWR are leading the way in providing joined-up travel options for locals and visitors alike. These videos show how simple it is to reach some fantastic destinations by train and bus, and we hope they will encourage even more people to visit the area. It was great to launch the films in style thanks to the hard work from the Stationmaster’s Café to make the premiere a real event.”
The Lynton episode includes the new direct connection at Barnstaple railway station from the Tarka Line on to the 309/310 bus right outside the station. The video was funded thanks to a Locality Grant from Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport. Cllr Davis said:
“The videos show how easy it is to get to North Devon and experience our stunning landscapes, beaches, attractions and enjoy our hospitality. With the new rail-bus link to Lynton and Lynmouth many more people can enjoy Exmoor National Park, attractions such as the Cliff Railway and maybe have a cream tea. I am very pleased to have been able to fund this from my locality grant, helping local businesses, residents, and visitors make the most of the public transport in Devon.”
Luke Farley, Transport Integration Manager at Great Western Railway, said:
“GWR is committed to promoting and encouraging the use of sustainable alternatives to the car. It is a privilege for us to be able to showcase some of the incredible destinations in the South West, which can be easily reached by train and bus, and are so beautifully captured on video by the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership.”