Bacta calls on MPs to show support for seaside economy with launch of #SeasideSelfie competition

Bacta is calling on MPs from across all parties to show their support for the British seaside with the launch of its annual Seaside Selfie competition today.

Running for its third year and taking place over the summer recess as MPs return to their constituencies and head off on their holidays, the competition aims to raise awareness of the immense contribution of the seaside and tourism sectors to towns and communities across the country.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the seaside arcade economy contributed £845m in turnover per year to the wider UK economy, independent research from Cebr has shown.  The seaside arcade economy also employed almost 20,000 people, providing a backbone to seaside resorts and tourist hot spots throughout the country.

The rules of the competition are simple: MPs must take a selfie at their favourite local seaside destination, celebrating the great British seaside in all its glory before sharing on social media with the #SeasideSelfie tag.

The winning entry will receive a free day out for a local family of their choice, courtesy of bacta, with previous winners including South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck and North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale.

MPs have until the end of the summer to submit their entries, with the winner to be unveiled at bacta’s parliamentary reception later in the year.

Bacta CEO John White said: “We are delighted to be running the #SeasideSelfie competition for its third year. Building on the success of the previous years, the competition is a fantastic way to raise awareness of the vital contribution that the seaside economy makes to towns and communities all over the country, all while promoting the message in a fun and entertaining way. We look forward to seeing all the fun and creative entries from MPs over the summer.”