In 2025, Rotherham became the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture, an initiative that aims to celebrate young people and their creativity. It provided young people in Rotherham with a variety of opportunities to take part in culture with a focus upon local pride and creative skills. As part of this award, over the course of 2025, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council ran a variety of town centre events and festivals, ranging from Christmas Light Switch ons to celebrations of nature and sustainability.

Kada Research were commissioned by the Council to evaluate these events and conducted seven event evaluations across the course of the year, each commissioned and evaluated separately.

The events evaluated were primarily family-oriented with an emphasis on cultural and creative activities and performances and included:

• Signals Festival Evaluation (February 2025) – Centred around promoting young musical talent in Rotherham.
• Town Centre Events (March 2025) – Externally run events occurring weekly in Rotherham Town Centre in March 2025, offering a range of cultural, music and sport activities.
• Roots Festival (March 2025) – A festival celebrating nature and sustainability, consisting of a carnival procession of local community groups.
• WOW Festival (May 2025) – A festival celebrating women, girls, trans, and non-binary communities.
• UPLIFT Festival (July-August 2025) – An urban sport and art festival spread across three days in the summer.
• Plug in and Play Festival (October 2025) – Centred around encouraging children and families to play interactive, immersive and engaging games.
• Christmas Lights Switch-on Event (November 2025) – A town centre Christmas Light Switch-on featuring seasonal entertainment and activities.

The evaluations aimed to assess the impact of the events including the perceptions of was attendees, stakeholders, and local businesses. Over 600 responses were received from attendees via in-person and online surveys. Numerous stakeholder interviews were conducted with both event delivery partners and artists involved in the events. Consultations were also conducted with local businesses, that were involved with or impacted by the events. Kada’s primary research captured information on the following:

• The age profiles, social demographics, and travel methods of attendees.
• How people found out about the events and whether they had been before.
• Attendees spend and economic impact.
• Overall festival experience.
• Suggested improvements/changes for future events.
• Young person feedback on perceptions of the events and Rotherham town centre.
• Stakeholder views on event delivery, successes, and challenges.
• Local businesses perceptions of the events and the impacts they have on high-street businesses.

Events frequently received a 90%+ satisfaction rate, and attendees often said they were likely to attend similar events. In addition to the presentation of the primary research findings Kada produced an economic impact assessment for each event, exploring the potential local economic impacts and well-being benefits generated through each event. When combining the total estimated economic benefits of each event, the seven events produced an estimated £1.6 million of benefits.

The evaluations demonstrated that town centre events in Rotherham are building a mix of retained visitors and attracting new visitors and concluded with a set of recommendations relating to delivery, impact, and future, to help the council to continue to deliver a programme of successful and growing events.

Kada Research were commissioned by HEY Creative, the Cultural Compact for Hull and East Yorkshire, to conduct scoping research into the current and potential international creative and cultural links within Hull and East Yorkshire. It also aimed to highlight the importance of cross sectoral working and the benefits of creative and cultural activities to the economy, social wellbeing and health.

Kada consulted creative and cultural organisations and wider stakeholders based in the HEY region to learn more about their previous and current international connections, enablers and barriers to international connections and the potential for new international connections to be forged in the future. Inquires looked not only at creative and cultural links, but a cross-sectoral collaborations such as the link between art and mental health care. Following inquires, Kada presented a list of over 50 global connections to the HEY Creative Board who identified four connections for in-depth study. These were Flanders, Rotterdam, Fengtai and the University of the Arctic.

Kada undertook a thorough desk review of each identified region, drawing parallels between the international region and HEY. Research focused on imports and exports, the creative and cultural sector, shared history and heritage, demography and examples of best practice. Through increased focus, engagement and funding, greater creative, civic, academic and commercial connections can be developed between these regions, with culture as a conduit for stronger international relationships.

Kada drafted several recommendations to support HEY Creative to develop international creative and cultural connections. These included nurturing soft power by encouraging and facilitating exchanges between regions, better showcasing the impact of international collaborations, providing tailored support for organisations looking to develop international links and developing an action plan for cultural and cross-sectoral collaboration.

You can find out more about the report here.

If you are thinking about commissioning a research study or if you would like to talk through an idea or hear about this work you can contact us at info@kadaresearch.co.uk.

Kada Research were commissioned by Active Humber to create an advocacy piece, highlighting the current and potential benefits of embedding physical activity at the heart of daily life. Active Humber is one of 43 Active Partnerships in England. The organisation aims to support people of all ages and backgrounds to improve their health and wellbeing by moving more each day.

Aligning closely with sub-regional priorities, the research evidenced how movement can support Yorkshire and the Humber to become healthier, happier, and more prosperous.

A desk review of current participation in physical activity in Yorkshire and the Humber was undertaken, supported by wider research highlighting the impacts of sport and physical activity on health, employment and productivity. This included exploring local NHS data, sector employment figures and economic inactivity trends. Where available, comparisons were drawn between Yorkshire and the Humber and national figures, to better understand where the region is currently excelling, and where improvements can be made.

To consolidate the place-based evidence, two workshops were held with experts in the field. Attendees highlighted how they are currently using sport and physical activity to improve their local area and pointed to real-world examples of the positive impact moving more has had on residents in Yorkshire and the Humber. They also highlighted challenges they faced supporting people to become more active and what changes should be implemented to overcome these challenges. Several case studies were selected to exemplify the research findings. Kada also provided estimates for the economic and wellbeing benefits of engagement in sport and physical activity.

Kada’s research concluded that moving more has tangible benefits for Yorkshire and the Humber, including a reduction in disease and age-related decline, improved mental wellbeing and a reduction in air pollution. Moving more also has a positive impact of the economy, providing approximately £414m GVA generated by 13,355 jobs.

If you are thinking about commissioning a research study or if you would like to talk through an idea or hear about this work, you can contact us at info@kadaresearch.co.uk

Kada research were commissioned by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) to evaluate the 2023 Christmas Lights Switch On. This evaluation continues the ongoing suite of reports which Kada has provided to RMBC to work on continually improving the town.

Rotherham ran their Christmas Lights Switch on in November 2023 to an audience of over eight thousand people. The event included the switch on, live music, street performances, a market, a light installation and fairground rides. Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon also came to Rotherham with its opening night on the same day.

Kada conducted a street survey during the event. We engaged attendees in interviews throughout the event and spoke to over 50 people. To support this, alongside RMBC marketing, we extended the survey online to reach an even wider audience. Alongside this, Kada provided review of the previous suite of reports which we have created over the last few years looking at Rotherham’s cultural sector. This gave a clear background to this evaluation, especially for the newer members of the council team.

The lively and family friendly atmosphere, combined with the vibrant music, dance and theatre performances resulted in high attendee satisfaction and a high likelihood of attendees returning to similar events in the future. Attendees enjoyed seeing the town centre buzzing with excitement.

If you are thinking about commissioning a study of your creative or cultural event, or if you would like to talk through an idea or hear more about this work you can contact us at info@kadaresearch.co.uk.

StreetLife has created innovative and immersive experiences to revitalise the historic Coney Street in the city of York. It is led by the University of York in collaboration with strategic partners across the city and funded by UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund (UKCRF) and the University of York. StreetLife’s heritage, music and print activities have successfully sparked curiosity, nostalgia and emotions whilst engaging with members of the public. The physical presence on Coney Street, in a formerly empty retail unit, has provided a space to ask questions about Coney Street’s future and for the public to enjoy high-quality creative and heritage activities.

Kada Research were commissioned to evaluate StreetLife by the University of York in line with UKCRF guidelines. The evaluation assessed the impact of the project through qualitative and quantitative analysis, a robust impact evaluation which assessed the performance and a value for money assessment. Kada qualitatively investigated StreetLife’s delivery model, strengths and weaknesses, lessons learnt and successes. We produced an interim report in July 2022 and then a full evaluation in January 2023 and throughout this process we have enjoyed working closely with the client team at the University of York. As part of the evaluation, the Kada team attended the StreetLife launch event to immerse themselves in the experience and were able to attend the Coney Street Hub in December 2022 to see how the project had developed over its eight-month delivery period.

The evaluation found StreetLife had clearly tapped into a public need for creative and heritage activities on the high street, as they exceeded several of their targets for engaging with people, businesses and organisations. Kada’s economic impact analysis demonstrated the total net economic and social benefits amount to £1.39m, with ‘Preserving heritage’ providing the most substantial economic and social value at £1.26m. The analysis found that StreetLife generates £2.20 for every £1 spent which represents high value for money.

The consultation with a wide range of stakeholders highlighted the power of collaborations and interdisciplinary working. This strengthened the delivery of StreetLife and created more immersive and innovative activities which had the ability to transform people’s understanding of the environment around them. The value of the Coney Street Hub and the University having a physical presence on the high street was also universally recognised by stakeholders.

Kada’s research concluded with the creation of a series of impactful and evidence-based recommendations for the University of York and partners to consider which aimed to build on the clear successes of StreetLife.

Since the pandemic, many Councils have had to rethink how they use and develop their city centres. Part of the challenge has been finding ways to encourage people to come back into town, and a calendar of vibrant events have formed an important part of that strategy.

Not only do events encourage footfall, but they also have many wider cultural and health benefits for visitors and participants alike.

In January 2022 Rotherham Borough Council commissioned Kada Research to undertake an independent evaluation of a Skate and Art Festival that they were running in Rotherham Town Centre.

This followed a similar, well-received Kada report on the town’s Christmas Lights event in December 2021 and would provide the council with a comprehensive understanding of how effective the event was, and what its impact had been.

The 2022 Rotherham Uplift Skateboarding Festival involved a series of linked yet spread-out events across the town centre over three days, including a stencil and spray-painting workshop, a pop-up skate park, live bands and DJs, and skateboarding workshops with GB Olympic level professionals.

As part of this commission, Kada’s research team attended the event where they spoke to attendees, the event organisers, and those running the different elements of the festival, which formed part of a wider programme of creative and arts events across the town designed to increase levels of cultural engagement.

Kada analysed the survey data confirming visitor numbers, the profile of attendees, the impact of the event marketing and, perhaps most importantly, visitor perceptions and spend. This was compiled into a short evaluation report with supporting infographics, photographs, charts, and a concise management summary with clear recommendations for council officers.

The festival proved to be a popular addition to the town’s annual programme of creative and arts events, with over 800 visitors over the three days. The research also found that 91% of attendees were either very satisfied or satisfied with the event, with 97% asking for a similar event in future.

The final assessment was described by the client as a “great report” that was “really comprehensive” and “very helpful and insightful in informing and developing similar events”.

If you are thinking about commissioning an evaluation of an event of programme or if you would like to talk through an idea or hear about this work you can contact at karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk or bridget@kadaresearch.co.uk.

In 2015, Hertfordshire Council and Local Enterprise Partnership established Visit Herts, a campaign intended to unite and simplify the county’s fragmented tourism sector and promote growth in the region. Kada was asked to conduct an independent evaluation of the programme, reviewing its activities and impact, and making suggestions for the future. Our evaluation was made particularly complex when COVID-19 struck partway through our review, devastating the tourism industry in Hertfordshire and the rest of the world. We therefore evaluated the effectiveness of the campaign whilst taking the pandemic into account, considering how Visit Herts could best support the industry in getting up and running again.

We undertook an analysis of performance data and the project context, spoke to staff, representatives and those involved in the project delivery, and interviewed some of the tourism businesses involved. The programme delivered clear successes, particularly in running networking events and in boosting its social media presence. It was far more coordinated than similar previous projects and has made substantial progress. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Visit Herts has proactively supported the recovery of the sector. The LEP Board wanted to know whether the project should continue to be funded. Based on performance, the report recommended that it “makes sense to grant an extension to the current contract to allow the Team to build on the momentum gained, offer investors, funders, and partners continuity, and help firms to recover”.

The evaluations of our programmes are essential to demonstrate the impact and value for money of our investments. We enjoyed working with Kada on an assignment that delivered this base objective, but exceeded our expectations with the level of insight it provided, by benchmarking our activity against others and providing practical continuous improvement ideas.

-Tim Burton (ERDF Projects Facilitator, Herts LEP).

Get in touch: If you are thinking about an evaluation of a project or programme you are involved with to assess its impact. E-mail karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk and he will respond within 24 hours.

Skyline Enterprises is a New Zealand-based company that provides outdoor tourist attractions. The company was interested in exploring the potential of a new attraction in Swansea, Wales. The attraction would include an 8-seater gondola, four different luge tracks, a mountain biking park, and a three-line zipline. Kada Research was commissioned to provide an economic impact assessment of the proposed facility and assess its viability.

We found that the Skyline attraction should bring significant economic benefits to the area, including construction and tourism jobs, increased tourism expenditure and wider benefits. The economic model was independently scrutinised internally (by Stantec Limited) and externally by Welsh Government economists.  This ensured the assumptions were extremely robust and defendable.  The scenario testing for this assignment was very thorough.  We looked at the potential impact of reduced visitor numbers, increased costs and exceptional ground conditions. At the Welsh level, the model stood up well to fairly pessimistic scenarios.

Karl and his team at Kada were extremely diligent in their analysis of our projections and provided great counter arguments. We envisioned difficulty due to the time difference between New Zealand and the UK, however Karl was willing to receive calls outside of typical working hours so made the entire process very easy. It was a pleasure working with Karl and we’d definitely use him again for future work.

-Danny Luke (General Manager – International Luge Development).

Get in touch: If you are thinking about an impact assessment or feasibility study of a project or programme you are involved with, e-mail karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk and he will respond within 24 hours.

Sheffield Hallam University, in cooperation with the University of Sheffield, was interested in bidding for funding through the Creative Industries Clusters Programme, led by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. To support a credible and robust bid, the Universities commissioned Kada Research to assess the current make-up and potential of the creative industries in the Sheffield City Region.  The client suspected there were some hidden gems but needed some robust evidence to back up their instincts.

The study involved the collation of a business sample for the sector using a combination of commercial datasets, local knowledge and locally complied lists.  An agreed business survey was drafted, piloted and conducted in 2018 with 180 businesses from three sub sectors: design, publishing, and music and performance. This study included a summary of current activities and characteristics, an assessment of growth and barriers to growth, and a review of the environment and support for growth. The report showed that Sheffield has a vibrant and productive creative sector but has a number of business support needs.

Sheffield Hallam University worked closely with KADA to develop a major research and innovation proposal to central government. Karl and his team responded proactively and were able to provide the in-depth analysis we needed for the bid – and all within three weeks of agreeing the commission. KADA then provided us with additional support on the bid, drawing on their expertise and experience of economic development. I cannot recommend KADA highly enough.

Professor Peter Wells (Assistant Dean, Research and Knowledge Transfer, Faculty of Development and Society).

Get in touch: If you are thinking about collating some evidence to inform a bid or want to conduct a business survey e-mail karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk and we will respond within 24 hours.

After severe floods damaged the Mytholmroyd Community Centre in 2015, the MCA took the opportunity to consider a better future use of the space and facilities and explore the feasibility of a long-held desire for a new swimming pool.

Kada Research was asked to assess community priorities and preferences for new facilities (including a pool), identify the potential future facilities options and assess their feasibility, and provide a practical plan for a dynamic building at the heart of Mytholmroyd. The client wanted us to consider differing community priorities, stakeholder interests, resources, and funding, as well as future flood safety measures.

Kada Research led consultations with interested parties and stakeholders to assess their expectations and funding possibilities, taking advantage of a local Christmas Market and cycle race to speak to 90 local residents. Using the consultation responses and evidence of similar facilities, we drew up different options based on community preferences and assessed them for viability. We provided the most feasible options along with their costs and benefits for the Community Association Chair and Board to take into consideration. We developed a practical five-year cost analysis and plan of action to help the MCA realise its ambitions.

“This study required tact and diplomacy and building a strong relationship with trustees. Ensuring we captured a diverse community voice was absolutely essential, as well as considering credible options for the future of the centre. It was well received by the council, trustees and chair of the MCA.

Karl Dalgleish (Study Director).

Get in touch: If you are thinking about the feasibility of a scheme and want to assess credible options e-mail karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk and we will respond within 24 hours and offer a free initial two hour consultation.