Tongue in cheek tourism video becomes online hit

Staffordshire County Council has supported Destination Eccleshall, a group led by the local business community, to create the spicy-sounding short.

Titled Eccleshall is Effing Awesome, it offers views a look at some of the attractions the Stafford Borough market town has to offer, such as food, drink, shops and leisure activities.

Despite a warning to viewers not to watch if they are offended by swearing, the video was viewed more than 14,000 times within the first 24 hours of its launch on Wednesday, May 15.

County councillor Jeremy Pert, who represents Eccleshall, said: “The video is deliberately a bit edgy but seems to have caught people’s attention locally.

“Eccleshall is a vibrant and growing town with a plethora of choice for families, couples and groups. There is something for everyone to enjoy here and we look forward to welcoming more people in to our town which is genuinely one of the hidden gems of Staffordshire.

“I am delighted to be supporting the businesses of Eccleshall and I am a keen and active supporter of Destination Eccleshall and all it aims to achieve.”

Several people people have praised the film makers on social media and branded the video “brilliant”.

Eccleshall resident Beatrice Goodwin presents the two and a half minute film, shot on the town’s streets and in local venues, and there are also nods to famous town visitors such as rocker Ozzy Osborne.

Zoë Wallis from Destination Eccleshall said “The video is just the start. It’s irreverent but accurate – we want people to enjoy watching it; we want people to share it far and wide.

“The businesses of Eccleshall are working together to challenge one another and collectively raise our game. We provide outstanding experiences for our visitors each and every time they come and we are continuing to develop our town so there’s something different for you to enjoy each and every time.

“You can find out more about events, special offers and new activities by following the What’s on In Eccleshall page, on Facebook.”

Away from the shops, restaurants and bars Eccleshall was more traditionally known in times past for its connection to the Bishops of Lichfield and its castle, where Margaret of Anjou, wife of King Henry VI, stayed at the time of the Battle of Blore Heath during the Wars of the Roses.

In past centuries Eccleshall Castle was a residence of the Bishop of Lichfield and a number were laid to rest in the town too. They include Bishop Thomas Bentham, the diocese’s first Protestant bishop who took office early on during the reign of Elizabeth I; his successor Bishop William Overton who is credited for bringing French Huguenot glassworkers to the area and Bishop John Lonsdale, who died in the 1860s, who was the last Bishop of Lichfield to live in the town.

In the 18th century Eccleshall flourished as a staging town for coaches on the route between Chester and London.