Agenda item

Report of the Cultural Services Team Manager

The Cultural Services Team Manager presented the report to members, providing an update on each event.

December – Christmas Lights Switch on Event

The ‘Christmas in Coalville’ event had taken place on 3 December and was well attended, with no incidents or problems reported.  The use of the whole of the upper car park had worked really well and created a nice feel.  The headline act ‘Little Chix’  had been very well received and thanks were expressed to John Sketchley at Hermitage FM.  So far 212 votes had been cast for the best dressed window competition and 10 businesses had taken part in the toy trail, which was the maximum possible number.  Free parking would continue on Saturdays in December.

Councillor M B Wyatt commented that quite a few of the local businesses on High Street felt that they were neglected and the clock tower was underused.  He added that a lot of the High Street businesses reported that on the day of the event their income was down because the footfall had been moved away from High Street to other areas and a lot of vendors at the event were not local.  As a result, local businesses did not benefit.  He stated that the reason a lot of businesses on High Street did not have a tree was due to the £50 cost.  He added that the Coalville Town Team did not represent traders and did not consult them at all.  He felt that the event was damaging to High Street.  He commented that the tree was excellent, however the area around the clock tower was underused.

Councillor J Geary thanked Councillor M B Wyatt for his comments which he felt should be taken into consideration.

The Head of Community Services advised that the comments would be considered by the Events sub group to take into consideration for next year’s event.  In respect of utilising the clock tower, he advised that smaller attractions could be considered for this area, however there were limitations due to the potential volume of people and safety concerns. 

Councillor M Specht thanked the event organisers.

Councillor D Everitt agreed with the comments made by Councillor M B Wyatt in respect of the High Street shops.  He added that there were so many people attending the event that more could be done to spread the attractions out. 

Councillor P Purver complimented the leaflet which she felt worked well and looked fantastic.  She also commended the signposting at the event.

Councillor J Legrys relayed comments in respect of problems with the electricity supply and the food fair traders not being local and too expensive.  He added however that the event was put together by Coalville Town Team rather than the Council. 

Coalville Christmas Decorations

The Christmas lights were installed on schedule and did not impinge upon the Remembrance Day commemoration.  The lights on the Council offices had to undergo some level of repair as well as the lights on the clock tower. Eight of the new timers had been installed.  A number of traders have put up trees on High Street which looked lovely.  Coalville Market was well lit and presented a really nice effect when the lights were switched on.  Following the comments made previously, the Christmas tree had benefitted from been lit from 7am until midnight each day and the picket fencing looked much better.  No complaints had been received relating to the Christmas tree.  The age of the lighting stock was highlighted, as well as the increasing need for repairs.  Of the stock available, 55% was in full working order with the remaining 45% either failing or not working.  The bagatelles on the lamp columns were also no longer available off the shelf as the technology had since moved on. 

The Head of Community Services highlighted the options going forward, to replace the lighting stock or to consider an alternative funding model whereby the stock was rented. 

Some members felt that it would be better to rent the lighting due to the technology progressing so quickly.  It was considered that this might provide a better variation each year.

Councillor M B Wyatt commented that having a good show of lights meant a lot to residents and was a really important aspect of Christmas. 

It was agreed that a report be brought to the next meeting exploring the options to enable a decision to be made.

Coalville Christmas Events – December 2016

The poster highlighting key events for December had been very well received.  Work was currently in progress on the January – March version.

Councillor M Specht commented that it would be helpful if the poster showed timings and costs.  The Cultural Services Team Manager advised that the poster was intended to provide a snapshot to entice people to find out more.  She added that there was limited space on the poster and each event was supported by its own literature.  She advised that she would relay the comments made to the Communications Team.

Councillor M B Wyatt referred to the errors made in the Coalville Town Guide which had been locally distributed.  Councillor P Purver commented that when adverts were placed, usually the onus was on the person placing the advert to proof read the content before publication.  She added that this would reduce the pressure on the Council.  The Head of Community Services advised that this issue had been investigated and lessons learnt.

A discussion took place on the proposed dates for the events sub group.  The preferred dates were Thursday, 12 January, Thursday 9 February and Wednesday, 15 March.  The Cultural Services Team Manager to circulate the dates by email.

Councillor P Purver mentioned the Snibston miners gala which was seeking heritage funding.  She asked if there was any way the Council could assist.  The Cultural Services Team Manager advised that she was meeting with Stuart Warburton about the miners gala in January and would provide an update at the next meeting if this could be progressed.

It was moved by Councillor J Geary, seconded by Councillor J Cotterill and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)  The progress update on 2016/17 events be noted

b) The preferred dates for 2017 meetings of the events sub group are as follows:

     Thursday, 12 January 2017

     Thursday, 9 February 2017

     Wednesday, 15 March 2017

c)   A report be brought to the next meeting to consider the options in respect of      Christmas lights.