Agenda item

Report of the Cultural Services Team Manager

The Cultural Services Team Manager presented the report to Members.

He provided Members with an update on each event.

St George’s Day Flags

It was confirmed that the usual number of St George’s Day flags were not erected this year. However, flags were displayed at each side of the Clock Tower, at Market Hall and at the Council Offices.

Picnic in the Park

It was estimated that more than 5,000 people attended this year’s event. The event enjoyed an exciting mix of live music, family activities, fairground rides, street entertainers and stalls. The event saw an appearance from European BMX champion Keelan Phillips, as part of the County Council’s Big Bike Ride scheme.

The event had received very positive feedback from various stakeholders including the Rotary Club of Coalville, the Friends of Thringstone and the Sir John Moore Foundation. The main theme of the feedback was community engagement and having fun.

The Cultural Services Team Manager paid tribute to the hard work of both Angela Bexton and Julia Harley in ensuring that the event was organised successfully.

Councillor L Spence thanked the Cultural Services Team for their hard work in organising the event. He stated that he feared the event would become undeliverable if its budget was cut any further in future years. He stressed that this year’s budget should be seen as the minimum going forward.

Councillor J Legrys echoed the comments regarding the hard work of officers in arranging the event. He stated that it was important to explore external sponsorship opportunities for next year’s event as this would ensure that the baseline budget was maintained in the future. He stressed that it was important to ensure that the event moves forward next year and does not become stale. He stated that he was unsure whether it would be wise to schedule the event on the same weekend as the Motorfest next year. He cited the fact that Hermitage FM had been involved in both events and had struggled with the logistics of doing so.

Councillor N Clarke agreed that the event had been a success. He stated that officers had been visible at the event and that he thought this would help with the Council’s perception in the community.

Councillor R Johnson stated that the amount of litter at the event had dropped significantly from last year. He went on to say that it was good to see the public being more responsible in this respect.

Coalville by the Sea

Following its success last year, a similar event would be organised for families this year. The event would include games, arts and crafts, puppet shows, music and sandpits and would take place on 8 August in Needhams Walk.

Christmas Events

It had been agreed to combine the Council’s Christmas event with the Coalville Town Team’s Food and Drink Festival. Both events would be held on 22 November. It was reiterated that Cabinet had agreed that free car parking would be available on each Saturday between 22 November and 20 December.

RESOLVED THAT:

the progress on 2014/15 events be noted.