Agenda item

(A report by Emily Spicer, Assistant Director, Communities and Housing Services)

The Committee received a report from the Assistant Director - Communities and Housing Services, which was presented by Councillor Dale Broughton, Leader of the Council, supported by the Group Manager – Community Leadership.

The report provided a comprehensive review of the 2025 events programme and two budget options for the 2026/27 programme.

The Leader of the Council highlighted that BTAC funding continued to underpin a diverse, inclusive and well?attended programme of events across the town, which in 2025 had included the Central Park beach, Skate Jam, children’s activity days, Boston’s Strongest and Food Fest, and the Christmas Festival, all of which had enjoyed strong public support and engagement. Those events had supported community cohesion, increased town?centre footfall, strengthened partnerships and improved perceptions of the town.

Confirmation was provided that the proposed 2026/27 programme was built on the success outlined above while responding to operational requirements, including compliance with Martyn’s Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025). The new legislation required enhanced event security planning proportionate to expected attendance, and that associated costs had been factored into future budgets.

Two budget options were presented to the Committee:

·         Option 1 – £41,500: to retain the established programme including the six?week summer beach, Skate Jam, community events, Boston’s Strongest and the Christmas Festival (with a £17,000 BTAC contribution).

·         Option 2 – £65,500: to include all of Option 1 plus an additional £24,000 to support a large?scale music event in Central Park.

For the next year, events such as Boston Bike Night, Boston Running Festival and Mayfair would continue and those events would be funded externally.

Deliberation by members occurred in relation to the two options set out within the report and the following points were raised:

·         Appreciation of the Events Team’s work throughout 2025 was expressed, including the professional delivery of events.

·         The public now expected a strong annual programme and BTAC’s investment had significantly improved the town’s offer.

·         There was broad support for Option 2, on the basis that the proposed music event would:

1. attract large numbers of residents and visitors,
2. strengthen community cohesion through music,
3. promote local talent and broaden the town’s cultural identity,
4. build on the success of past events and the sense of expectation that successful events had been delivered by the events team.

• Members debated the estimated £24,000 cost for the music event, including whether it could be delivered for a lesser sum. The Group Manager – Community Leadership and the Leader of the Council explained that the cost reflected essential operations including staging, PA equipment, security, first aid and logistics.
• It was confirmed that event sponsorship discussions were underway.
• A Member noted the recent publication of a “save the date” message on social media referring to an August event. A range of views were expressed about the importance of ensuring that public communications did not create assumptions about decisions that rested with the Committee. The Leader of the Council clarified that no specific content, format or location had been committed by the message, and it was intended only as a general promotional placeholder pending Committee approval of the budget.
• In relation to whether the 2025 Pride event would be repeated, it was confirmed that the music event was the focus for 2026 but, if an event organiser wanted to include a Pride event in the future, it would be considered.
• Several Members reflected on BTAC’s broader role in supporting events that enhanced Boston’s identity, community spirit and economic vitality.

• There was general consensus in favour of Option 2.

The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Paul Gleeson and seconded by Councillor Anton Dani.

Resolved:

That Budget Option 2 - £65,500 including £17,000 funding contribution for a 3-day Christmas Festival and a further £24,000 contribution towards an inclusive music event, be approved.