Agenda item

(A report by Kristina Willoughby, Town Centre Services Manager)

The Town Centre Services Manager presented a report, which provided an update and recommendations on the 2021 events programme and proposals for a new Summer programme.

The report sought the Committee’s support for the proposed Option 1 event plan, as set out in Appendix B for the 2021 events calendar.  However, if the Committee chose not to support this, then Members were asked to adopt Option 2, as set out in Appendix C.

Option 1 aimed to keep all the free community events, which people had enjoyed previously, but added some new events that should encourage footfall and benefit the recovery of the town.  A major cost for the budget was the return of the Christmas Market and Lights Switch On event (not including the provision of lights) within the budget.  Officers had included the expansion of that event into a 4-day Christmas Market on Bargate Green car park. 

Option 1 would cost an additional £6,500for the financial year and a breakdown of this programme in the appendix.  The annual baseline budget for events was £41,500.

Option 2 focused on a limited programme of events, but still featured the major attraction of the Christmas Market & Lights Switch On event (not including the provision of lights) within the budget, including the expansion into a 4-day Christmas Market. 

The proposal was to deliver Option 2 within the annual baseline budget for events in 2021/22 of £41,500.

During debate, some Members did not support allowing an additional £6,500 expenditure for events.  One view was that the budget had not been identified to cover it.  Another was that, because it was not known what would happen in terms of the pandemic, they might have to cancel events and, therefore, it would be better to keep them to a minimum. 

A Member spoke in support of the additional expenditure due to the need for local events now being greater than ever.  People had endured months of restrictions and it had affected them financially.  They needed something to look forward to, especially children, and it would help to improve their wellbeing significantly. 

Others agreed, though there was concern that events in themselves could increase transmission of the virus. 

The Town Centre Services Manager confirmed that all events arranged from March 2020 onwards had been booked on the proviso that they might be postponed due to Covid19 restrictions. Boston Big Local had supported all events so far, but had decided against funding larger events due to the pandemic.  Another approach would be made later in the year, if the situation improved.  Arrangements for events were under constant review in order to make improvements.  Social-distancing measures were in place and capacity reduced accordingly, for example, the outdoor cinema events would cater for 200 rather than 499 as previously. 

A Member commended the work of the Town Centre Services Manager.