Agenda item

Simon Walters, Director of Communities and Environment:

a)    advised that on 20^th February, Executive approved the transition to a new approach for ‘Christmas in Lincoln’, supplemented by an annual events programme throughout the rest of the year, to mitigate the economic impacts caused by the closure of the Christmas Market.

b)    highlighted that this new approach would have a particular focus on ‘Christmas in Lincoln’ but offer a range of activities throughout the year to encourage footfall and spend.  Executive were clear that the development of such a programme must be supported by a public and stakeholder engagement exercise to ensure all interested parties had an opportunity to comment and help shape the content.

c)    referred to the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and advised that a deficit of £260,000 per annum was built in across the next five years for the Christmas market. This had been re-allocated to support both the new approach to ‘Christmas in Lincoln’ and a wider culture and events offer at other key times during the year.

d)    stated that work had already commenced on the draft programme, but at this stage, the Committee were asked to offer a view on the process proposed, noting the tight timescales involved, rather than the content of the programme. A further report would be submitted to the Committee in June 2023 with further detail on the finalised programme.

e)    welcomed the Committee’s comments and questions.

Question: What were the proposed activities?

Response: The main activities would include live music using local talent, food and drink, history, local produce as well as enhancing current events.

Question: How would there be notification of events to control duplication?

Response: The Safety Advisory Group advised people on ideas, safety and delivery. Event holders would also need to contact Highways, Police and the Fire Brigade when setting up an event.

Question: With regard to the 6-week Christmas period, when would it begin?

Response: It commenced from the Christmas Light Switch on up until the week between Christmas and New Year.

Question: What was the purpose of LCAP? Who was involved and how was it funded?

Response: It’s the Lincs Cultural Arts Partnership which consisted of the Lincoln University, City of Lincoln Council, Lincoln Cathedral, Lincolnshire County Council and Lincoln Castle. The group helped to train people to set up events.

Question: Had the MTFS funding been guaranteed?

Response: The Council planned it over five years and the lost that would occur had been budgeted for. It had now moved into a new budget head but with the same classification as other budgets. There were significant challenges ahead and things would be subject to change depending on the financial position.

Question: Would the same type of stalls be involved in the events?

Response: The focus was on a small retail offer which will primarily focus on City Square and the farmers market in Castle Square. It wouldn’t be hugely focused on Christmas this year to keep the footfall at a minimum.

Question: What was the extent of the Christmas lights? Would there be room for expansion and would they be displayed in other parts of the City?

Response: There was a contract for the existing layout however the contractor was going to be approached about refreshing them in other areas.

Question: How would members be informed of events and developments?

Response: Officers were working closely with the Portfolio Holder on the developing programme and once it had been finalised it would return to a future Policy Scrutiny Committee meeting. This had provisionally been scheduled for June 2023.

Question: Why had there been more focus on City Square than the Cornhill area?

Response: 3 big events had been discussed:

·         Castle Square – Lincolnshire County Council (Highways)

·         Cornhill – Lincoln BIG

·         City Square – City of Lincoln Council

Officers were looking at opportunities for all areas.

Question: Would the residents and local support groups benefit from the funding?

Response: In terms of the remit, the £2M funding focused mainly on the visitors in the City Centre and Uphill area.

Question: With regards to the public consultation, could other methods be considered for input instead of an online only approach?

Simon Walters advised he would speak to the Policy team about an alternative approach.

RESOLVED that:

a)    An alternative approach be sought regarding the public consultation.

b)    Comments be made on the aim and objectives for the proposed events programme.

c)    Comments be made on the approach and timeline for wider consultation on the events programme.

d)    Members noted that due to the constrained timescales, some event activity would be commissioned prior to the programme being finalised,

e)    Instruct officers bring back the final programme to Committee prior to sign off by the Executive.