Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure providing a review of festivals and events activity in 2023 and proposing a programme with budget for 2024-25, and an approach for funding.

RESOLVED that the:

(1)       review of festivals and events activity 2023 is noted;

(2)       proposed events for 2024 subject to full Council approval of budget for 2024-25 are approved;

(3)       approach taken to funding festivals and events is noted;

(4)       funding allocation of the Outdoor Events Fund for 2024-25 is approved, subject to full Council approval of budget for 2024-25.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure that provided a review of festivals and events activity in 2023 and proposed both a programme with budget for 2024-25 and an approach for funding.

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure informed Members that although 2023 had been a very busy year for events in Gloucester he anticipated that 2024 would be even busier, not least with the three-day Tall Ships Festival.  He pointed to the proposals to empower communities (3.7) to shape and contribute to festivals and events and their positive contribution to inclusiveness.  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure took the opportunity to urge everyone to visit the Visit Gloucester website and see for themselves the exciting activities ahead.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods commended the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Head of Culture and his team for their work.  He noted the support given to national festivals celebrated by the Polish, Filipino and other ethnic communities which he believed enriched Gloucester’s social fabric.  The Cabinet Member for Environment commented on the success of 2023 and looked forward to more in 2024.  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure thanked the Head of Culture and his team.  He reminded Members that their track record of successful cultural activities and events derived from hard work and years of planning which had put the City on the map, made people happier and benefited the whole county not just Gloucester.

RESOLVED that the:

(1)       review of festivals and events activity 2023 is noted;

(2)       proposed events for 2024 subject to full Council approval of budget for 2024-25 are approved;

(3)       approach taken to funding festivals and events is noted;

(4)       funding allocation of the Outdoor Events Fund for 2024-25 is approved, subject to full Council approval of budget for 2024-25.