Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet notes the progress made in planning a Borough music event.

2.    Cabinet approves the delivery of a music event linked to Leyland Festival in June 2020, in partnership with Leyland Town Team.

3.    Cabinet approves a spend of £75,000 to secure performers and infrastructure, and to underwrite the overall cost of the event.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member (Health, Wellbeing and Leisure), presented a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development that updated on progress made in the planning of a Borough music event. The report also sought approval of a £75,000 spend to secure performers and infrastructure.

The Music Festival would take place on the eve of the Leyland Festival, taking place on 19-21 June 2020, and market the two events as one, namely the Big Weekend.

Members considered Worden Park to be a great asset that could be utilised more to raise revenue. It was hoped that the music event could grow to be as big as the Lytham Festival and become one of the must see festivals on the circuit.

Whilst in support of the event, ward Councillors expressed reservations on how the festival would impact local residents and asked that the Council work closely with the community on the preparations

The Cabinet Member gave assurances that due regard would be given to all aspects of safety and parking options so that disruptions to residents would be kept to a minimum.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet notes the progress made in planning a Borough music event.

2.    Cabinet approves the delivery of a music event linked to Leyland Festival in June 2020, in partnership with Leyland Town Team.

3.    Cabinet approves a spend of £75,000 to secure performers and infrastructure, and to underwrite the overall cost of the event.

Reason(s) for the decision:

To gain approval to spend and move the music event forward to the next stage of preservation. Given the Corporate Plan commitment to deliver an event in summer 2020, much of the preparation needs to begin in November 2019.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The first alternative consideration was to commission an external provider to run the event on the Council’s behalf. This was discounted on grounds of affordability, as well as potential negative impact on the long-standing and successful relationship with Leyland Festival Committee.

The second alternative consideration was to transfer the new budget in its entirely to Leyland Town Team. In agreement with the Chair of the Town Team, this was rejected as not in keeping with the desired model of partnership delivery.