Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Venue & Events Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Venue & Events Officer.

Members welcomed updates relating to events held during the summer including Witney Pride, Witney Music Festival, Witney Carnival, Oxfordshire Play Associations Play Day and other community events facilitated on Town Council land.

Particular praise was expressed for the continued success of OPA’s Play Day and the contribution made by volunteer organisations in delivering accessible activities for local families.

The Deputy Town Clerk provided a verbal update and advised that a detailed report had been requested from the organisers of Witney Music Festival for consideration by the Policy, Governance & Finance Committee on 28 September as part of future budget discussions.

The Committee also received an update regarding forthcoming civic events, including Remembrance Sunday and the Advent Fayre. The Deputy Town Clerk advised that officers were continuing to engage with those responsible for the High Street improvement scheme and were preparing contingency arrangements should the works not be completed by the anticipated completion date of 3 November.

Members recognised the importance of councillor participation in supporting delivery of the Advent Fayre and one Member encouraged Members to ensure that 29 November was reserved in their diaries to maximise support for the event.

Members noted that the revised dates for Circus Ginnett had resulted in the event taking place closer to other activities than would normally be desirable. It was noted that officers would encourage earlier booking of future circus events to provide greater flexibility and reduce the likelihood of clashes with other events in the Council's calendar.

Recommended:

1.       That, the report be noted and;

2. That, subsidised use of The Leys be approved for Witney Pride and Witney Carnival in 2027 and;
3. That, provision of £1,000 for the existing annual OPA Play Day be retained within the 2027/28 budget process.