Agenda item

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

The Committee received and considered the report which focused on the business plan review and opportunities for future development. The Venue & Events Officer also provided a verbal update.

Members heard further details of the Tunes on the Square programme which considered extending the programme into May to maximise attendance and income, noting that whilst additional costs would be incurred through security provision and event infrastructure, these would be outweighed by increased bar sales. The potential installation of festoon lighting was also discussed as a means of enhancing the atmosphere within the Market Square.

Members received an update on marketing activities, including the introduction of a "What's On" brochure and a WhatsApp channel to promote events. It was noted that the existing publicity budget of £3,000 was largely committed to printing and event promotion. Members supported further consideration of increased marketing resources, particularly to improve engagement with older audiences through wider poster distribution, including the use of noticeboards across the town, supermarkets and the library. Officers advised that such promotion already formed part of marketing activity and that a list of poster locations would be included in a future report.

The Venue and Events Officer advised that proposals and options for future marketing investment would be presented to the next meeting in November.

During discussion, Members emphasised that the programme generated significant social and community value in addition to financial benefits and that this should not be underestimated when considering future investment.

It was also noted that the recommendation printed within the report was incorrect and that Members were simply being asked to note the update report at this stage.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.