Agenda item

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

The Committee received and considered the report of the Deputy Venue & Events Officer relating to past and upcoming events that the Council were involved in or supporting.

Members had earlier received a verbal update from the representative of Witney Music Festival which members were very keen to receive. The two-day event at The Leys was attended by over 5,000 people, however WMF had seen an increase in costs of 30% therefore WMF thanked the Council for its continued support. Members asked that the financial accounts for 2023 be made available as soon as possible along with an interim financial statement for 2024 so that the Council may see how the £10,000 monetary contribution was allocated. It was confirmed that no funds were being provided by WMF to Witney Town FC as an official sponsor.

The Committee were disappointed to hear of the issues being experienced following the introduction by West Oxfordshire District Council of a new policy surrounding the application for street closures which had resulted in Town Council Officers having to hand deliver over 100 letters to local businesses and residents and obtain signed agreement in order to submit an application to close streets for the period of Remembrance on 10 November. Members who were also Councillor on WODC agreed that they would investigate the matter to ask if a dispensation could be offered.

Members heard of the plans for the annual children’s Advent Fayre and were asked to ensure that they provide their help in order that the event can successfully run.

Resolved:

1.      That, the report be noted, and

2.      That, accounts from Witney Music Festival are provided to the Town Council ahead of the next meeting and,

3.      That, Councillors note support is needed from them to ensure the Advent Fayre can run successfully.