Agenda item

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

The Committee received the Corn Exchange Business Report from the Venue and Events Officer (VEO).

The VEO reported that January was traditionally a quieter month; however, events had been well attended overall. Cinema attendance was noted to be improving, and two quiz events had been held, both of which had received positive feedback.

Members were also advised of the two tribute music events had taken place. One featuring a returning performer, which had seen a 25% increase in ticket sales and a second event had performed at near full capacity. The VEO highlighted that much of this success had been attributable to the Venue and Events Assistant, particularly in relation to effective ticket promotion.

Venue usage figures were presented, including the addition of a new regular hirer. It was noted that the hirer had also transferred some existing sessions to the Corn Exchange, citing the high level of service provided by the caretaking and bookings staff as the reason.

In response to a question regarding cinema programming, the VEO advised that feel-good British films had proven most successful, based on audience feedback and it was further noted that the potential for private cinema hire by groups would be explored.

The Committee considered a proposal relating to schools’ theatre provision. Members heard that children’s theatre events at the Corn Exchange had previously taken place outside of term time however there was interest in introducing term-time performances, with three schools having expressed interest. The Corn Exchange offered a cost-effective alternative to trips to Oxford or further afield, where the cost of coach hire for schools made trips prohibitive.

The programme would be self-funding and therefore would not place any financial burden on the Council and events that events would potentially start from September.

The VEO also reported on discussions with West Oxfordshire Performing Arts Foundation (WOPAF) regarding their Speech and Drama event. Plans were being developed to host this community arts event at the Corn Exchange, with the organisers having presented a well-prepared proposal.

In addition, the Deputy Town Clerk (DTC) advised that a meeting would be arranged with the WOPAF organisers, alongside Councillor Crouch as Chair of the HCA Committee, to discuss the allocation of the Council’s £1,000 grant and how this would be used to support a bursary award.

Recommended:

1.      That, the report be noted and

2.      That, Officers progress with exploring the idea of theatre programming for schools and,

3.      That, the Deputy Town Clerk progress the discussions with WOPA in conjunction with the Chair.