Agenda item

Presentation by the Strategic Lead for Economic Development and Regeneration.          (Enclosure)

The Portfolio Holders for Leisure and Arts and Economic Development – Grow the Economy prefaced the presentation on the Stamford Georgian Festival with brief speeches. Reference was made to the ‘Mallard – Story of Speed’ which was held in Grantham on 7-8 September 2013. The event attracted 15,000 visitors and increased footfall in the town centre. Mr Henry Cleary, Carillion and Lincolnshire County Council were thanked for their roles in bringing the Mallard to Grantham.

The Portfolio Holders also spoke about the cultural and economic benefits of holding festivals like the Georgian Festival and the Gravity Fields Festival. They said such events encouraged people’s use of the districts towns while promoting civic pride in the area and its heritage.

The Strategic Lead for Economic Development and Regeneration gave a presentation on the Georgian Festival, which was taking place in Stamford between Friday 27 and Sunday 29 September 2013. The festival was designed to promote the local economy and heritage of the area through a high quality event that celebrated the character of the town and build the reputation of the district nationally.

The festival programme covered several different platforms with activities and events based around families, heritage, education and performance. Highlights of the festival included high-profile speakers, music recitals, drama pieces, a specially produced Horrible Histories show, a period cricket match, a street-fayre and a re-enactment of the Stamford Bull Run. Events would take place in a range of venues across Stamford including public buildings, open spaces, churches and other historical and performance venues in the town.

Local businesses and community groups were being encouraged to participate. They had provided venues and put on special events that coincided with the festival. Partners for the event included Stamford Town Council, New College, Rutland and Stamford Mercury, Burghley, Royal Horticultural Society, Horrible Histories, Shade-makers and the Bath Minuet Company. The team had been particularly pleased with the level of support and input from partners.

To complement the festival, education packs for primary school children had been produced and were available online. There would also be traditional fairground rides and street entertainment.

A wide range of promotional activities were taking place using social media, broadcast and print media, street banners and signage and a market stall. Promotional activities were supported by a number of different bodies including Stamford Town Council, Lincolnshire County Council and Rutland County Council.

Members were informed that 1,730 additional parking spaces were being provided (Burghley, Cummins and New College). These would be free for visitors but they would have to walk into the town centre.

There were a number of outcomes that would be used to demonstrate the festival’s level of success:

·         Increased footfall over the festival weekend

·         Raised visitor spend in local businesses

·         Increased return visits to the area

·         A higher number of overnight stays

·         Wide national and local media coverage

·         Support from partners through funding or in-kind support

·         Strong community engagement

Before the topic was opened for questions, the Chief Executive reminded Members of the contribution such festivals made to the Council’s priorities. She said they were a good tool for maintaining existing businesses and attracting new businesses to the district, which in turn impacted on employment and quality of life.

A number of Members articulated their support for the festival and congratulated the team on the programme. Members were pleased with the buy-in from partners together with the support of the local community. Some concern was expressed about how long-term outcomes could be measured.

Some Councillors particularly advocated the engagement with local schools and colleges. They highlighted the value of inspiring children and  teaching them about their local heritage. It was suggested that an additional measure could be added to evaluate how the festival affected children’s understanding of the history of their own community.

It was hoped that the festival would be biannual. Comparison was made to Gravity Fields Festival where the success of the 2012 event had led to increased interest and support for 2014.

In response to a question on the accessibility of events and car parking for people with mobility problems, officers explained that car parking arrangements were being publicised. Literature included the location of car parks and how long it would take visitors to get to the town centre. Event information also clearly highlighted those venues where accessibility might be a problem for some visitors.

Brief mention was made of a festival planned for 2014 by residents in the Deepings that would commemorate the start of the First World War. The Councillor who highlighted the festival hoped Members would support it.

Several Councillors also offered their congratulations on the success of the Mallard festival.

The Chairman thanked the Strategic Lead for Economic Development and Regeneration for her presentation and wished the team every success with the festival.