Agenda item

The Leader of the Council presented the report and updated the Committee with progress made on the Grantham Town Centre events programme which was funded by the Future High Streets Fund.

The events programme was being developed and kept under review by the Future High Street Board and the Grantham Town Team.

The programme contained a diverse range of events with the aim of driving footfall into the town centre, supporting retailers and economic activity.

The role of the Grantham Engagement Manager had been extended to March 2026, to support the roll out of the programme. The post had been transferred to the Culture, Leisure and Place service area to provide opportunities for collaboration with Officers involved in arts and cultural events.

The first event was due to take place in upcoming days and featured ‘The Whale’, which had been well received when hosted in Bourne, Stamford and the Deepings in March 2025. The tickets over the weekend for this event had sold out, however, other complimentary activities were due to take place around the town.

Appendix 1 provided estimated costs of events.

It was queried as to why the programme of events ended in November 2025.

The Assistant Director of Culture, Leisure and Place clarified that the events programme would be supplemented by other events organised by the Council. The Council would host the Christmas Lights ‘switch on’ and market, which was planned for 30 November 2025. It was difficult to arrange outdoor events in winter months, due to the weather.

One Member suggested whether the Future High Street Fund would fall under the remit of Culture and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Deputy Chief Executive confirmed that UKSPF and Future High Street Fund in terms of allocation, distribution and monitoring sat with the Finance Economic Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The emphasis of this report was to provide reassurance the allocation of funds was being utilised to good use.

ACTION: For the Culture and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee to note the Grantham Town Centre Events report at their next meeting.

One Member provided an update on positive feedback received from traders and members of the public in Grantham. Officers were congratulated for their hard work on the project.

It was queried why Lincolnshire Day celebrations was not being celebrated on 1 October 2025 and was being celebrated on 4 October 2025 instead.

One Member highlighted that 13 October 2025 would have been Margaret Thatcher’s 100^th birthday. The events programme did not show any provision of celebration for centenary.

The Leader of the Council confirmed conversations were taking place with local businesses and schools in order to celebrate the centenary of Margaret Thatcher.

The Assistant Director of Culture, Leisure and Place outlined the commemoration would be a significant event for Grantham. The Council were aiming to collate a group of stakeholders to work in a coordinated approach. The Council hoped to promote the events under a ‘festival banner’ to add value to the anniversary.

It was confirmed Lincolnshire Day celebrations would coincide with the Saturday market on 4 October 2025.

It was highlighted that 2027 would mark the 300-year anniversary of Sir Isaac Newton’s death and The Kings School Grantham would be celebrating the milestone.

The Leader of the Council informed the Committee a meeting with The Kings School Grantham had taken place to discuss a series of events for the anniversary in 2027.

The Kings School Grantham were also due to celebrate the 500^th year anniversary of the re founding of the school in 2028.

It was suggested that lectures take place to celebrate the anniversaries to educate people within the District.

Grantham Museum were exploring a series of lectures and talks to take place on the anniversaries.

As part of the Margaret Thatcher centenary, the Leader of the Council raised the idea of providing themed beers or pump clips which related to the Margaret Thatcher experience.

One Member noted that three independent breweries in Grantham may be interested in themed beers in support of the anniversaries.

Councillor Matt Bailey submitted the following question:

‘I would like some clarity on the funding for the Whale project. Funding was initially granted to a Grantham event under UKSPF SK2204, when the project was to be delivered in one of the Grantham parks. We have now allocated a further £10,600 of funding to this project from the Future High Street Fund budget to host it in the marketplace.

Whilst I am very supportive of the Whale project, I question why this was moved from one of our award winning public parks to the marketplace. We have had to close the marketplace for three days to traffic at a cost of £2,103 and also added security at £1,200. Closing the marketplace cause significant traffic disruption across Grantham and has proved to have a negative impact on local businesses in the area.

1)    Is funding from both UKSPF as allocated and Future High Street Funds being used for this event?

2)    What was the justification to move the event and incur significantly more costs and increased disruption?’

The Leader of the Council highlighted that this event was originally earmarked for UKSPF funding in 2024, however the money had to be spent by 31 March 2024. The Whale project is a national touring exhibition and was therefore restricted to the months of availability, which is why the funding source had been moved from one to the other.

It was felt that the closure of roads around the marketplace for the Whale project would bring people into Grantham and a higher footfall for local businesses. The location of the Whale had moved in hope to attract people to the town centre.

One Member felt the positives of the Whale project in the marketplace would far outweigh the negatives.

The Council had liaised with local businesses and retailers in the Town Centre who had provided positive feedback that the Whale would be featuring in the Marketplace.

One Member queried a bike night which was due to take place in August 2025 and why the estimated costs were £12,400.

The Assistant Director of Culture, Leisure and Place clarified it would not be a traditional bike meet up. The money was being spent on a road closure, staging and musicians, alongside power to the marketplace. It was hoped this event would attract a wider audience 

The Committee noted the report.