Agenda item

The Committee received a report presented by the Deputy Leader of the Council  which provided an overview and evaluation of the collaborative approach taken to deliver “Thatcher Fest”, a week-long cultural programme marking the centenary of Margaret Thatcher’s birth. 

The review highlighted the strong outcomes achieved through the approach which included diverse programming and significant audience engagement, particularly from first time visitors. There was extensive regional, national and international media coverage which raised Grantham’s profile and supported local organisations demonstrating the value of partnership working.

Events were delivered within existing budgets and the Council’s programmed activity generated a modest surplus which showed that high quality cultural delivery could be achieved in a cost effective and sustainable way.

The Committee were asked to note the report and consider using the collaborative model in respect of future cultural events and festivals.

(11:35 Councillor Philip Knowles and David Rushton left the meeting and did not return)

The Arts and Cultural Services Manager was thanked for organising the successful event.  The Council had been used as an enabler to promote the events which had been successful and it was felt that the same approach should be taken in the future.  One Member stated that he would like to see an annual festival put in place with the Council being the enabler rather than the organiser as it had been so successful and he thanked everyone who had been involved.

One Member echoed the comments made but made comments in respect of the costings shown. It was stated that the 80’s music event had already been programmed using Future High Street Funding it just happened that the event took place during Thatcher Fest.   The Arts and Cultural Manager referred the Committee to events listed within the report and stated that those at the top were undertaken within the Arts Centre allocated pre-existing budget.  If the funding from the Future High Street etc hadn’t been received those events listed would not have taken place.   A distinction had tried to be shown between what was within the existing programme budget and that nothing had been added.

It was felt that the event had been fantastic and the Team had done excellent work.  A question was asked in respect of next year’s festival and whether there was a theme.  It was stated that during the budget for 2026/27 it was proposed that an Events Officer role be introduced and an associated revenue budget.  It was important that this type of work was carried out across the district and it was noted that Grantham had benefited from the Future High Street Fund which had been brilliant, however the whole district has to be looked at. Possible events for the next year were a celebration of the Queens 100^th birthday and work was being done to reach out to Town and Parish Councils and stakeholders to see if there was an appetite for a celebration although it was stressed that it was early days.  There was also a National Covid Reflection day planned for the 8 March 2027 so that was also being looked into. 

Members noted the report.