Agenda item

The Deputy Leader of the Council presented the report that outlined possible funding for an events Officer and an events programme. Should the funding be approved, this represents an exciting opportunity to invest consistently in outreach and events, working towards a more planned and sustainable programme of cultural activity.

 

A draft programme of events had been developed in consideration of the Council’s corporate objectives and the Cultural Strategy which was adopted in 2023.

 

The suggested programme draws on feedback from previous Council events and the results from a consultation exercise undertaken with residents, artists and community organisations in Bourne and the Deepings.

 

The aim of the programme was to respond to the needs of residents, remove barriers for participation and reach audiences who do not currently engage with the Council’s venues or cultural offer.

 

Evaluations would be collected at each event, providing feedback to inform future decision-making and ensure that future work continues to reflect community need and provide value for money. The programme has been designed with legacy in mind .

 

Where possible, the proposed events had been structured to support practitioners and community groups to create activity that can continue beyond direct Council delivery.

 

The ambition was to grow cultural activity across the District rather than creating ongoing reliance on the Council to deliver the same events year after year.

 

Members praised the funding allocated for the Future High Streets Fund previously.

 

It was suggested whether the budget could be reviewed to continue events in Grantham marketplace to build on the success from the previous year. It was queried whether any other funding was available for the marketplace.

 

The Assistant Director of Culture, Leisure and Place confirmed that funding being provided was £100,000 and Officers had been given a clear remit that this should be spread equally across the whole District.

 

It was noted the table detailing costs of Lincolnshire Day and the silent disco did not add up to the whole number.

 

One Member felt that spending over £10,000 on Covid Remembrance was not a great use of the funding.

 

Members discussed the need for Councillors to enable and partner with the Council to help increase the attendance of these such events.

 

A query was raised on whether Officers had explored match funding for some of the events in co-operation with Grantham Town Council.

 

It was confirmed that the Council were working in conjunction with Town and Parish Council’s on Council and non-Council run events. It was hoped that communities would take on the events in future years.

 

Members discussed the Issac Newton 300^th Anniversary of his death and the events that would be arranged to commemorate that.

 

It was requested that the Council work with schools to invite them to these events, alongside requesting school pupils to host events e.g. a theatre production. 

 

One Member noticed the importance and success of British Racing Motors (BRM) within Bourne.

 

A query was raised on the ‘Bike Night’ in Grantham and the £6,000 stage. It was outlined that Markets had used their UKSPF funding to purchase a stage, it was suggested this stage be shared with the Council to save funds.

 

It was noted that Deepings commonly had less money spent on their town in terms of events.

 

The Assistant Director of Culture, Leisure and Place clarified the stage had been delivered and had certain limitations around setting up the stage. The stage required to be independently assessed once built.

 

A non-Committee Member requested a meeting with the Assistant Director of Culture, Leisure and Place to discuss ‘picnic in the park’ and ‘open-mic’ events for Grantham to raise money for local charities.

 

A suggestion was made on whether the Council could supply each Parish Council with an apple tree/seeds to plant in the Parish to commemorate the 300 year death of Issac Newton.

 

It was confirmed this idea would be explored.

 

One Member queried what Members were on the stakeholder group and how Members of the Committee could become involved.

 

The Assistant Director of Culture, Leisure and Place clarified the first stakeholder group had taken place on 2 February 2026. The stakeholders would operate similarly to arrangements the ‘Thatcher Fest’. At present, the Council had primarily engaged with artists, organisations and practitioners who would provide activities or events. 

 

(Councillor Matt Bailey left the meeting at 15:30)

 

One Member queried whether the idea of a portable projector had been considered for the marketplace to showcase major sporting events.

 

It was highlighted that the cost of a projector for the two-day cinema had previously cost £12,000.

 

One Member noted a previous Cycle Race in Bourne was poorly organised. The planning of events was deemed important and can be successful if planned correctly.

 

Members thanked Officers for the report and noted events were important ways of uniting communities, footfall and supporting businesses.

 

A query was raised on when the outdoor mobile cinema would be visiting Billingborough.

 

The Events Officer confirmed bookings were provisionally booked for Haconby and Long Bennington.

 

One Member emphasised that local, Ward Councillors should be invited to meetings of Issac Newton celebrations. The Assistant Direcotr for Culture, Leisure and Place confirmed it was being explored as to how Members could be involved in the process.

 

One Member clarified that Bourne Cycle Race was not unorganised, however, the organisers received a lack of funding.

 

An event called ‘Music in Quiet Places’ was ongoing and organised by the arts centres. Several events were upcoming:

 

-       28 May (St Mary and St Peter’s Church, Harlaxton)

-       11 June (St Andrew’s, Billingborough)

-       25 June (St Andrew’s Church, West Deeping)

-       9 July (Careby, near Stamford)

 

One Member requested a monthly update be sent to Councillors on events taking place around the District.

 

All events were publicised in SK Today, if timing allowed. Events were also published on the Council’s social media platforms.

 

The Assistant Director of Culture, Leisure and Place confirmed following budget approval and consideration of Cabinet. Members would receive monthly lists of events to share with their communities.

 

The Culture and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the proposed events calendar and considered making any further suggestions or amendments.

 

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to recommend Cabinet to consider an additional £20,000 in the events budget ringfenced for preparation for the Newton Festival. Additionally, £10,000 from the community fund for the Newton Festival.