The Executive Director, Commercial Services will update the Committee on the 2015 Events Programme.
Minutes:
The Committee received a presentation from Martin Chisholm, Business Manager on the Review of the 2015 Events Programme.
The presentation covered the range of events provided and numbers of people who attended.
The Chairman thanked Martin for the presentation and asked if the Committee had any comments/questions which are summarised below:
Councillor Tyler stated that the events appeared to be received well, and asked if the events provided was something that other towns of similar size to King’s Lynn did.
In response, the Business Manager explained that events such as GEAR, the Olympic Torch and the Classic Car show were very successful events in bringing people into the town.
In relation to the luminaire display, it was confirmed that currently officers were looking to have a Xmas display on some buildings.
In response to a comment, the Business Manager explained that the 60% of the fee from the spitfire trail was going towards the Mayor’s Chairty.
Reference was to niche markets within the town and it was explained that these tried to be put on when events were taking place.
It was reported that the footfall on the 40s day was up by 50-60% and for the Mods and Rockers event was up by 70%.
The Business Manager explained that Sunday events produced the strongest increase in footfall. He added that the niche events were not always as successful.
The Executive Director explained that some basic research was carried out to see what worked in other places. He added that a lot of work and effort went in to the planning of the events. In relation to the luminaire light show he was aware that people did come to King’s Lynn specifically to look at them. He added that Xmas would be a unique selling point as not many places had the light shows with sounds and lights.
Councillor Rochford referred to the Heritage Open Day and highlighted that a lot of restaurants were closed, and suggested that businesses should be encouraged to keep open longer on Sundays when events were taking place.
The Business Manager also expressed disappointment as the events were publicised.
The Business Manager also explained that a report would be presented to the Joint Panel Meeting in due course.
Councillor Mrs Nockolds, Portfolio Holder, explained that a report would be going to the Town Centre Partnership and to a Panel meeting. The Eastern Daily Press also did a report on the events and the media in general was also helping to promote events.
Councillor Collop stated that there must be a budget in order to be able to provide these events. The Executive Director explained that there was a Town Centre Promotions budget of £150,000. Councillor Collop asked if he could have a breakdown of finances and it was explained that this would be included within the Panel report.
The Executive Director explained that there were a lot of good things happening in King’s Lynn for example redevelopment of the Tuesday Market Place and Saturday Market Place, bus station, riverfront – all of which had helped to lift King’s Lynn. He added that if you could attract people to visit King’s Lynn then they felt that it was a good place to visit.
The Business Manager asked that if any Member had feedback on any of the events, then please email him.
Councillor McGuinness referred to car parking promotions, and asked whether the lost revenue from less car parking spaces had been taken into account. In response the Business Manager explained that there was parking capacity at weekends within the town centre, although it might be that people had to look for them. He added that revenue would only be lost if someone then went to another town.
The Executive Director explained that parking revenue was up and car parking charges had not been reduced.
In response to a comment from Councillor McGuinness, the Business Manager explained that consideration was given to trying not to clash with other events taking place. He stated that the Classic Car event did clash with an event at Sandringham, but there were still enough people at the event.
In relation to advertising, Councillor Smith stated that as you drove past King’s Lynn there was nothing to tell you that an event was taking place in the town. He asked whether a sign could be erected before the event took place.
Councillor Smith also asked whether traders were given any ideas and cited shops in Sheringham which took part in the 40s weekend.
The Business Manager explained that the Town Centre Partnership did have a good working relationship with the Vancouver Quarter. He added that it was not easy for the peripheral streets which did not open on a Sunday.
In relation to signage, the Business Manager explained that it was governed by regulations, however consideration could be given to the use of temporary signage in the future.
Councillor Tyler pointed out that a lot of shops participated in the Halloween event, which was put on most years.
Councillor Miss Bambridge added that the issue of promotion was raised at the Town Centre Partnership where it was explained that signs could not just be erected and planning permission needed to be applied for. She added that not all traders were part of the Town Centre Partnership.
The Portfolio Holder explained that the Town Centres Manager did go round to each shop individually to tell them about forthcoming events.
The Chairman thanked the Business Manager for his presentation.
AGREED: That Members of the Committee would email the Business Manager feedback on any of the events which had taken place.