Council to review event challenges

Town councillors will review the 'challenges' associated with the upcoming Kicking off Christmas event next week, with concerns raised over multiple venues.

Members of the Town Council's Economy & Environment Committee will meet next Monday (7th October) to discuss a progress report on the upcoming Kicking off Christmas event, scheduled for the 30th November 2024.

The annual event is a highlight of the event season and officially starts the festive season with the turning on of Christmas Lights and other activities.

As we reported last week, the town council are currently seeking expressions of interest from interested organisations who wish to help deliver this year's event. The report to councillors confirms that only one event company has expressed an interest in assisting.

The report also sets out the challenges of the event - specifically highlighting the challenges around two venues.

The event is set to return to High Street this year, as residents demanded the return after the event shifted to the Town Hall Grounds after Covid.

The report sets out the challenges of having both venues - High Street and the Town Hall Grounds and how event infrastructure could be split between both, especially with a busy road inbetween both sites.

The report also states that whilst most items are completed, such as road closures and organisation of fair and donkeys, other elements such as free parking and stage / sound are in progress.

The total budget for the event is £10,000 and the event is overseen by Cllr Richard Edwards, Cllr Margaret Lewington and Cllr Lee Menzel.