Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on the feasibility of providing an agreement with a potential operator for 2026 onwards in relation to the Bournemouth Air Festival along with an update on the position of potential for sponsorship for 2026 onwards.

Following the work undertaken and discussions that have taken place, this paper recommends to stop any further work on delivery of an Air Festival whilst recognising the process in place for new events to come forward in the future.

RESOLVED that Cabinet agreed to Option 4, which acknowledged the ongoing process for new events to come forward and stops any further work on an Air Festival for 2026 onwards.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations

Reasons

To enable staff resources to be refocused on working with external commercial and community events to support achieving the corporate strategy of working closely with partners, removing barriers and empowering others, having explored all options and acknowledging the council’s current and future financial position.

The Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report provided an update on the feasibility of providing an agreement with a potential operator for 2026 onwards in relation to the Bournemouth Air Festival along with an update on the position of potential for sponsorship for 2026 onwards.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that following the work undertaken and discussions that have taken place, the paper recommended to stop any further work on delivery of an Air Festival whilst recognising the process in place for new events to come forward in the future.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board, Councillor Kate Salmon addressed the Cabinet advising that the Board at their recent meeting had thoroughly debated this item in detail and that whilst not a unanimous decision the Committee had supported Option4 and agreed the following recommendation that: -

the Overview and Scrutiny Board agreed with the recommendation that Cabinet agrees to Option 4 as set out in the report, which acknowledges the ongoing process for new events to come forward and stops any further work on an Air Festival for 2026 onwards.

Cabinet members spoke on the report in particular highlighting the increased costs associated with the festival.

RESOLVED that Cabinet agreed to Option 4, which acknowledged the ongoing process for new events to come forward and stops any further work on an Air Festival for 2026 onwards.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations

Reasons

To enable staff resources to be refocused on working with external commercial and community events to support achieving the corporate strategy of working closely with partners, removing barriers and empowering others, having explored all options and acknowledging the council’s current and future financial position.