Agenda item

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.

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 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The Board was advised that the 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, it was recommended to cease any further work on delivery of an Air Festival whilst recognising the process in place for new events to come forward in the future. It was noted that since the publication of the report the potential. In discussion of this item a number of issues were raised and responded to including:

·       Economic Impact - Members debated the value of the Air Festival to the local economy, including the impact this had on the tourism sector and the potential loss that this would lead to if the Air festival did not continue. The cost impact upon the Council was also considered given the Council’s current financial situation

• Costing Methodology - There was disagreement over whether staff recharges should be considered in analysing the net cost of the event. The Portfolio Holder maintained that they should, while others argued this overstated the true cost and would not be included when considering other issues as these staff would still be employed regardless of the event.
• Martyn’s Law - Officers explained that forthcoming legislation would introduce stricter security requirements at public events and significantly increase the cost and complexity of hosting large events. This had been factored into the options and recommendation.
• Alternative Event Models - Suggestions were made for lower-cost or scaled-down versions of the event, such as standalone Red Arrows displays/fly-pasts or community-led initiatives with reduced infrastructure requirements. The Board was advised that should a realistic proposal be put forward these could still be considered but at the moment there was nothing on the table
• Private Sector Involvement - Members questioned why local businesses and BIDs had not stepped forward to fund or manage the event, given the benefits they receive. As was mentioned previously it was a significant cost to host the event, and the BIDs and local businesses were already dealing with pressures in the current financial climate.
• Council Priorities and Resource Allocation - The debate highlighted differing views on the Council’s role in supporting tourism and events, with some Members arguing that the Air Festival should remain a core priority, while others emphasised the need to focus on statutory services. Whilst it was clear that the air show brought money into the local area it was noted that there was significant budget pressures and this had not been accounted for within the Council’s MTFP.

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

Voting: 9 in favour; 2 against

Cllrs J Beesley and P Broadhead asked for their votes against the proposal to be recorded.

Cllr Broadhead left the meeting following this item.