Issue - decisions

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           agrees to BCP Council running a three-day Air Festival in 2024, at a net cost of £200k to BCP Council.  This will require the Air Festival team to work with local businesses to bring in additional sponsorship, donations, external funding, and commercial activity of at least £100k; 

(b)           noted the inherent financial risks associated with the running of an Air Festival including weather related loss of income;

(c)           agreed that there will be no Council funding or direct staffing support for the Air Festival beyond 2024;

(d)           agreed to invite proposals from external organisations to support and fund Air Festival in 2025 and beyond; and

(e)           delegates to the Director of Commercial Operations in consultation with the Portfolio holders for Finance and Connected Communities, the implementation of these decisions.

Voting: 7:1

Reason

To achieve the corporate vision of delivery of dynamic places by funding and delivering Bournemouth Air Festival in 2024, whilst also acknowledging the Council’s current and future financial position and therefore the requirement to cease Council funding beyond this point. To formally invite proposals for an alternative model of delivery for 2025 onward and provide the opportunity on the Sunday following the Air Festival for an externally funded and operated community day/festival as proposed by the Task & Finish Group.