The Lead Member for Leisure and Arts introduced a report setting out details of the programme of events planned for the 2023/24 financial year.  It was noted that the report covered events being planned or supported by the Council and all known events being planned in the Borough, including those being delivered by third parties/commercial businesses.  At this early stage, events were still being developed so further activities were likely to be added to the programme.

In response to questions, the Museums’ Director confirmed that the Carriage Museum would be open from 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. every Saturday from 15 April 2023 until the end of September 2023, including the day of the River Festival.

Members drew attention to other events taking place over the next few months and requested that they be added to the programme.  They emphasised the need to proactively promote events in order to create interest in the area, bring benefits for the local economy and enhance social and cultural well-being.  It was suggested that Members should be requested to promote the events programme to residents within their wards and encourage local communities to feed activities into the events programme.

RESOLVED:  That, subject to the points raised in the discussion, the report be noted.