Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Service Delivery and receive a presentation from Jack Ellum, Tourism & Events Manager, (copies enclosed).

The Committee considered the report and presentation of the Director of Service Delivery that provided Members with an update on the upcoming Crouch Valley Festival of Food and Drink. 

The Chairman introduced the item and invited the Tourism and Events Manager to take the Committee through the report and presentation.

At this point Councillor Fluker declared in the interests of openness and transparency, as an associate of his was exhibiting at the Crouch Valley Festival of Food and Drink.

The Tourism and Events Manager then went through the detail of the report. He advised the Committee that the Festival would comprise of a two-day event that would celebrate the very best food and drink from the local area. With live music and entertainment, activities, competitions, family fun, food to meet all tastes (including pop up restaurants and intimate hosted tasting sessions) together with delicious drinks, all with stunning riverside views.  This quality event had the potential to be a landmark on the Essex event calendar.

He advised that the ‘Gastro Experience’ event had been inspired by the desire to celebrate the fantastic growth in vineyards and breweries in the Maldon District and was designed as a promotional vehicle, putting Riverside Park on the map as an event venue. It was noted that the event was supported by the Sense of Place Board and partly funded by the Magnox Socio-Economic fund (£4,500).  Approximately £6,500 had been invested by the Council from existing tourism promotional budgets.  It was envisaged that the event would return that investment and provide a model for future years and events. The pitch fees had been deliberately set low and a shared income model adopted to encourage traders to partake in the event.

The Committee acknowledged all the hard work the team had invested in this project, all Members were keen to promote the event and looked forward to attending. Some concerns were raised around access, highway safety and adverse weather conditions. The Tourism and Events Manager reassured the Committee that there were a number of volunteers, including councillors, on hand to assist with access and the Community Safety Team would be present to handle all traffic related matters. A contingency plan was in place to deal with adverse weather conditions in the guise of two large marquees. 

In response to issues on feedback he said that a questionnaire and link would be distributed at the event and a report on the outcome submitted to a future meeting of the appropriate committee. In conclusion he said he would circulate both the marketing pack and sponsorship pack to all Members.

The Chairman said that it was an excellent report and presentation, and above all, great to see our public parks being fully utilised and showcased.

The Chairman put the recommendation to the Committee and it was agreed.

RESOLVED that Members support and promote the forthcoming Festival and take the opportunity to visit the event over the weekend of the 20th & 21st July 2019.