Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 21, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 9.1 This report outlines a proposal from the North Leeds Food Festival to hold a 2-day festival event in Graves Park on the 30th-31st August 2025.     9.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Charity Trustee Sub-Committee:-   1.     notes the contents of this report; and   2.     approves the event proposals based on the terms set out in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2.     9.3 Reasons for Decision     9.3.1 The proposal to allow a food festival to run in Graves Park on the 30th and 31st August 2025:   ·       Provides a new and unusual experience for visitors to the park, enhancing the provision of recreational opportunities, thereby contributing to the charitable objectives. ·       Secures an income by way of fee to the charity to assist with maintenance of the park. In the unlikely event of any damage or disruption, this will be recharged to the NLFF at no expense to the Charity. ·       Does not prohibit public access to existing amenities (playground, farm, car park, toilets, café etc.). ·       Complies with the statutory provisions contained within the Act and further with the requirements of the Charity Commission.     9.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     9.4.1 Alternative option 1: Do not hold the event This option would mean that the park does not have a new event and just stays with the existing program. It means less disruption to the everyday work to maintain the park (allowing access for set up/take down, ensuring agreed procedures are in place during event including litter and traffic management). However, the object of the charity is to provide a park and recreation ground for the public to use, and as part of this mandate offering activities to participate in while at the park should be promoted. It would also not raise any revenue for the charity to contribute to the daily maintenance of the park in line with charitable objectives.     9.4.2 Alternative option 2: Run on different date Several dates were considered for the proposed event. The summer was selected due to the greater likelihood of good weather (better visitor numbers, less potential damage to the ground. Note that the event would not run if it was likely to cause significant damage to the park due to weather or if it was not safe to run). The end of August was selected to allow time between existing events (race for life, funfair etc.) and so that it was not on a bank holiday.     9.4.3 Alternative option 3: Run the event on 30-31st August 2025 The proposal is to run the event on the 30th and 31st August 2025, the weekend after the bank holiday in the park. The event will hopefully provide a new experience for park users that would like to try it, while minimising disruption on those that are not interested in it. The existing amenities in the park (farm, café, toilets, tennis courts, cricket pitches etc.) will not be affected by this proposal.