Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 18, 2025

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy and Place, which sought to update on the delivery and impact of the two year Strategic Festival and Events programme. The report also sought approval of the proposed outline programme and strategic approach to delivering festivals and events.   The Head of Culture and Placemaking was in attendance to present the information and to address the questions and the comments of the Cabinet Members.   Resolved: 1.    That the progress on the delivery and socio-economic impact of the two-year programme of Festival and Events 2023-2025 be noted; 2.    That the proposed outline programme and strategic approach to delivering festivals and events be approved; 3.    That funding of £875K from the equalisation reserve across five years to core fund the programme between 2025 and 2030 be approved and that it be agreed that the RDA’s Culture and Placemaking function co-ordinate and maximise inward investment opportunities aligned to the development of the Film Location Service; 4.    That the proposed management of the Strategic Festival and Events function as outlined in this report be approved; 5.    That it be noted that the Head of Culture and Placemaking report progress and impacts to the portfolio holder for Communities and Co-operation, Cabinet, RDA Executive Board and various investment partners. 6.    That it be agreed that £25k from the equalisation reserve for 25/26 to cover costs of security, stewarding and medical provision for Civic ceremonial events to be addressed through budget setting process or income in following years.   Reason for decision: Between 2023 and 2025, the directly delivered Strategic Festival and Events programme alone (excluding the partnership festival activity facilitated) had delivered significant tangible socio-economic benefits. The recommendations outlined in this report aimed to consolidate and extend the impacts of the programme on the socio-economic life of the borough.   Alternatives considered and rejected: Do nothing. Festival and Events were not a statutory function of the Council, however to do nothing would see the loss of significant benefits to the local economy and the delivery and implementation of the Council Cultural Policy framework. As an ACE Priority Place, Rochdale had secured more than £3M in Arts Council Funding 2024/25 and an increase in engagement form 31% to 82%, to do nothing could also damage the borough’s reputation and impact on future inward investment.   There were no other alternative investment programmes that had been identified that would enable the delivery of the strategic programme of activities outlined in this report.