Issue - items at meetings - Shakedown Music Event

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive (copy attached)

RESOLVED – (1)That the committee grant landlord’s consent for Shakedown Music Festival at Waterhall on Saturday 19^th July 2014; and

(2) That the committee authorises officers to enter into formal agreements with the event organiser to determine conditions, fees and levels of support as appropriate, subject to the organisers meeting all required conditions.

53.1    The Committee considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive seeking landlord’s consent to stage Shakedown Music Festival at Waterhall on Saturday 19^th July 2014.

53.2    It was noted that Shakedown has taken place at Stanmer Park for three years, since 2011 and that in 2013 the event had attracted 15000 spectators on the first day and 4000 spectators on the second day. The organisers had therefore requested a change of venue to Waterhall, having outgrown the available site at Stanmer Park. The organisers had also indicted that they wished to focus on a one day event rather than spread the event over two days.

53.3    The Head of Sport and Leisure drew Members attention to the updated report which had  been circulated and which included information received from the South East Coast Ambulance Service and Sussex Police confirming the arrangements they would want to see in place for the event.

53.4    Councillor C Theobald sought confirmation that neighbouring Ward Councillors in Withdean had also been fully consulted and also expressed concern regarding the potential for noise nuisance to occur if there were after event parties after the event ceased at11.00pm.The relatively narrow access/egress arrangements were also a cause for concern as at end of the event a number of vehicles/pedestrians would be trying to leave the site at the same time, arrangements to ensure reinstatement of the site post event ,particularly bearing in mind potential effect on the water table in the event of wet weather also needed to be made. Councillor Smith stated that he was aware that concerns had been expressed previously regarding the terminal hour for the event.

53.5    The Events Manager explained that a de-brief always took place following any major event and that this informed arrangements for any subsequent event. Meetings had taken place with Southern Water regarding appropriate arrangements which would include the provision of chemical toilets on site. A Licence would need to be granted by the Licensing authority which would stipulate a number of conditions which would need to be complied with including the terminal hour for the event.

53.6-   Councillor Hawtree stated that when the event had been held at Stanmer Park the previous year there had been concerns about the effectiveness of the alcohol policy employed. It was explained that a robust policy would be in place in as part of the on site security.

53.7    Councillor Janio stated that he hoped that the sports clubs using the site had also been consulted and that all relevant safety arrangements were in place. It was confirmed that the Police and Ambulance Service had been fully consulted and their comments were set out in the report. Councillor Janio stated that he fully supported the event but wanted to be full assured that those attending could enjoy themselves safely.

53.8    Councillor Fitch stated that whilst he understood the concerns expressed he was satisfied that all appropriate arrangements had been put into place, noting that there were very few events in the city for young people of the targeted age range. Councillor Mac Cafferty referred to his role as the Chair of the Brighton & Hove Music Trust and to the important role that music played to the life of the city and to the offer available for young people.

53.9    RESOLVED – (1) That the committee grant landlord’s consent for Shakedown Music Festival at Waterhall on Saturday 19^th July 2014; and

(2) That the committee authorises officers to enter into formal agreements with the event organiser to determine conditions, fees and levels of support as appropriate, subject to the organisers meeting all required conditions.