Agenda item - Christmas Market 2021

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

RESOLVED – that Committee:

1.    Grants consent for the staging of a Christmas Market, throughout Valley Gardens (St Peters Square, Richmond Square, Victoria Gardens North, Victoria Gardens South and Old Steine when available) in the winter months of 2021, 2022 and 2023, to E3 Events (subject to entering into formal annual licences). 2.2.

2.    Grant delegated authority to the Executive Director Economy, Environment & Culture to agree the terms of the annual licences.

83.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture which sought approval for landlord’s consent to stage a Christmas Market throughout Valley Gardens during the winters of 2021, 2022, 2023. The report was provided by the Assistant Director Culture, Tourism & Sport and the Events Manager.

83.2    Councillor Mears expressed concern with the prospect of creating a non-safe environment and of the effect on small local business traders.

83.3    The Assistant Director Culture, Tourism & Sport stated that the area had historically seen wide use by a variety of different events and noted that the area had the necessary utilities to support the Christmas Market. It was further noted that BHCC expected the market to bring in trade to the area.

83.4    Councillor O’Quinn expressed concern with the presentation of the site.

83.5    The Assistant Director Culture, Tourism & Sport stated that the preferred bidder was in extensive talks to ensure good practice.

83.6    The Sport and the Events Manager stated that the curation of stalls was vital along with operations going out to local businesses.

83.7      RESOLVED:

(1)      That consent for the staging of a Christmas Market, throughout Valley Gardens (St Peters Square, Richmond Square, Victoria Gardens North, Victoria Gardens South and Old Steine when available) in the winter months of 2021, 2022 and 2023, to E3 Events (subject to entering into formal annual licences) be agreed; and

(2)      That the Executive Director Economy, Environment & Culture be granted delegated authority to to agree the terms of the annual licences.