Decision details

(i)  That Cabinet adopts the proposed Festivals and Events Strategy 2022-2032

(ii)  That Cabinet supports the development of a prioritised action plan following the formation of a new Festival and Events Working Group

(iii)  That the Head of Culture & Tourism has delegated authority to:

  · make minor and consequential amendments to the strategy

  · any other ancillary decisions in order to give effect to the       recommendations in this report and the strategy, including the    working group formation and action plan prioritisation

The Festivals and Events strategy supports and is an outcome of the adopted

Cultural Strategy 2021-2031, Destination Management Plan 2021-2031,

Economic Strategy 2021-2031 and the UK City of Culture 2025 consultation,

and supports the Council’s Corporate Plan. It contributes to supporting the

delivery of ambitious economic, social and environmental benefits for

communities, visitors and businesses through collaboration, attracting inward

investment and raising the profile of Southampton locally, nationally and

internationally.

The strategy seeks to capitalise on the benefits arising from Southampton’s

UK City of Culture 2025 bid and the formation of the new Southampton

Culture Trust. This collaborative place-based partnership will focus on

Culture, Destination and Festivals and Events, and the strategy and action

plan will guide and underpin that work with and on behalf of the city.

Not adopting the strategy is rejected given the strategic and wide-ranging

benefits it will bring to the city for multiple stakeholders, and the ambition to

develop a sustainable and high-quality festival and events programme and

sector that puts Southampton and the region on the map.

None