Agenda item

To provide the Sub Board with Community Event Grant applications in order that members can determine grant awards.

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Corporate Policy and Community Safety providing the Sub Board with Community Event grant applications in order that members can determine grant awards.

i)             The Friends of Leesland Park

Members were advised that monies unspent during covid had funded last year’s event.

Members were impressed by how much time and help in kind is donated to the event, particularly by the college, and were pleased that only part funding had been requested. They all recognised it as a proven community event.

Members agreed to award £1,068

ii)            Fortonfest

Members were advised that this was a two-day event this year and were happy to support the Saturday.

In answer to a Members question, the applicant advised that the cost of toilets and a need for an increased number, had caused a lot of the increase, and there had been a reduction in income from sponsorship and advertising. Members suggested that the applicant could seek advice from other event managers to find ways to either reduce costs or increase income.

Members were pleased to hear that the applicant was considering donating money from the profits of the event to install a defibrillator near Forton Park.

Members agreed to award £2,500

iii)           Montserrat Events CIC

Members were advised that planning for this event was already well underway with stall holders and vendors already booked, sponsorship in place and equipment purchased. More money was being allocated to bring in bigger musical names, but the event would still be free to attend. Income would be from bars vendors and the funfair.

The applicant reminded Members that weather has been the biggest issue for the Sunday last year and insurance is in place to cover costs should it be inclement again. The event plan for the Safety Action Group would include security.

Members were pleased that the event was to be free so council tax payers would not be paying twice.

Members agreed to award £10,000

iv)           The Big Eat CIC

Members were advised that the organisers wanted to build on the success of the previous year, which had been made possible by a grant awarded by GBC following the cancellation of the event on another site.

The applicant advised that the rest of the costs would be covered by sponsorship, bars and vendors and the funfair.

Members agreed to award £10,000

v)            Gosport Waterfront Festival

Members were advised that the festival had been running for 24 years but this year brought many changes in particular a different management team.

The applicant advised that there would be an emphasis on local businesses being used as much as possible, and complimentary tickets being given to community groups such as Gosport Hospital Radio for raffle prizes, and in lieu of services. There had also been an Early Bird period for reduced price tickets.

Members were advised that the figures submitted were based on previous events and it was hoped to keep the costs at the same or slightly raised level. Members were clear that they could not support the whole amount requested as it was a paid event and council tax payers could not be asked to pay twice.

The applicant explained that they had secured a family friendly Drum and Bass headliner for the Friday, the first of its kind in the country, and had included local charity stalls to help other groups raise funds.

Members agreed to award £5,000

RESOLVED: That the Sub Board:

Considered the applications in the report and agreed:

1.    A grant of £1,068 to be paid to The Friends of Leesland Park

2.    A grant of £2,500 to be paid to Fortonfest

3.    A grant of £10,000 to be paid to Montserrat Events CIC

4.    A grant of £10,000 to be paid to The Big Eat CIC

5.    A grant of £5,000 to be paid to Gosport Waterfront Festival