Date issued: 21 January 2020
Members of Colchester Borough Council’s Cabinet will be asked to agree an updated Events Policy to continue support an exciting programme of events now established across the borough, when it meets on 29 January.
The council’s current Events Policy was introduced in 2016 and is due for renewal. The updated policy, if approved, will apply to all events held in the borough that require council licensing or controls, including those organised by Colchester Events Company (CEC) at council-run venues.
CEC, part of Colchester Amphora Trading Limited and one of the council’s commercial companies, has a remit to place the borough firmly on the UK events map, offering a range of quality events for residents and visitors, and providing a financial return to the council to be reinvested in valuable public services.
CEC manages a busy programme of indoor and outdoor shows and events at Charter Hall, Castle Park and The Recreation Ground, as well as weddings and corporate events at Colchester Castle and Colchester Town Hall.
A record 28,000 people attended the 2019 summer concert programme in Castle Park, drawn to such famed acts as Craig David, Tears for Fears and Sir Tom Jones, who alone entertained a crowd of 12,000 fans from across the country – adding to the 211,000 visitors who enjoyed a diverse range of events at other council-owned venues throughout 2018/19. The borough’s growing reputation for hosting major touring acts is set to be enhanced with the upcoming Westlife concert in Castle Park this summer.
Cllr Theresa Higgins, Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, said: “As well as helping to generate much-needed income for the council and increased footfall and secondary economic benefit to the town, the social and cultural benefits of events in Colchester are important for so many additional reasons.
“Participation in and exposure to music, the Arts and a diverse range of cultural opportunities helps to strengthen our civic life, boosts community health and wellbeing, supports social interaction within communities, and improves local and neighbourhood pride.”
Sam Good, Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) manager, added: “The Colchester Events Policy is a step in the right direction and shadows BID’s aim to enhance the Town Centre’s offer whilst driving an increase in footfall and spend. We intend to work closely with Colchester Events Company across 2020 to ensure there is synergy between their events and the performance of our businesses.”
To find out more about upcoming events in Colchester, visit CEC’s events guide www.colchester-events.co.uk/whats-on/ and www.visitcolchester.com/
ENDS
Page last reviewed: 21 January 2020