Issue - items at meetings - Future Plans for Pride

Report of the  Assistant Chief Executive (copy attached)

RESOLVED – (1) That That Economic Development & Culture Committee continue to support Pride events over the 1^st weekend of August;

(2) That the Committee grant Landlord’s consent for three successive years, commencing August 2014, to Brighton Pride Community Interest Company to stage both the Parade through the city and a fenced and ticketed Pride Festival in Preston Park, with both elements subject to the conditions as set out in 3.28 -3.33 of this report;

(3) That the Committee grant landlord’s consent to Brighton Pride Community Interest Company for the extension of the Pride Festival in Preston Park; extending opening times from1200hrs–2000hrs to 1000hrs -2200 hrs, subject to the conditions as set out in 3.28-3.33 of this report;

(4) That the Committee grant landlord’s consent to Brighton Pride Community Interest Company for the extension of the Pride Festival in Preston Park programme to include arts and community based events on the Friday before Pride and the Sunday after Pride, subject to the conditions as set out in 3.28-3.33 of this report;

(5) That the Committee authorises officers to enter into formal agreements with the respective event organisers to determine fees, charges and conditions as appropriate;

(6) That the Committee requests officers to explore with Pride organisers and other stakeholders plans and arrangements to seek to ensure that spin off Pride related events are coordinated and negative impacts minimised;

(7) That the Committee agrees that landlord’s consent may be withdrawn should any organiser fail to comply with the conditions and recommendations as set out in this report;

(8) That the Committee agrees that, following past practice, a guarantee against damage to the park will be sought and evidence of adequate insurance cover will be required; and

(9)That the Committee delegates authority to the Assistant Chief Executive to agree any necessary permissions associated with any other events planned for the Pride weekends in2014, 2015 and 2016.

41.1The Committee considered a report of the Assistant Chief  Executive  requesting that the Committee continue to support Pride events over the first weekend of August and that the Committee grant Landlord’s consent for three successive years, commencing from August 2014, to the Brighton Pride Community Interest Company to stage both the Parade through the city and a fenced and ticketed Pride Festival in Preston Park, with both elements subject to the conditions as set out in 3.28 -3.33 of the report.

41.2    The Head of Policy and Performance explained that Pride ranked as one of the City’s most significant events, in 2013 it had attracted approximately 160,000 attendees generating an estimated £13.5 million for the city’s economy. Pride 2013 had been a very successful event and its organisers wanted to build on that success to improve its relevance both to the LGBT community and the city. The report set out proposals for the future of Pride; seeking agreement for landlord consent to stage Pride Festival activities in Preston Park over the first weekend in August for three successive years starting in 2014.

41.3    The Head of Policy and Performance went on to explain that consent was also sought to extend usage of the Park on Friday evening, for longer on Saturday and also during the day on Sunday; the overall objective of which was to ensure the sustainability of the core Pride event. Each event would be subject to conditions and guidance as detailed in the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Purple Guide. The guidance set out the requirements that must be met in full and signed off by the responsible lead agency and, where applicable, the City Safety Advisory Group.

41.4    The Chair welcomed the report, referring to the fact that Pride 2013 had been one of the most successful events to date. There had been minor difficulties, for instance lengthy queues to gain entry to the park, public transport and problems which had arisen as a result of dispersing groups of young people who had been drinking excessively in various locations across the city, these were being addressed and it was considered that staggered entry in the manner proposed, by increasing the duration of the festival and by having an additional event on the Friday would be beneficial in that respect. Partnership work had taken place with the Police and the Alcohol Programme Board to address the broader public disorder and under age drinking problems. The overall quality of organisation by BPCIC, the organisers, had been highlighted and commended.

41.5    Councillor Brown stated that having given the report thorough consideration, the Conservative Group wished to put forward the amendment (proposed by Councillor Brown and seconded by Councillor Smith):

“2 Recommendations:

2.1 That the Economic Development and Culture Committee continue to support Pride events over the 1^st weekend of August including through the continuation of the grant that was offered last year to the Brighton Pride Community Interest Company should this be required in order to run a successful LGBT Community Parade.”

41.6    The Legal Adviser to the Committee explained that a grant had not been required for the 2013 event and it was anticipated that in-kind support of the type referred to in paragraph 3.11 of the report would be made available for 2014, although this would be subject to review. The BPCIC organising Committee had agreed with that approach. The BPCIC financial model included ticket sales, corporate sponsorship and in-kind support.

41.7    The Head of Policy and Performance stressed that it was important to note that it was the responsibility of the organiser’s to ensure that all documentation was submitted on time to enable the appropriate level of planning to take place and for a comprehensive event plan to be drawn up.

41.8    Councillors Morgan and Fitch supported the recommendations set out in the report stating that they considered they represented a reasonable way forward.

41.9    Councillor Buckley referred to the need for Preston Park to be returned to use by the general public as soon as possible following the event and for the need for detailed early consultation to take place with local residents. It was confirmed that measures were in place to ensure that happened.

41.10  In view of the clarification which had been given in respect of this matter Councillor Brown stated that the Conservative Group wished to withdraw their proposed amendment. A vote was therefore taken on the recommendations as set out in the officer’s report. Members voted unanimously that those recommendations be approved.

41.11  RESOLVED – (1) That the Economic Development & Culture Committee continue to support Pride events over the 1^st weekend of August;

(2) That the Committee grant Landlord’s consent for three successive years, commencing August 2014, to Brighton Pride Community Interest Company to stage both the Parade through the city and a fenced and ticketed Pride Festival in Preston Park, with both elements subject to the conditions as set out in 3.28 -3.33 of this report;

(3) That the Committee grant landlord’s consent to Brighton Pride Community Interest Company for the extension of the Pride Festival in Preston Park; extending opening times from1200hrs–2000hrs to 1000hrs -2200 hrs, subject to the conditions as set out in 3.28-3.33 of this report;

(4) That the Committee grant landlord’s consent to Brighton Pride Community Interest Company for the extension of the Pride Festival in Preston Park programme to include arts and community based events on the Friday before Pride and the Sunday after Pride, subject to the conditions as set out in 3.28-3.33 of this report;

(5) That the Committee authorises officers to enter into formal agreements with the respective event organisers to determine fees, charges and conditions as appropriate;

(6) That the Committee requests officers to explore with Pride organisers and other stakeholders plans and arrangements to seek to ensure that spin off Pride related events are coordinated and negative impacts minimised;

(7) That the Committee agrees that landlord’s consent may be withdrawn should any organiser fail to comply with the conditions and recommendations as set out in this report;

(8) That the Committee agrees that, following past practice, a guarantee against damage to the park will be sought and evidence of adequate insurance cover will be required; and

(9)That the Committee delegates authority to the Assistant Chief Executive to agree any necessary permissions associated with any other events planned for the Pride weekends in2014, 2015 and 2016.