Decision Details

Implemented

First Light Festival - National Portfolio Organisation application and match funding

ES/1258

Yes

Committee

Cabinet

Tue 6 Sep 2022

Yes

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development and the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Communities, Leisure and Tourism.

1. That, in support of the Strategic Plan and the Council’s emerging cultural strategy, Cabinet approve £500k over the 3 year period, 2023/24 to 2025/26 to support the continuation of First Light Festival CIC’s regionally impactful cultural development programme, festival weekend and application for National Portfolio Organisation status. Council funding would be provided on a sliding scale over the three years i.e. £180,000 for 2023/24, £170,000 for 2024/25 and £150,000 in 2025/26 as the CIC generates additional income through both the festival and as operators of East Point Pavilion. 

2. That Cabinet approve the use of the New Homes Bonus Reserve to fund the £500,000 growth to the revenue budget over the three year period 2023/24 – 2025/26.

Economic Development & Regeneration

Not Applicable

Not applicable. 

None

No

1. That, in support of the Strategic Plan and the Council’s emerging cultural strategy, £500k over the 3 year period, 2023/24 to 2025/26 be approved to support the continuation of First Light Festival CIC’s regionally impactful cultural development programme, festival weekend and application for National Portfolio Organisation status. Council funding would be provided on a sliding scale over the three years i.e. £180k for 2023/24, £170k for 2024/25 and £150k in 2025/26 as the CIC generates additional income through both the festival and as operators of East Point Pavilion. 

 

2. That the use of the New Homes Bonus Reserve to fund the £500k growth to the revenue budget over the three year period 2023/24 – 2025/26 be approved.

1. Without East Suffolk Council's (ESC) financial support to match fund the Art’s Councils potential funding award the annual First Light Festival (FLF) would need to be hugely scaled back, lack any regional impact and severely curtail the ability to engage a vast array of local community groups and young people. This is a critical element of the festival’s objectives, FLF cannot merely host a large cultural event in the town to change resident’s perceptions of their place but instead they need to be an integral part of the development and delivery of the festival.  Following the second full summer festival, the CIC is developing a strong brand and profile for Lowestoft which is achieving its overall ambition of using cultural development to celebrate the town and change the narrative in a positive way about its aspirations and place within the region. 

 

2. A further significant consideration was the role this cultural programme can play in addressing the cost of living crisis. The festival is a major ‘free to attend’ event and therefore provides residents with an opportunity to engage in a significant cultural event/programme without taking a chunk out of their ever depleting household disposable income. Furthermore, it provides a significant boost to local businesses, particularly micro and SMEs who are especially exposed to fuel price inflation and the wider inflationary impact on their customers. Finally, this programme is continually raising the positive profile of Lowestoft as a place to invest which clearly has a direct impact on the economic prosperity of the town and its residents.

1. Provide First Light Festival CIC with reduced match funding.

 

2. Cease any future funding of the First Light Festival CIC.

None.

None.