Decision Details

Implemented

First Light Festival

Yes

Report of the  Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development

Tue 1 Sep 2020

Review of the financial impact of the First Light Festival, and setting out a proposal for future funding and sponsorship

Operations

Approved budget

Yes

Not Applicable

Kerry Blair 

Equality Impact Assessment

Committee

Cabinet

Yes

Yes

No

No

The festival will :

Attract 40-50,000 visitors, with a focus on people from outside of Lowestoft’s traditional visitor base;
Brand Lowestoft as a desirable and attractive tourist destination;
Extend the area from which people travel to Lowestoft to include the growing populations of Norwich and Ipswich;
Contribute directly to the local economy during the festival including increased hotel stays;
Position Lowestoft as a venue for contemporary arts and events – with the potential for significant financial support from the Arts Council;
Identify Lowestoft as – uniquely in the UK – the first place to see the sunrise, allowing the town to trade on its geographical position.

To be confirmed

Not to support the festival.

1. That the impact of the First Light Festival to the local economy and the positive response to the online events for 2020 be noted.
2. That the festival be supported to a maximum of £140k in 2021, which remains available from the 2019/20 Business Rates Retention scheme. 

None

None