(i)         that the Council supports the proposal for Grinagog Festival in 2018 in principle on the understanding that other funding sources are realised and the event does not exceed the stated budget; and

(ii)        that the event can be supported as part of the wider programme at Torre Abbey as long as any associated costs at the Abbey are covered by income for the event.

To enable the 2018 Grinagog Festival of Music and Contemporary Arts to go ahead, subject to external funding being obtained.

Alternative options were set out in the submitted report but were not discussed.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on Friday, 17 November 2017 unless the call-in process is triggered (as set out in Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

The submitted report provided a summary of the outcomes of the first Grinagog Festival held from 7 to 9 April 2017. 

The first Grinagog Festival was successful in terms of the public response and audience involvement.  The three day event which took place primarily at Torre Abbey and the Riviera International Conference Centre attracted some 3,315 paying visitors.

The event was a new initiative developed by the Council in partnership with Continental Drifts, working alongside local and regional promoters and arts practitioners to establish a substantive music festival for Torbay.  Continental Drifts are a renowned nationally recognised arts company that is funded by Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation.  The company stages more than 40 events each year across the UK and internationally.

The event involved more than 100 promoters, musicians and arts practitioners, many of whom gave their time for free or just charged expenses to help to get this event off the ground.  The overarching aims of the first Grinagog Festival were to:

            a) use culture and the arts to support Torbay’s social regeneration; and

            b) develop more leisure and cultural activities with and for the local community.

The event was primarily supported financially by the Coastal Community Fund, the Mayor’s Events Budget and Arts Council England with other support from the Torbay Culture Board and the Global Local PRS Youth Grants, as well as trader and sponsorship income and ticket sales income.  The total cost of the event was £189,000. 

The 2018 event is proposed to take place from 20 to 22 April which are the only available dates that are achievable at both Torre Abbey and the Riviera International Conference Centre.

The Elected Mayor considered the recommendations of the Policy Development and Decision Group made on 6 November 2017 and his decision is set out above.

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