Decision details

To provide £365,000 funding from Covid recovery funds to support a programme of Coivd-19 Safe Events to be staged throughout the summer.

Approve additional budget of up to £365,000 to support a programme of Covid safe festivals and events in the City.  To be funded from the money set aside to support COVID recovery.

The extended period of lockdown and restrictions that Leicester has endured has hindered businesses from trading freely and dissuaded many people from coming to the city. The Summer in the City festival is intended to encourage families back into the city centre to enjoy a wide range of free family fun whilst limiting numbers and avoiding mass crowds. A Christmas programme is also being supported including provision for the ice rink to operate at less than full capacity.

There is an option to do nothing but that would not support economic recovery of the city or assist the many businesses that have been struggling. Options were considered to stage larger scale events but these were discounted in order to avoid crowds. The chosen approach will showcase a measured approach to re-opening our events programmes and welcoming people back.