Agenda item

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.Relevant Background Information

         The Director has been approached by a commercial company, Big Cat Group, to request the use of one of our parks to stage a ‘Holi One’ event, as part of a proposed 17 city tour of the UK and Ireland in 2014.Following consultation between the event organiser, City Park Managers and Officers from Building Control, Ormeau Park was identified as a possible location to stage this proposed event.

         The proposed Holi One is a one day festival of colour and dancing.  It is an over 18’s only event with a site capacity of 5,000.  The event is inspired by the Hindu Holi festival and involves the throwing of non-toxic, environmentally friendly powder paint in the air to celebrate diversity and equality.  The admission fee is based on a scale of charges from £24.99 - £42.99.The festival has previously run successfully in Europe, Israel, South Africa and has previously been held at Battersea Power Station August 2013 and Manchester Heaton Park, August 2013.

2.   Key Issues

·        The festival is proposed to take place on Saturday 16 August 2014 at Ormeau Park.  Gates will open at 10.00am with music starting and bars opening at midday. Bars will close at 22.00, music will turn off at 22.00 with the site closed and cleared of guests by 22.30.

·        The site build for the event would begin 14 & 15 August, and the take down would be on 17 August.

·        In addition to DJs, the event would include food and drink sales, performance art, visual stimulation, a stage and a large area for dancing and for throwing the powder paint.

·        A section of the park would be used to house the festival village, this would comprise of a stage, marquee structures and back of house production area and toilet facilities.

·        The event would be ticketed with adequate numbers of security staff present to ensure all persons present have purchased a ticket.

·        The event organiser would provide a full Event Safety Management Plan to Belfast City Council prior to the event. 

·        Following the conclusion of the festival, the event organiser will instigate a thorough cleaning of the park to remove the coloured powder.

3.      Resource Implications

         Financial

         Big Cat Group would pay Belfast City Council for the hire of the hard surface at Ormeau Park at a cost of £1,175. In addition a fee of £5,000 will be charged for the event, based on the expected number of attendees.  A Bond of Intent of £1,000 will be required to confirm the booking on approval of the event. 

Human Resources

         It would be proposed to have a duty Community Park Manager present on site on the day of the actual event from 10.00 a.m. until midnight – at a cost of £330.  The cost of this will be added to the total fee.

Asset and Other Implications

      A Reinstatement Bond of £5000 will be required to be put in place to cover the need to repair pitches.

5.   Recommendations

If permission is granted for the event it will be subject to the Development of an Event Management Plan and satisfactory terms being agreed by the Director of Parks and Leisure and on condition that :

·        The event organiser resolves all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction

·        An appropriate legal agreement is prepared by the Town Solicitor

·        The event organiser meets all statutory requirements including Health and Safety and licensing.

·        The timely payment of the agreed charges and fee as required in the legal agreement.”

            The Committee agreed to grant permission for the event subject to the conditions outlined.