Decision details

11.1

The report sets out key events taking place in May 2023 which will mark moments in history in the lives of all our communities. The Coronation of King Charles III will be a once in a lifetime experience and a chance to celebrate a day history is made; whilst the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK provides an opportunity to celebrate Sheffield and South Yorkshire’s Ukrainian and diverse communities.

The earlier report to Strategy & Resource Urgency Sub-Committee on 8th August 2022 identified that should our hosting bid not be successful, there would be a commitment to host a smaller cultural ‘fringe’ style festival. Since then, and through collaboration with the BBC, the proposed Eurovision Song Contest Fringe event, as outlined in this report, presents significantly more benefits than originally anticipated.

11.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-

(a) approves the plans and notes the resources required to deliver an event for the King’s Coronation in the Peace Gardens, under the banner of ‘The Lord Mayor’s Coronation Party’ and to deliver the Eurovision Song Contest fringe event(s) in the Devonshire Green, as set out in the report;

(b) notes that in line with communications from the Secretary of State, Sheffield City Council supports communities to engage in Street Parties, Coronation Big Lunch and The Big Help Out opportunities;

(c) approves for the revenue costs of up to £296,000 to be funded from the Council’s reserves (Flexible Development Fund reserve) to ensure the events are delivered, this includes financial support of £5,000 for each of the seven Local Area Committees to deliver local community events as is appropriate for the specific community;

(d) notes that an application for grant funding of £30,000 has been submitted to Arts Council England which will reduce the funding required from the reserves if successful. The acceptance of this grant is subject to a formal approval by External Funding team and Director of Economy, Skills and Culture; and

(e) notes that additional funding may be provided by both the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) (via SYMCA) and BBC (but not confirmed at this stage) which will reduce the funding requirement from the reserves further. The acceptance of this funding is subject to a formal approval by External Funding team and Director of Economy, Skills and Culture.

11.3

Reasons for Decision

11.3.1

The recommendations are made on the basis that celebrations to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III and the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK will:

·       provide opportunities to create inclusive events for Sheffield’s communities to celebrate

·       will drive footfall and increase dwell time in the city centre in support of local businesses

·       will enable neighbourhood communities to come together

·       will show support for Ukraine and other diverse community groups

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

11.4.1

An option not to create a public celebration of the King’s Coronation and/or Eurovision has been considered. This would lead to there being no public record of King Charles III Coronation being celebrated as a civic event.

11.4.2

At the time of bidding to host the Eurovision Song Contest, SCC’s commitment was to engage with and support Ukrainian communities across South Yorkshire; and to create a cultural event in support of Ukraine should the Eurovision Song Contest bid not be successful. If no celebration is delivered, this commitment would remain unfulfilled leading to Sheffield City Council’s reputation being damaged.