Decision details

Claire Looney, Partnership and Commissioning Manager, presented the report which outlined the celebrations planned for 2016 which centred on the 400^th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare and the 90^th birthday of the Queen.

Councillor Donna Jones, as Leader of the Council, would encourage communities to have their celebrations and hoped that these could be promoted through Flagship and also the 'Love your Street' initiative.  Councillor Linda Symes, as Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure & Sport, supported the communities arranging their own events as the Events Budget was already under pressure.

DECISIONS:

(1)  That the date of St George's Day and those of the other UK's patron saints be promoted more widely for information.

(2)That communities be encouraged to lead their own events, using the Council's Events process, to mark St George's Day should they wish.

(3)That the specific UK country flags are flown in front of the Civic Offices to mark the relevant county saint's days e.g. the St George Cross on 23rd April, the Welsh flag on St David's Day (1st March) etc.

(4)  That the Events Team continue to co-ordinate any activities as part of the national celebration of the 90th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen and to develop and work with the University of Portsmouth to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare.