Issue - meetings

Purpose of report

To update the Cabinet Member on the success of the 2022 Festival and the return to in person events following the Pandemic.

Claire Liddell, Service Development Manager, introduced the information only report and updated on the success of the 2022 Festival and the return to in person events following the Pandemic.

The Bookfest was launched in 2010, is a 3-week programme to promote reading for pleasure and to support local writing talent and creativity.

2022 was the 11^th festival and the first in person since the pandemic.  2021 was entirely online and was very successful.

Claire outlined the demographics of those attending and noted the work to make the festival more accessible and diverse.

The Chair welcomed the return of the Bookfest in person and observed that the Bookfest doesn’t work in isolation as a standalone event but has a range of activities ongoing throughout the year.

The Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development noted the report.