Agenda item

A Member raised a question and began by passing on his congratulations to all those involved in the Lantern Festival organised by the Cityplay East. It was a huge success. Going forward can Officers look to making this a permanent fixture in the calendar in the same way as say “Beating of the Bounds”.

Officers thanked the Member for his question and his kind words.  Officers said they were delighted by the success of the Lantern parade run by Aldgate Community Events (ACE) with our support.  We would also be keen to make it an annual event, so will be discussing this with ACE's Management Board later this month.  

Officers are very pleased to say that the Community Fair will, indeed, be run this year.  The Neighbourhoods Development & Engagement Team, in Housing, will be leading on this and, it has been agreed that the location for this year's Fair will be the new Aldgate Square.  We will be working with ACE, St Botolph's Church, Sir John Cass Primary School, the East London Mosque, the Bevis Marks Synagogue and other community groups to make this a truly multi-cultural event, reflecting the diversity of the east of the City. 

The provisional date of the Fair is the weekend of 16-17 June, to integrate with the Aldgate Play and St Botolph's Day and create a 2 day celebration of Aldgate's community, past and present.  Officers are awaiting confirmation that the Square will be completely finished before finalising the date.