Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

Members considered a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath regarding the review of the 2017 Events Programme and the provisional 2018 Events programme. The Leisure & Events Manager provided his highlights for 2017 and an update on what was coming up for the year to come. The following comments were made.

·         It was noted that 2017 was a great year for events at the Heath and there were 101 events in total. Particular highlights for the Committee included the “Give it a Go”, “One Man and his Dog” and the Night of 10,000m events.

·         The 2018 National Cross-Country Championships would take place on 24 February 2018 at Parliament Hill. It was highlighted that this event encouraged lots of young people to come to the Heath.

·         The Highgate Harriers Night of the 10,000m Personal Bests international event would return to the Heath on 19 May 2018. This had extensive media coverage and would bring 40 world class athletes to the track to compete in the Europa Cup.

·         Following discussion at the Committee’s last meeting, it was proposed that two Shire Horses would attend the Heath to carry out restoration works following the Cross-Country Championships. Members were also advised that funding was being sought from the English Cross-Country Group to fund the involvement of Shire Horses at the Heritage Day.     

• The Chairman drew Members attention to paragraphs 18-20 and asked for feedback regarding the use of animals at the annual circus event at the Heath. Members felt that that there was a clear movement against the use of animals (domestic or exotic) within circuses over the last 20 years and took the strong viewpoint that this was an outdated practice in 2018 and were unanimous against the use of any domestic or wild animals at future circus shows at the Heath. It was also noted that Zippos Circus, the elected circus for 2018, did not use any animals at Winter Wonderland. One Member in particular voiced the view that modern circus was developing beyond the use of animals and towards immersive performances that focused on performing arts. 

• A Member noted that the annual Heritage Day was very popular in the past and could be made more eventful if it included people dressed up as Victorians, Romans, etc. The Leisure & Events Manager advised that this was a possibility but there were cost restraints. The Chairman stated that whilst the Committee would like to expand future events, a balance of events was needed.

• It was noted that the date of the Heath’s Heritage Day did not match the national heritage days on the first two days of October 2018. Members were advised that this was in line with the annual conker event and the Chairman suggested a possible name change to show a distinction from the national event.

• In response to a question regarding the success of weddings and civil ceremonies at the Heath, the Hampstead Heath Business Manager advised that numbers were consistent with other venues. It was noted that this feature was not publicly advertised and there were plans to advertise locally and on the website.

Members congratulated the Leisure & Events Manager on the success of the 2017 Events Programme and the great 2018 programme. A Member noted that the Events Programme should were possible be supported by Heath volunteers.

RESOLVED –

·         Members note the success of the 2017 Hampstead Heath Events Programme in engaging with audiences, attracting new visitors to the Heath, and working with partners to provide a valuable service for the local community and beyond;

·         The feedback of Members of the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee on the Events Programme be conveyed to the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee.

·         The views of Members in relation to a proposed exclusion of performing animals for the 2018 events programme, as set out in para 18-20 be conveyed to the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee.