Agenda item

Joint report of the Town Clerk and the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment concerning the Lord Mayor’s Show for 2019, with particular regard to the public fireworks display. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and outlined the key points for Members. Following the challenging issues and escalation of impact of the 2017 fireworks display, it had been decided to cancel the display in 2018. Officers had been instructed to explore the possibility of reinstating the display for 2019 Lord Mayor’s Show or explore alternatives.

The Sub-Committee noted the key findings of the strategic review set out in paragraph 11 of the report. The fireworks display was considered to have a significant and disproportionate impact, and whilst other locations for the display had been considered, these would only have an even greater impact elsewhere. The costs were also increasing significantly. It was understood that the Lord Mayor’s Show Ltd would support an alternative. The Sub-Committee noted the proposals set out in the report, chiefly that officers would work with the Illuminated River Foundation to deliver a bespoke lighting installation associated with the Lord Mayor’s Show. It was felt that a fireworks display would not be supported by relevant stakeholders. The Chairman reminded Members that the decision with regard to whether the fireworks should take place or not ultimately rested with the Policy & Resources Committee.

Members then discussed the report. A Member suggested that the Care Free Day could be combined with the Lord Mayor’s Show weekend, which would mitigate some of the risks, and that there may be a number of other ways around road closures. A Member added that they felt taking the responsibility for traffic and stewarding away from the City of London Police was a retrograde step, and would support leaving the responsibility with them.

The Director of the Built Environment responded to the points raised by Members. The Illuminated River project was due to be completed in July, and the City of London Corporation would be able to interrupt the standing exhibition for an event. The existing security measures only protected footways, and there would be a requirement to protect the whole bridges and connected areas, meaning that the extent of the closures was not easy in the current environment. The City of London Police would maintain an active role in policing in the event, but would be focussed on crime and disorder rather than stewarding. A budget of £20,000 for stewarding costs in lieu of City Police resources was felt to be sufficient. However, the report would also be submitted to the Police Committee for their view on this aspect.

A Member said that it was important to distinguish between retained and additional crowds. If an alternative event such as a light show sought to retain crowds for longer, this would surely face similar issues to a fireworks display. The Chairman thanked Members for their comments, and added that a lack of support from key stakeholders was the significant issue, as it would not be practical to hold the display without it.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.