Agenda item

King Charles III Coronation

The Chairman will provide a verbal update on the use of Spalding Special Expenses reserves towards a King Charles III Coronation event.

Minutes:

 

The Chairman introduced the Vice-Chairman to provide a verbal update on utilising Spalding Special Expense reserves towards a King Charles III Coronation event.

 

  • That Spalding Town Forum would organise an event on the 6 May 2023, the day of King Charles III Coronation, with a subsequent event held at Ayscoughfee on the 7 May organised by the Community’s team. Working together this would give the public two days of events which families could participate in and enjoy commemorating the historic occasion.
  • That Spalding Town Forum are engaging local businesses and shops in the events.
  • Ten thousand pounds had been secured from the Spalding Special Expenses reserves, to fund the proceedings.

 

The Vice-Chairman shared his ideas and details of the equipment/entertainment he had secured for the occasion and requested feedback from the group.

 

  • The Vice-Chairman’s idea would be to provide lots of colour in Spalding town centre with bunting and banners and had arranged for seasonal flowers to be planted in the planters and hanging baskets to provide vibrant spring colour.
  • The Vice-Chairman has been negotiating hiring a lorry sporting a tv screen on the side to broadcast the Coronation live in the marketplace area of the town centre. This would be an ideal spot for the public to view the Coronation whilst enjoying the activities.
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  • The Vice-Chairman showed the group pictures of themed thrones available to order, along with a red carpet and back drop.

 

  • The group agreed this was an excellent choice of activity as the children would be able to sit on the throne wearing a crown and have a picture taken, it was suggested to have this activity under a marquee, weather permitting.

 

  • At the previous STF meeting the idea of a keepsake had been recommended, the Vice-Chairman, showed the group a Coronation pin that could be customized with a phrase/wording to commemorate this historic event, these would be suitable for children and adults alike and a reasonable cost price when placing an order of 1000 or more units.
  • A royal snow globe to be secured with stilt walkers dressed as union flags, this should be great fun for the children and a good photo opportunity, alongside balloon blowing street entertainment. The Vice-Chairman explained that the market traders had been approached to be included in the celebration, and events would be co-ordinated to accommodate the market traders alongside the entertainment in the town centre.

 

The Chairman acknowledged that the traders needed to be on board and may need to adjust their normal pitch place in order to accommodate the street entertainment. It was important to communicate and announce the upcoming events in advance in order to attract as many visitors as possible into the town centre, to engage with shops and businesses to become involved in creating window displays linking to the Coronation.

 

The Chairman also suggested that some music and staging may be required for the event. The Chairman informed the group that Communities had arranged a ‘Hunt-The-Crown’ competition with market traders participating. Communities had offered guidance to the forum regarding risk assessments and insurance.

 

The group was united that the event should be special and memorable.

 

It was suggested that children be involved with singing in certain areas of the town.

 

  • The Chairman responded that due to costs attached, roads would not be closed, therefore safeguarding children would be a health and safety risk. The Chairman asked the Vice-Chairman to circulate an update itemising the planned schedule of events to the forum.

 

The Forum was happy with the selection of activities and in agreement for the Vice-Chairman to move forward with securing these items.