Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: June 18, 2025

Purpose: This report provides an update on the progress of the agreed options from the report presented to Cabinet on 2 October 2024, to seek external support to deliver and fund an Air Festival from 2026 onwards and recommends a way forward in relation to the future delivery of the Air Festival.

Content: RESOLVED that Cabinet agreed to Option 4, which acknowledged the ongoing process for new events to come forward and stops any further work on an Air Festival for 2026 onwards. Voting: Unanimous Portfolio Holder: Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations Reasons To enable staff resources to be refocused on working with external commercial and community events to support achieving the corporate strategy of working closely with partners, removing barriers and empowering others, having explored all options and acknowledging the council’s current and future financial position.