Council planning a cultural revolution
CHELTENHAM Borough Council wants to spend £35,000 on a cultural strategy to attract more young people to the town.
The authority would not confirm key details of what could change, but said it could range from altering events programmes to developing cultural buildings.
The town is renowned for its festivals, such as the Literature and Jazz Festivals, which attract tens of thousands of visitors every year.
Drawing younger people to the town and retaining them is one of four reasons Cheltenham Borough Council will spend the £35,000.
The money will come from funding set aside to refurbishment at Cheltenham Town Hall, according to a council document.
Population growth research shows there will be an exodus of young people over the next 30 years in Gloucestershire, as under-25s are leaving the county for larger cities while the elderly population is set to grow significantly.
Senior councillors at the borough council are likely approve the £35,000 plan next week.
The borough council want to explore how the cultural strategy can:
Help make Cheltenham more attractive to young people and keep them in the town.
Attract more investment and economic growth, particularly around the growing sector of creative businesses.
Help reduce social exclusion and inequalities within our communities – we want all our residents to have the opportunity to benefit from sporting and cultural opportunities and events.
increase the visitor economy by attracting more visitors to the town on a year round basis.
Strategy and engagement manager Richard Gibson, said: “The council is really proud of its cultural offer - over the weekend thousands of people enjoyed the delights of the jazz festival and over the next few weeks we have the first Cheltenham International Film Festival and our children’s festival to look forward to.
“By celebrating culture in its widest forms – including sport – we are bringing people together to enjoy new experiences, learn new skills and have an enjoyable time.”