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Banbury events diary to be assessed so all residents feel included
08/11/2024
The “very traditional” programme will be adapted to better serve the interests and needs of all residents
Banbury Town Council’s annual calendar of events is going to be reviewed to ensure what is arranged for the town is inclusive and representative of the town’s diversity.
Town Councillors have agreed to a number of measures including establishing a system for community feedback so events are improved or adapted to better serve the interests and needs of all residents.
Canal Day, the Taste of Spring Food Fayre and Christmas Lights switch-on are amongst the annual events which have been organised by staff at the town hall for a number of years.
At a full Council meeting earlier this week Councillor Chris Brant proposed a motion to undertake an assessment of the current events programme to identify gaps in representation. To aid with this a new committee will be formed which will include representatives from various cultural community groups within Banbury.
The motion received unanimous support.
Councillor Brant acknowledged the council staff’s good work organising the events Banbury people currently enjoy, but hopes the passing of his motion will lead to the development of a plan which has a real impact socially for all residents.
He said: “Banbury has a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, but does that really demonstrate itself in the programme of events? We have a very traditional events programme in Banbury currently and there’s nothing wrong with tradition – I absolutely love it.
“But are we making sure that everybody feels that they can take part in those events and they are included in those events?”
The council’s Resources and Events committee will be looking at the schedule of events of 2025 and will now work with local cultural organisations and community groups to ensure they are inclusive and representative of the town’s diversity, reflecting areas such as Black History Month, LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Ramadan.
They will also establish a system for community feedback to continuously improve and adapt events to better serve the interests and needs of all residents.
Councillor Brant added: “This motion sets out to make sure there’s lots of opportunity for collaboration with residents and specifically community groups, to make sure they’ve all got a part to play in the events programme.
“It’s not necessarily saying we’re going to do millions more events; it’s making sure that the events that we currently do have value across the community, and that the communities were engaged in that process, but also in attendance as well.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam