Cheddar Parish Council has taken the difficult decision not to proceed with Festive Night this year due to tightening of the regulations for public safety. The event, which has been held in early December for over twenty years, brings large numbers of people into the village centre and the gorge for pre-Christmas shopping, entertainment and celebration.
In previous years Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) supported the closure and the use of Cliff Street car park, with the demise of SDC, the new Unitary have decided that whilst they will waive the administration fee of the road closure this year, to pass on all costs to Parish Councils in Somerset. Along with the new regulations they are imposing, this has raised the cost to the Parish Council by several thousand pounds which has not been budgeted for in this financial year
The regulations require more road closure marshals and more stewards to patrol the event area than previously used and comprehensive training for all personnel involved. In addition, strict traffic control is mandatory with no vehicle movements in the pedestrianised area during the event. Also to be considered is the draft ‘Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill’ which is currently going through parliament. This bill sets out the requirements under ‘Martyn’s Law’ for venues and other organisations to ensure public safety. ‘Martyn’s Law’ is a tribute to Martyn Hett who was killed along with 21 others in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.
Chairman of Cheddar Parish Council, Derek Bradley-Balmer said “we know how popular Festive Night is with many people and local businesses, and the community groups and charities which benefit from the event. I can assure everyone that it is not a decision we have taken lightly, but we need time to consider how best to meet the tightened safety rules.”
The parish council intends to consult widely with residents and businesses over the next few months on the format of Festive Night and hopes that a new community committee could be formed, facilitated by the parish council, with representatives of all parties to consider how best to bring back a festive night event in 2024. Anyone interested in getting involved should contact sam@cheddarparishcouncil.org or call 01934 743217