Issue - meetings

Report of the General Manager, Alexandra Palace – To advise the Committee on forthcoming events to the end of the financial year 2008/09.

In a brief introduction of the report the General Manager – Mr Loudfoot outlined the confirmed and provisional bookings for the Palace to April 2009. In particular the Fireworks event on 8 November, the Ice Rink panto, and Antiques Fare in December, and the Slamin Vinyl event in April 2009. 

The Committee briefly discussed the forthcoming Fireworks event on 8 November and the concerns previously expressed by Advisory and Consultative Committees regarding entrance closures and crowd control, and the need to ensure clear and visual information as to exist closures.  The General Manager commented that the prime concern was always public safety and as such the security staff would have to close gates if the crowd density was too great. He also commented that the problem was difficult to manage as many of the local residents wanted to arrive at the very last moment which naturally coincided with the need to encourage the crowd to the lower areas of the park.

In response to concerns as to whether bookings were down Mr Loudfoot advised that the events list was based on information compiled and was as up to date as possible.  He was unable to give a comparison on previous year’s events/bookings.

Mr O’Callaghan referred to the recent ‘Friends of Amma’ event which he had visited after the Board meeting on 26 September and commented that it had been a most enlightening and interesting occasion, and would recommend the event.

In conclusion the Chair asked that the General Manager note the concerns regarding crowd control and entrance closure in terms of the finalising of arrangements for the event on 8 November 2008.

RESOLVED 

i.          that the report be noted; and

ii.         that the General Manager Alexandra Palace be asked to note the concerns regarding crowd control and entrance closure in terms of the finalising of arrangements for the Firework event on 8 November 2008.