Decision details

To consider proposals for the Council to support an event to recognise the 80^th Anniversary of D-Day at Solent Airport @ Daedalus.

6^th June 2024 is the 80^th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy that led to the liberation of France ad Europe.  In 2019, the Council commemorated the 75^th Anniversary with a well-received community event held at Solent Airport @ Daedalus and, consequently, the Executive are invited to consider whether it wishes to recognise the 80^th Anniversary next year.

The report considers the options available, including the potential for a similar event to be staged and an approach has been received by an external events company to run this.

Recognising the significant milestone events also taking place during 2024, including a full local election, completion and launch of Fareham Live, 50^th Borough Anniversary events, the finite officer capacity for these exceptional events alongside the annual programme of activities, and taking account of lessons learned from previous events, it is proposed to invite an events management company to organise a community event at Daedalus, alongside a simultaneous fly-in event at Solent Airport.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees:

(a)  to appoint Montserrat Events Community Interest Company to organise an event, under licence, to commemorate the 80^th Anniversary of D-Day in June 2024 non-airside at Daedalus, subject to financial approvals and subject to agreement of detailed terms and conditions;

(b)  subject to approval of (a), to delegate authority to the Assistant Director (Democracy), following consultation with the Executive Member for Leisure and Community to agree Heads of Terms and conditions for the Licence agreement; and

(c)  to request a simultaneous fly-in event at Solent Airport, organised by the Council’s Airport Operator.