The Village Street Party 2008
August 1st, 2nd & 3rd 2008
Press Release 13th March
2008 Compiled by: Chairman : Michael Conran, Vice Chair : Darren Hulcoop, together
with 'The Community Involvement Team' (C.I.T)
- Introduction Who Are We? We are
a group of local business's who have come together over the summer Pride festival
weekend to stage a pre-post Pride community event in the small community village
of Kemptown, predominately St James' Street. The Community Involvement team consists
of : Michael Conran and Darren Hulcoop (The Aquarium Theatre Bar), Ben Davie (The
Amsterdam), Dean Holmes (The Bulldog), Simon Timpson (The White Horse), Nicky Delmage
and Gillian Scovell (The P.V. at The Jury's Out), Dulcie Danger (Promotions Manager
& DJ) and as part of the team in an advisory capacity : P.C. Phil Smith (Events
and Planning Department Brighton Police Station), Judith Manson (Pride in Brighton
and Hove) and Jason Phillips (Pride in Brighton and Hove).
-
Our Aim : Our number
one aim is to provide a safe and well organised 'Street Party' for 2008 in the Kemptown
village supported by the local community and businesses collectively with the support
of the local authorities. We intend to bring the community together with a common
aim, that is to contribute to a significant tourism event (Pride in Brighton and
Hove) , to have our own 'Street Party' to celebrate in particular the freedom of
the LGBT community and to continue this throughout the year.
- HOW WE WILL ACHIEVE
THIS: We believe by appointing a neutral professional 'events' co-ordinator' (but
to keep the direction of control under the C.I.T and Pubwatch groups) we feel it
would be beneficial to the community and businesses alike. We have decided to use
a company called Triptych Events UK who are qualified in this field. Their aim will
be to work for the benefit of every contributing business and also ensure that the
street party runs as well if not better than previous years. (full list of duties/involvement
available on request) They will be visiting all contributing venues.
- OUR RELATIONSHIP
WITH BRIGHTON AND HOVE PRIDE: The Community Involvement team appreciate enormously
the support of Pride, it is imperative that it is understood that Pride has no financial
interest or will receive any money from the Street Party funds. They have volunteered
their help and advice in the smooth running of the street party, and because of
their experience and knowledge it is with grateful thanks that they are a part of
the team. If there are any surplus funds The Pub Watch Group will decide on the
distribution of this.
- OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE AUTHORITIES : We have approached
the Police and Council, who are very supportive that the Street Party goes ahead
this year. It is anticipated that there will be even more visitors this year and
some concerns have been raised and dealt with, as a community we are certain that
if anything comes up we can all help to resolve it.
- THE BUDGET : A budget will
be set which is hoped will be considered fair, this will be based on last years
figures, however some costs will have inevitably increased due to economic changes,
i.e. the extra anticipated day, extra toilets etc. There will be no fees taken for
hours only some stationary costs. The majority of the costs and expenses of the
Street Party has always come from the local businesses, although other avenues could
be sourced. A separate bank account has been set up for the street party, which
is owned by the community involved. The account will have two signatures, Darren
Hulcoop (The Aquarium) and Ben (The Amsterdam).
-
MARKETING It is hoped that a
unified marketing approach can be obtained which recognises the hard work of all
the bars and business's who decide to contribute to the Village Street Party this
year.
-
PRESS RELATONS We intend to be as open as we can with the press. We believe
that it is time the debates around the village street party move forward into what
we are going to do rather than highly charged and emotive discussions over what
may or may not have happened in the past.
-
SUMMARY It is in everyone's best interest
to keep this pre/post street party SAFE AND FREE, it takes many months of organisation
and a cost is inevitable. However if the whole community can work together with
the authorities involved this can be a success year after year. A 'blue' print can
be formed and improved upon.
Any help, questions or queries please do not hesitate
to ask Darren or Michael at The
Aquarium on 01273 605525 E-mail
2008streetparty@btconnect.com