URL: https://democracy.ribblevalley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1346

Decision Maker: Economic Development

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Director of Economic Development and Planning submitted a report providing Committee with an update on the Clitheroe Food Festival 2025 and seeking approval to hold the event again during summer 2026.   The Ribble Valley Taste Fest had been held between 4 and 8 August 2025 with the Clitheroe Food Festival on Saturday 9 August. The report provided an overview of the events and included feedback and data from the online media campaign. The Food Festival had attracted approximately 25,000 visitors with a number of stalls selling out. The Food Festival itself was free to attend and did not cover its costs, however, the Taste Fest and Food Festival significantly contributed to the promotion of the Ribble Valley, the tourism sector, and supported local businesses. A breakdown of costs was provided for Members information.   At the last meeting Committee had suggested ways to improve the food festival and the report provided further information in regard to the following: 1.     Holding a 2-day food festival 2.     Extending the time of the food festival (close later on the Saturday) 3.     Holding the festival on the Sunday   Cllr K Spencer entered the meeting during the debate.   An option was also suggested to hire the market car park marquees for a longer period, leaving the marquees erected on the Sunday enabling another event, separate to the food festival, to be held on the Sunday. Members supported this option subject to a report back to Committee in January with detailed costings. Discussions would commence with the Chamber of Trade in regard to running the Sunday event.   RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:   1.     Agreed to Ribble Valley Council holding Clitheroe Food Festival on Saturday 8th August 2026.   2.     Agreed to Ribble Valley Council organising Ribble Valley Taste Fest from 1st to 7th August 2026.   3.     Agreed to keeping the market car park marquees in situ for the Sunday and allow an organisation, such as the Chamber of Trade, to run an event on the Sunday.   4.     Requested a report back to Committee in January with detailed costs for the Sunday event along with details of the proposed type of event.  

Date of Decision: November 20, 2025