Coventry’s work to stage safe, enjoyable public events has been recognised in a national awards scheme.
The City Council’s Event Safety Advisory Group has been shortlisted in the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards 2023.
It is a finalist in the ‘Public / Public Partnership’ category, which recognises partnership working that tackles challenges, and improves services, is innovative and adds to local community life.
The Advisory Group is made up of professionals from a number of services, including Council teams such as Highways, Health and Safety, Licensing, CCTV and Events, and representatives from partner organisations such as the Police, Fire and Ambulance services.
The 48 members pool their expertise to offer a comprehensive one-stop advice service to event organisers to make sure events run smoothly and everyone can enjoy them in safety.
The shortlisting follows the great work of the team during Coventry’s reign as UK City of Culture, and the hosting of other major national and international events including the Commonwealth Games, the International Children’s Games, and the Rugby League World Cup.
The team has helped event organisers to safely stage the events so they could be enjoyed by thousands of visitors. This has included new and innovative approaches embracing new technology.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities, said: “I am thrilled that the Event Safety Advisory Group has been shortlisted for the LGC Awards this year.
“The Group plays a vital role part in enabling eventgoers to enjoy brilliant, safe events that benefit our city and its people and that contribute to our city’s vibrant and exciting culture, attracting visitors, tourists and investment into Coventry.
“The shortlisting is testament to the great collaborative work of the team over the last few years, and the systems and processes developed during our time as UK City of Culture and in being a co-host for the Commonwealth Games will leave a lasting legacy and benefit those attending the many events to come in the future.”
Chair of the Group, Nikki Castledine, Food and Safety Manager at the Council, added: “It’s been an amazing time for Coventry, with our year as City of Culture and the sporting events joined by other major attractions like the Godiva Festival, BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend, the MOBOS, and concerts by the Killers and Rammstein.
“The Event Safety Advisory Group has had a part to play in the safe delivery of all these events, which have been enjoyed by tens of thousands of people, and I am immensely proud of the work that we have done together.
“Being a finalist in the LGC Awards is a fitting tribute to the hard work of all colleagues in the Group.”
Anyone who wants to put on an event in the city is encouraged to contact our Event Team at events@coventry.gov.uk or call 08085 834 333 for further advice.