Will popular town's events in Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea continue in 2016?

The future running of a number of popular events in Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea are unclear following a funding cut to MAP CIC.
Will the town's events in Sutton on Sea and Mablethorpe continue running in 2016? Such events like The Bathing Beauties Festival.Will the town's events in Sutton on Sea and Mablethorpe continue running in 2016? Such events like The Bathing Beauties Festival.
Will the town's events in Sutton on Sea and Mablethorpe continue running in 2016? Such events like The Bathing Beauties Festival.

Funding for the role of MAP CICs (Mablethorpe Area Partnership Community Interest Company) Town Centre and Operations Manager - currently held by Karen Froggatt - will no longer be funded for by East Lindsey District council after March 2016.

Ms Froggatt was the main organiser of a number of the events in Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea and also sourced the funds to make them run successfully. Now the funds for her role will not continue, expressions of interest are now being sought out by individuals or groups to take on the running of these events.

Ms Froggatt commented: “The board of MAP CIC have taken the decision to continue running - but don’t have the time needed to continue with event organisation.”

The events which MAP CIC are looking for an individual or group to take on include Mablethorpe Bike Night, The Halloween Firework Event and Mablethorpe Christmas Market.

The future of the big Bathing Beauties Festival is also unclear. Interest has been expressed to take on this event - but nothing has yet been confirmed. But the good news is that organisers have been found to take on the Busking Festival and ELDC will continue to run the main Illuminations event.

Ms Froggatt added: “MAP CIC will now continue in more of a strategic role, focusing on the area’s regenerations prospects and improvement with involvement from the business community. I am also remaining positive that people will be found to keep the town’s main events running in the future.

ELDC are supporting MAP CIC going forward.

A spokesman for the district council said: “The funding arrangement that East Lindsey District Council provided to Mablethorpe CIC has come to an end.

“This funding, which was offered on a short term basis, has been extended twice in order to give the Mablethorpe Partnership time to generate their own income and become sustainable.

“In recognition of the difficulty of achieving a self-funding partnership, the council has agreed to fund the development of a Business Improvement District (BID) along the coast in order for businesses to potentially create a sustainable, business owned network that will generate and have control over funds to help improve the business environment and coastal offer.”

If you are interest in taking over the running of one of the town’s events, please call Ms Froggatt on: 07917 628171 or email: karen.froggatt@e-lindsey.gov.uk.

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