Councillor Disappointed As Proposal On Council Events Oversight Is Rejected

A councillor has expressed disappointment after a proposal aimed at increasing elected members’ oversight of council-run events was rejected at a committee meeting.

Councillor Darryl Wilson was speaking following a meeting of the council’s Leisure and Development Committee, where members considered the authority’s events strategy and budget for the 2026–27 financial year.

The strategy covers a wide range of events across the borough, including large-scale attractions such as the North West 200 and the Lammas Fair, as well as smaller local events like the Ballymoney Spring Fair and Christmas light switch-ons.

Mr Wilson acknowledged the work of council staff, praising the events team for delivering a large number of events across a wide geographical area with limited resources.

However, he said he was concerned that some traditional elements of local events were being lost over time, citing health and safety requirements as a contributing factor.

As an example, he pointed to the removal of the truck and tractor cavalcade from the Ballymoney Spring Fair, which he described as a significant part of the event for many attendees.

In response, Mr Wilson proposed that councillors should receive a report six months in advance of each major event. The report would outline how the event was delivered previously, the proposed programme for the following year, the allocated budget and promotional plans.

He said this would allow councillors from all areas of the borough to bring feedback from residents to council officers in good time, helping to shape and improve events.

The proposal was supported by Democratic Unionist Party members but was voted down by councillors from other parties.

Mr Wilson said he could not understand why the proposal was rejected and suggested it risked limiting the ability of elected representatives to reflect public opinion within council decision-making.

He stressed that the intention was not to challenge council officers, but to work collaboratively with them, and said he believed councillors had a responsibility to ensure public voices were heard.

The councillor said he intended to raise the matter again when it comes before a full council meeting.

He also highlighted the wider importance of local events, particularly at a time when communities are facing economic pressures, arguing that events play a key role in supporting community wellbeing, tourism and providing value for ratepayers.

The item will now go before the full council for further potential discussion.