Renfrewshire Council launches survey to get residents views on events programme

Renfrewshire Council has launched a survey to find out what residents think of its events programme as it approaches the end of its current three-year plan.

The Council currently hosts a variety of visitor and local events in Renfrewshire, including the award-winning Paisley Halloween Festival, Renfrew Pipe Band Competition, Paisley Food & Drink Festival, Barshaw and Renfrew Gala Days, Paisley Christmas and Johnstone and Renfrew Christmas Lights Switch-ons.

The existing events strategy was produced at a time of significant investment in cultural regeneration, which saw the temporary closure for refurbishment of attractions such as Paisley Arts Centre, Paisley Town Hall and Paisley Museum; and against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. The programme was designed as a mechanism to support the events sector recovery in Renfrewshire as an interim plan.

A new strategy for future years will be produced reflecting a reinvigorated cultural landscape, with the region’s cultural venues and attractions re-opened – additional cultural programming offered by partners such OneRen, and a renewed public confidence in attending events since the pandemic.

The survey is being carried out as part of a review of the Council’s future events programme to make sure it is investing in the right services and delivering benefits for local communities and businesses.

The survey asks residents, visitors, local businesses and cultural groups, which events they attend, which ones they value most and which are important to them.

Feedback from the survey will be used to shape the events programme in 2025 and beyond.

Pauline Allan, Renfrewshire Council’s Events Manager, said: “The current programme has outperformed our original targets: generating significant local economic impact, tripling the number of local volunteering opportunities we have been able to offer and showcasing local talent and performers. Following the pandemic, and as part of our council approach to supporting the area’s communities and local businesses, we’ve been delighted to support our local communities, businesses and local organisations through the events programme as part of that recovery.

“Looking ahead, like many other organisations, we are operating in an environment of increased demand for public services and increasing costs. We want to hear from our local communities and all those who attend our events, to help shape the events programme for 2025 and beyond and to ensure we can target our activity to best continue our support.”

To take part in the survey, visit www.researchresource.co.uk/RESCquestionnaire.html

The survey, which will take a few minutes to complete, closes on Monday 23 September.