Agenda

Item	Lead
Welcome and introductions	Andy Simpkins, STCF
StretFest 2026 reflection and 2027 plan	Simon Borkin, STCF
Grub update	Bailey and Greg, Grub
Wider Town Centre redevelopment update	Bethany Adam, Bruntwood
Live Well in Stretford	Kate McGeevor
Town of Culture 2028	Simon Borkin, STCF
Local Property Partnership update	Simon Borkin, STCF
Member updates	Andy Simpkins, STCF
AOB / Date of Next meeting	Andy Simpkins, STCF

Minutes

Third annual festival deemed highly successful with positive feedback across venues
Generated approximately £3k in donations through QR codes and optional ticketing
- £1k from donation stations with plaques
- £2k from optional pay-for-tickets system
Metro Sports Association saw unprecedented bowling green activity - helped ensure club survival through end of year after years of near-bankruptcy
Venues reported huge turnover and positive economic impact
First-time sponsorship secured alongside donations

Funding constraint: £5k council funding requires spending by end of March
Debate over timing: March (funding-driven) vs summer (weather/attendance preference)
- March benefits: supports businesses after Christmas dip, avoids competition with other summer festivals
- Summer preference: better weather, family-friendly timing, outdoor venue options
Potential dates discussed: March, May, or preferred July 10th (well ahead of August 15th Pride)
Planning subgroup to be formed separately from main forum

Opening Thursday next week in temporary festival-style setup with scaffolding and fabric
Place-making company focused on growing town centre footfall, not just food sales
Committed to collaborative events and promoting existing businesses rather than cannibalizing