Issue - meetings

To provide an update on this year’s Derby Festival.

The Conservators received an update on this year’s Derby Festival.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Visitor Numbers. A Member of the Conservators queried whether numbers were down due to the weather, or whether advance ticket sales had already been lower than usual. The Representative from the Jockey Club responded to explain that ticket sales for the paid enclosures were slightly higher than in 2023, but the weather did affect the Hill and Family enclosure attendance. The Representative from TJC clarified that numbers have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

b)           Resident queries. A Member of the Conservators raised that resident concerns and complaints regarding the anti-social behaviour in Langley Vale were being collated to be shared with the Chair and TJC prior to a meeting with relevant parties to ensure that prior investigating and preparation could take place. The Representative from TJC informed the Committee that they are keen to work together with the local community and neighbouring residents to ensure that concerns are heard and addressed. The Chair echoed the work going on to gather all questions and comments to distribute them ahead of time to the various parties attending the meeting. The Chair recognised that there is an element of continual improvement every year, to acknowledge and learn from lessons, that come up during the build-up and takedown of the Derby. The Chair expressed thanks to the Jockey Club for their efforts.

c)            Intermediary relationship. A Member of the Conservators asked if some of the issues mentioned in the report could have been addressed or avoided through the intermediary party. The Chair informed the Committee that there is an ongoing conversation with the Gypsy, Romany and Traveller community and recognised that there is work to be done to improve the situation.

Following consideration, the Conservators unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Note the update on the 2024 Derby from the Epsom Downs Racecourse