This weekend’s America’s Cup brings prestige, press and people to Portsmouth.
It’s another in a growing line-up of events that are attracting visitors to our great city and boosting the local economy – from Victorious Festival, to the Great South Run.
Cllr Stephen Morgan, the Labour Group’s spokesperson for culture, leisure and sport, welcomes these events for the benefits they bring to the city, both local people and local business.
He says:
“Big events with media coverage are great for raising Portsmouth’s profile, both at home and around the world. This will also help Portsmouth attract the new investment needed to create jobs and prosperity across our city.”
Cllr Morgan says it is also important to remember the power of events to bring the community together:
“Whether it’s a group outing to a festival or a street party for the Queen’s birthday, events great and small can be a brilliant way for friends, families and neighbours to create and strengthen bonds.”
When Cllr Morgan recently gave his maiden speech to the council chamber, he chose to focus on community cohesion. It is a subject close to his heart.
He said: “Our diverse and cohesive communities… have more in common than divides us, and that’s Portsmouth’s strength.”
Today, reflecting on Portsmouth’s agenda for growing events provision – particularly in the north of the city – he comments:
“I welcome this move. I think we can and should do more to encourage events in the city to be accessible and affordable for all. I’d also like to see the council help make it easier for communities to host their own events for others.”
