From dancing at the drive-in to open-air cinema - tell us your ideas on how to ‘Do Summer Differently’

As pandemic restrictions continue to ease, Bridgend County Borough Council is inviting proposals for innovative and creative cultural events and activities which could be safely staged in Porthcawl this summer.

The authority is keen to receive expressions of interest from organisers, businesses and promoters for events which could be held at Salt Lake or Rest Bay as part of the ‘Do Summer Differently’ campaign.

Set up after the majority of events for 2020 had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 coronavirus, Do Summer Differently seeks to work within pandemic requirements to stage activities such as drive-in discos, concerts held under starlight or special open-air screenings of cinema films.

This is a call for creative and successful businesses and organisers in the tourism and entertainment sectors to present ideas for staging events which make the most of the pandemic restrictions, and enable people to enjoy themselves within a safe, secure environment.

Porthcawl is already a popular visitor destination, and events which attract people from outside the area form a vital part of the local economy. We want to try and address some of the huge impact that the coronavirus has had by working in partnership to stage events which, because of the circumstances that we are all dealing with, may be unique or totally new. The focus of Do Summer Differently will be firmly fixed upon sustainability and safety, so all proposals will need to carefully consider the health and safety requirements of running an event.

They should take into account how social distancing requirements will be maintained, what additional cleaning measures may be required, what management plans for weather and traffic will need to be in place, how comprehensive risk assessments will be carried out, and so on. We want to make these events truly special, and are keen to hear ideas which will offer positive opportunities that will benefit the county borough.

Council Leader Huw David

If you are interested in submitting a proposal to the Do Summer Differently campaign, send a request for an expression of interest form and a single short paragraph outlining your idea to events@bridgend.gov.uk – the deadline for submissions is Friday 24 July.