New operator recommended for Beecraigs winter event
A West Lothian company with an established track-record of delivering high-profile events are expected to take over the winter event at Beecraigs Country Park.
Officers are recommending that Bathgate-based GC Live Limited are granted the commercial license for the event by Council Executive at their meeting on Tuesday 28 May 2024.
GC Live Limited have designed, built and delivered a number of successful illumination trails, Christmas events and festivals across Scotland, including Wondrous Woods at Hopetoun House and Gosford House in East Lothian, as well as Christmas celebrations for Glasgow, Dundee, Perth and Conifox Adventure Park in Kirkliston.
If approved, the five-year agreement is expected to generate over £210,000 for the council, which can then be reinvested in local services.
Under the terms of the license, the council would receive both a set fee and an agreed percentage of the ticket sales. It has a guaranteed minimum income of £30,000 per year, which is nearly double the income under the previous agreement.
The license would also include clauses on identifying and delivering environmental community-focused benefits and encouraging the use of local suppliers and vendors in the delivery of the event, as well ensuring any costs for damage to the park, clear-ups or utilities are covered.
After the previous lease for the event expired, officers carried out a comprehensive marketing exercise to seek bids to deliver the event at the Beecraigs Country Park.
A number of bids were received and GC Live Limited's bid was assessed as delivering the best value for the council. The previous operator did not submit a bid to continue to run the event.
