Walsall beauty spot could be hired for 'large scale events'

The latest annual report from the Barr Beacon Trust, detailing recent events and future plans for the site, has revealed Walsall Council is drawing up legal agreements, which could be given to third party organisations wishing to use the site for an event.

Barr Beacon is one of the highest points in the West Midlands and offers spectacular panoramic views from the top.

It recently hosted the Bands on the Beacon festival, which will return in July.

Plans for the future of Barr Beacon will be discussed at a full Walsall Council meeting on Monday.

Helen Owen, democratic services contact officer with Walsall Council, said: "Barr Beacon is an easily recognised and well used landmark in Walsall and the Black Country. It has strong heritage significance and is a site of ecological importance for nature conservation due to its range of habitats and the wide variety of species that it supports.The development of the Beacon as the setting for major public events continues to grow and other festival proposals are being considered by the committee.

"Proposals include a Pie & Ale festival, featuring a Last Night of the Proms theme, in September, which aims to raise funds Armed Forces charities.

"Formal agreements are drawn up by the council's legal and estates services, on behalf of the trust, for the use of the site by third parties for large scale events.

"The committee has recognised that these can sometimes be complex and time consuming and, because of the increasing number of such events, has asked for a formal process to be produced.

"This includes relevant fees in order to provide the event organisers with an idea in advance of required timescales and likely costs."

Bands on the Beacon is one of Walsall Council's flagship music events, but it was revealed in the council report that last year it lost money.

Headliners this year include Dead Sea Skulls and The Assist, both groups from the borough.

Ms Owen said: "The 2016 event was well received however, the attendance was disappointing with the turnout not sufficient to cover costs, resulting in a loss.

"However, despite this the event attracted interest from a number of external parties to provide the 2017 event."