The lakeside area in Newent looks set to become a venue for community barbecues and brass band performances. Newent Youth Centre has asked if it can hold a barbecue this summer, and the idea has won the backing of the mayor Fred Passant. Coun Passant also supports the idea of holding Sunday afternoon brass band concerts, as being in line with the Newent Initiative strategy of developing tourism, although the council itself has no money in its budget to support such events.