Growth Events Fund Open for Applications with £45k Per Year Available

Ards and North Down Borough Council's Growth Events Fund, which supports existing events that help the Borough stand out on the national stage, is open for applications.

Applications opened on Monday 7 October and up to £45,000 is available per year for the next two years. The aim of the Fund is to support large events or festivals that can best meet the strategic requirements of the Council to increase the number of events that are 'distinctive to place' within the Borough, enabling them to become Growth or Signature events.

Events must have the potential to support the growth of the local economy through an increase in overnight stays or visitor spend. They should support and invest in local people while encouraging increased investment in local business, and deliver stand-out events that increase awareness of Ards and North Down by marketing nationally and internationally.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said:

"With up to £45,000 available per year for the next two years, the Growth Events Fund provides a great opportunity to help event organisers grow their already established events. Not only can Council provide funding to event organisers but Council Officers can further support them through a useful events toolkit. They also have access to a quarterly festivals forum that brings event organisers and venue representatives together to discuss industry updates and share insights, together with a guest speaker to discuss specific topics.

"The continued success of events in our Borough helps to support local people and businesses by bolstering our local economy, and ensures that Ards and North Down continues to be recognised nationally and further afield."

All successful applications are subject to budget confirmation from the rates setting process. Organisations can only make one application annually to Council events funding schemes.

The Fund opened for applications on Monday 7 October and will close at midday on Monday 4 November. Applicants must meet with the Council events grants team to discuss their event before starting an application form. Contact tourismgrants@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk to organise a meeting and for further information.