Tourism Events and Festivals Fund Open for Applications

6th November 2024

Photo caption: The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, pictured outside Bangor Castle.

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Tourism Events and Festivals Fund is now open for applications with up to £15,000 available for events that will take place between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.

The aim of the Fund is to provide grant aid for tourism events and festivals that can demonstrate a positive economic impact within Ards and North Down by attracting additional visitors and spend, contributing to a positive image of the Borough among visitors and residents.

Applications will be accepted from appropriately constituted not-for-profit organisations, including limited companies and charities.

To avail of the funding, the events or festivals must be held in Ards and North Down between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026. They should be open to the general public (free or paid for) and should demonstrate the ability to increase tourism/local spend by promoting it to a Northern Ireland wide audience or further afield.

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

“Events and festivals in Ards and North Down provide a boost to our local economy. They encourage tourism and investment in our area so I encourage all eligible organisers to apply for funding and make the most of the support that is available for their events. This is one of several funds that the Council has made available and more will be announced soon, including the Community Events and Festivals that will be launched separately early next year.”

There are two Events and Festivals Funds available for organisations/businesses that deliver events and festivals open to the public - the Tourism Events and Festivals Fund and the Community Events and Festivals Fund, which will open early next year. Each organisation/group can only receive funding for one event/festival from either of the two Funds.

To ensure your organisation is applying to the Fund which is applicable to your specific event/festival, please seek assistance by emailing tourismgrants@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk. Applications for the Tourism Events and Festivals Fund must be received by 12noon on Monday 25 November. For more information, visit: Tourism Events and Festivals Fund - Ards and North Down Borough Council.