Fund grant for Leeside festivals launched
Marguerite Kiely
Applications are now open for funding through the Cork County Local Festival Fund 2024. This competitive grant scheme, initiated by Cork County Council, aims to support the growth of festivals that contribute to domestic tourism and enhance the overall visitor experience.
€85,000 is available through the Local Festival Fund for 2024 and applicants can apply for funding up to a maximum of €6,000 per festival. Funding is provided by Fáilte Ireland, at 50%, with Cork County Council providing the additional 50% match funding.
To qualify for funding from the Local Festival Fund, a festival must meet specific criteria. The event should take place within the borders of Cork county, draw domestic visitors, and enhance the overall visitor experience. Additionally, the festival must generate at least 150 visitor bed-nights in paid accommodation and maintain a minimum expenditure of €7,500.
Welcoming the announcement of the scheme for 2024, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn said, “Cork County Local Festival Fund 2024 will support some of Cork’s most exciting and unique festivals in 2024. Festivals have huge positive effects on our towns and villages.
“Not only do they promote cultural heritage and foster community pride, they also are a huge boost to the economy. As well as bringing local communities together, local festivals have the potential to attract thousands of visitors to Cork County to experience our rich culture, deep rooted traditions and vibrant community spirit,” he added.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie O’Sullivan said: “Cork County Council has increased its funding in support of local festivals and events, with a renewed emphasis on sustainability. Demonstrating our ongoing commitment to climate change, part of the total fund of €85,000 will be allocated to successful local festival fund applicants that demonstrate festival greening measures using sustainable best practices.
“Cork county hosts an array of distinctive and exciting festivals of all sizes and we are delighted to support the groups and communities that work tirelessly to bring these events to life for everyone to enjoy.”
Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals at Fáilte Ireland emphasised the pivotal role festivals and events play as a unique draw for tourists and boosting local businesses, job opportunities, and revenue. She also highlighted the heightened focus on sustainable festivals, noting that additional funding is available for festivals demonstrating a commitment to implementing environmentally conscious measures to reduce their impact on the environment.
Further information is available on www.corkcoco.ie and online applications close on Friday 26 January at 5pm. For further details contact LocalFestivalFund@CorkCoCo.ie.