27th Nov 2012

Gwynedd Council and community events

Are you involved in organising a festival or a community event in your local area? You may be eligible for a grant of up to £500 from Gwynedd Council towards promoting and marketing events in new and innovative ways.

The Gwynedd Events Unit has set aside funds to boost medium sized events - such as music festivals, arts events or sporting fixtures.

Councillor John Wynn Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for the economy and community, said:

“Gwynedd has developed a reputation as a good place to host major events and festivals. In recent years we have been home to some spectacular events such as the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend, Olympic Flame celebrations, Wakestock, Festival No 6, international sailing regattas and major cycling and running meets. They have all attracted thousands of people to the area.

“Naturally, this gives the local economy a direct and significant economic boost. It also gives us unprecedented air-time in the regional and national media, and we hope this in turn may attract more visitors and investment to the area.”

During 2012, the Council supported 14 major events throughout the county. It is estimated that these festivals brought £4 million into the local economy.

To build on this success, in 2013 the Council will extend the programme by earmarking money from the events fund for smaller events and community events.

Councillor John Wynn Jones added: “It’s important that we don’t forget these smaller events and festivals. They are an essential component of our thriving communities, reflect our language and culture and play an important role in the process of regenerating our communities.

“I would urge anyone who is involved in organising a festival or event in Gwynedd, and would like help towards the cost of marketing and promoting it, to contact the Council for more information about these grants. The closing date for funding is 4 January 2013 and successful applicants will be informed during February.”

For more information about the fund, and for an application form, call 01286 679153