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Minister Ritchie announces a further year's funding for the Laganside Events Grant Scheme

Thursday, 27 August 2009

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, MLA, today announced funding of £250,000 for the Laganside Events Grant Scheme.

The Minister is inviting groups to apply for the grants scheme aimed at encouraging arts, cultural and community based events in the Laganside area. Funding grants last year contributed to a diverse range of activities including:

  • Belsonic Festival
  • Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival
  • Spiegeltent at Queen’s
  • Summer Sunday’s
  • UK’s Strongest Man Competition and
  • Belfast Tall Ships

Margaret Ritchie commented: “I am pleased to announce a further year’s funding of £250,000 in support of the Laganside Events Grant Scheme. This grant makes an important contribution in terms of encouraging the arts, cultural and community based events in the Laganside area. These events play a key role in sustaining life and vitality within this area and indeed Belfast City Centre.”

The funding is available for events taking place from 1 April 2010- 31 March 2011 and will ensure that the area continues to offer a lively attractive and welcoming environment to the local community, businesses and tourists.

Margaret Ritchie continued: “The Department will publish details of where to apply for grant support in early September 2009. I would encourage any organisation interested in organising arts and cultural events which will contribute to the regeneration of the Laganside area, to apply for funding.”

Notes to editors:

  1. The Laganside Events Grant Scheme is aimed at supporting events that contribute to the regeneration of the Laganside area, encourage local involvement and community and business participation and contribution to the attraction of visitors to the area.
  2. There are a number of event spaces available for use in the Laganside area including Custom House Square, Writers Square, Cotton Court, Barrow Square and the River Lagan.
  3. A call for applications for 2010/11 along with details of where to apply for grant support will be published by the Department in September 2009.
  4. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 90829078. Out of office hours please contact the Deputy Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.