Ritchie announces £250,000 award for Laganside Arts Events

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

The funding will assist a number of arts and cultural events that run between April 2010 and end of March 2011. It will assist with activities like:

• Cinemagic Film & Television Festival
• UK’s Strongest Man
• Belfast Festival of Fools
• Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival
• Belsonic – Sounds in the City
• Summer Sundays

Margaret Ritchie said: “This funding will continue to encourage arts, cultural and community based events in the heart of Belfast. It is essential to recognise the important role these organisations play in portraying a positive image of a vibrant and lively Belfast. These events help promote the city as an exhilarating tourist destination while, at the same time, benefiting those people in the local communities.”

The funding package for a number of arts organisations will ensure that the area continues to offer a lively, attractive and welcoming environment to the local community, businesses and tourists.

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. 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.