Council Continues To Invest In Festivals And Events

Dumfries and Galloway Council has announced that two funding programmes for festivals and events in the region are to open for applications.

The Major Events Fund 25/26 and the Regional Events Growth Fund 25/26 will support the sustainable development of many renowned events in the region and encourage new projects to start up.

The total budget for the two funding programmes is £82,000. The Council will also provide up to £5000 for a Dumfries and Galloway Events Conference to take place in 2025.

Councillor Maureen Johnstone, the Chair of the Council’s Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee said,

“We are committed to the full delivery of the Dumfries and Galloway Events Strategy 2023-27 and working in partnership with the region’s festivals and events organisers. Festivals and events help create local pride, attract visitors and support hundreds of regional businesses. These two funding programmes will benefit communities across our region.”

The Council’s Major Events Fund has in recent years assisted the growth of Stranraer Oyster Festival, the Gralloch UCI Gravel Cycling World Cup in Gatehouse of Fleet and the Music at the Multiverse Festival near Sanquhar.

The Council introduced the Regional Events Growth Fund for financial year 2024/25 and 24 separate projects were supported, with grants totalling £64,000. This new Fund supported events in thirteen different communities across Dumfries and Galloway.

Councillor Lynne Davis, the Vice-Chair of the Council’s Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee said,

“The Council’s sustained investment over many years in our festivals and events has paid dividends. I am confident that local people and our visitors will have many superb festivals and events to look forward to in 2025, that are as good as any in rural Scotland. Our regional events have proved sustainable, durable and memorable and with the Council’s support the sector can continue to go from strength to strength.”

The two funding programmes open for applications from Monday 21 October with the deadline for applications on 22 November. Full details are available on the Council's website and by emailing events@dumgal.gov.uk