Cork County Council Launches Local Festival and Event Fund 2025
Cork County Council has launched its Local Festival and Event Fund for 2025. The fund is designed to support festivals and events that celebrate local culture, stimulate economic growth, and attract domestic visitors to Cork County.
This funding programme has been developed to support a wide variety of festivals and events across the county. Organisers can apply for grants of up to €6,000 to help extend the tourism season, attract domestic visitors, and create long-term value for their communities. The programme also benefits from a funding contribution from Fáilte Ireland under the former Regional Festival Fund.
The fund is open to a wide variety of events, including heritage festivals, music, food, family festivals, Halloween festivals and sporting events. To be eligible, applicants must meet specific criteria, such as generating a minimum of 150 visitor bed nights in paid accommodation and having a minimum event expenditure of €7,500. Additionally, the event must take place within the geographic boundaries of Cork County. The event programme should focus on delivering high-quality content and showcasing the region’s cultural and economic potential to domestic visitors.
In addition, an optional supplementary grant is available for festivals and events that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, supporting environmental and social sustainability across the region.
Encouraging applications to the fund, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll, said,
Mayor
Festivals breathe life into our communities, energising towns and villages across Cork County. They are a reflection of who we are, showcasing our unique identity and offering essential support to local businesses. With the backing of Fáilte Ireland, this fund is a key part of our commitment to ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of Cork’s vibrant cultural celebrations, and to making Cork a destination that welcomes domestic visitors all year round.
Applications for the Local Festival and Event Fund 2025 are now open. The closing date for submissions is Monday the 20th of January 2025. For more information and to apply please click the 'Click here to make an application' button below.