Growth Events Fund 2025/26

The Growth Events Fund (GEF), to support large tourism events, will open on MONDAY 7th OCTOBER 2024 at 12noon and close on MONDAY 4th NOVEMBER 2024 at 12noon.

The Growth Events Fund is a multi-annual fund which aims to further develop support for events by providing successful applicants with grant funding for Year 1, and committing to a maximum of ONE further year to encourage events to continue to grow.

The GEF aims to support large tourism events, held within the Ards and North Down Borough, that can meet key criteria including:

• evidence of the event growth over a number of areas, to date and a robust plan for growth to Year 2; 
• evidence of the event previously bringing, or an evidence-based plan on how the event will bring, at least 20% of attendees (and/or participants) from Out of Borough (OoB), including at least 5% from out of Northern Ireland; 
• Minimum eligible expenditure threshold £50,000;
• Must demonstrate need for Council's financial support by showing match funding of a minimum of 50% (this can be made up from own funds or other sources of funds/sponsorship/grants).

Applicants must meet with the Council events grants team to discuss their event before starting an application form. To organise a meeting, please email tourismgrants@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Guidance Notes now available:  Growth Events Fund Guidance Notes 2025/25 (PDF, 279 KB) (opens new window)

Please note, all successful applications are subject to budget confirmation.

Applicants should also refer to the Event Management Toolkit for more information and guidance to assist in organising your event. This includes the Event Management Guide, the Event Management Plan Template, the Risk Assessment Template and the Council Land Request Form.