Call for Proposals: Tourism Events Growth Fund Program 2026-27 (UK)

The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is offering the Tourism Events Growth Fund to support cultural, music/food, and sports-related events. The fund targets events that enhance tourism, local economic impact, and visitor engagement, providing grants of up to £15,000 for well-planned, sustainable, and high-quality events within the Borough.

Program Overview

The Tourism Events Growth Fund aims to:

• Strengthen the local events sector

• Promote Causeway Coast and Glens as a key tourism destination

• Support event organisers in delivering safe, high-quality, and sustainable events

• Enhance local economic benefits through increased visitor numbers and engagement

Funding helps cover essential project costs while encouraging skills retention, long-term sustainability, and compliance with public health guidance for events and mass gatherings.

Key Objectives

1. Support Events Across Priority Areas

   • Cultural tourism

   • Music and food tourism

   • Sports and activity-based tourism

2. Promote Economic and Community Impact

   • Encourage use of local artists, suppliers, and event professionals

   • Boost visitor footfall, overnight stays, and local spending

   • Raise the profile of the Borough through marketing and media coverage

3. Ensure Resilient Event Planning

   • Submission of full proposals with primary and contingency plans

   • Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and public health guidance

   • Focus on high-quality visitor experiences and engagement

Eligibility Criteria

• Event Budget: £10,000–£30,000

• Grant Amount: Up to £15,000

• Visitor Numbers: Minimum of 600 visitors

• Event Duration: At least two consecutive days, with a minimum of five hours per day

• Location: Events must occur within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough; multi-location events must demonstrate direct benefit to the Borough

• Organisations:

  • Well-managed, non-profit organisations with governing documents

  • External non-profit organisations delivering substantial tourism-related events

Why It Matters

• Supports the revival of the events sector post-pandemic

• Strengthens local skills and employment within the tourism and events industry

• Encourages high-quality, sustainable events that attract domestic visitors

• Promotes economic recovery through tourism-related spending

How to Apply / Application Process

1. Prepare a Full Proposal

   • Detail the preferred delivery model and contingency plans

   • Include projected visitor numbers and expected local economic impact

   • Outline use of local artists, suppliers, and event professionals

2. Submit Event Information

   • Event dates, duration, and schedule

   • Planned marketing and media activities targeting visitors

   • Budget breakdown with eligible costs

3. Evaluation and Assessment

   • Proposals assessed based on event quality, sustainability, visitor impact, and economic benefit

   • Consideration given to innovation, inclusivity, and local community engagement

4. Grant Award and Reporting

   • Successful applicants receive funding up to £15,000

   • Post-event reporting may be required to document visitor numbers, economic impact, and project outcomes

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate flexibility with contingency plans

• Highlight local economic benefits clearly

• Include detailed budget and cost justification

• Show commitment to community engagement and sustainability

• Ensure all event activities align with public health guidance

FAQ

1. What types of events are eligible? Cultural, music/food, and sports or activity-based tourism events.
2. What is the minimum visitor requirement? Events must attract at least 600 visitors.
3. Can part of a multi-location event be funded? Yes, only if activities directly benefit the Borough.
4. What organisations can apply? Non-profit organisations with appropriate governance, including external organisations delivering tourism-focused events.
5. How long must events run? A minimum of two consecutive days, five hours per day.
6. What is the maximum grant? £15,000 per event.
7. Is there a requirement for overnight stays? Encouraged but not mandatory.

Conclusion

The Tourism Events Growth Fund strengthens local events, enhances tourism, and boosts the economic impact of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough. By providing financial support and promoting sustainable, high-quality events, the fund enables organisers to create engaging experiences for visitors while supporting local communities and the regional economy.