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Apply for Tourism Large Events Fund 2026-27 (UK)

Deadline: 23-Jan-2026

The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Tourism Event Funding Programme (TEFP) provides grants up to £100,000 to support large-scale tourism and recreation events that enhance the Borough’s profile, attract visitors, and contribute to economic and cultural development. Funding is available for eligible events taking place between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027, with a focus on sustainability, destination branding, and economic benefit through local engagement.

Overview

The Tourism Event Funding Programme (TEFP) helps event organisers deliver high-quality, large-scale tourism events aligned with the Council’s Destination Management Plan. The programme aims to strengthen cultural tourism, music, food, sports, and activities-based events while promoting sustainability, domestic tourism, and economic recovery.

Programme Objectives

TEFP supports events that:

  • Promote the Causeway Coast and Glens as a premier tourism destination

  • Enhance visitor experiences and tourism confidence

  • Provide economic benefits through local artists, suppliers, and businesses

  • Contribute to sustainable event delivery and organisational resilience

  • Support long-term planning, scenario modelling, and hybrid event options

The Large Events Fund operates under TEFP, targeting events that attract visitors, generate media exposure, and boost the Borough’s profile.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

  • Be a bona fide non-profit organisation with a formally adopted governing document

  • Deliver events that generate tourism and economic benefits for the Borough

  • Run events within the Causeway Coast and Glens area

  • Ensure funding applies only to elements of multi-venue events that directly benefit the Borough

Eligible events must:

  • Have a total budget exceeding £30,000 (excluding in-kind support, volunteer time, and Council infrastructure assistance)

  • Run for a minimum of two consecutive days, lasting at least five hours per day

  • Attract more than 3,000 visitors (participants excluded)

  • Demonstrate marketing, branding, and media activity to promote the Borough

  • Show economic benefit through engagement of local artists, suppliers, and event professionals

Funding Details

  • Maximum grant: £100,000

  • Event period: 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2027

  • Eligible costs: Project costs supporting event delivery, sustainability, and organisational resilience

  • Funding purpose: Support effective event delivery, economic impact, and destination promotion

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

  1. Confirm Eligibility – Ensure your organisation and event meet TEFP criteria

  2. Develop Event Proposal – Outline objectives, visitor numbers, budget, and expected impact

  3. Include Economic and Marketing Plan – Show local engagement, branding, media activity, and economic benefit

  4. Submit Application – Provide required documents including governing documents, budgets, and event plans

  5. Plan for Contingencies – Include scenario planning for full, alternative, or hybrid event formats

  6. Review and Funding Decision – Council evaluates proposals based on alignment with Destination Management Plan, visitor impact, sustainability, and economic contribution

Why This Programme Matters

TEFP strengthens the Borough’s tourism and cultural sectors by:

  • Attracting visitors and generating economic activity

  • Enhancing destination branding and media exposure

  • Supporting sustainable event delivery and organisational resilience

  • Providing opportunities for local artists, suppliers, and event professionals

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Demonstrate clear alignment with the Destination Management Plan

  • Provide realistic budgets and visitor projections

  • Highlight economic and cultural benefits to the local community

  • Include contingency plans and alternative event delivery scenarios

  • Emphasize marketing, branding, and media strategies to promote the Borough

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for TEFP funding?

Non-profit organisations with a formally adopted governing document delivering events that generate tourism and economic benefit for the Borough.

2. What is the maximum grant available?

£100,000 per eligible event.

3. When must eligible events take place?

Between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027.

4. What are the minimum event requirements?

Events must last at least two consecutive days, five hours per day, and attract more than 3,000 visitors (participants excluded).

5. Are multi-venue events eligible?

Yes, but funding applies only to elements directly benefiting the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough.

6. What types of costs are covered?

Project costs supporting event delivery, sustainability, marketing, and organisational resilience.

7. How is economic benefit demonstrated?

Through engagement of local artists, suppliers, and event professionals, and by showing increased visitors, bed nights, and spending in the Borough.

Conclusion

The Causeway Coast and Glens TEFP provides essential support for large-scale tourism and recreation events, helping organisations deliver high-impact experiences while promoting the Borough as a top tourism destination. By funding sustainable, well-planned events, the programme drives local economic growth, cultural engagement, and visitor confidence.

For more information, visit Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.