The 2024/2025 programme aims to support community festivals throughout Ulster from 1 June 2024 to 31 March 2025.

These events provide important opportunities for people to learn about Ulster-Scots culture, heritage, and language; as well as raising awareness of Ulster-Scots within the wider community.

The inclusion of Ulster-Scots content in other community festivals is also supported through the programme.

The maximum grant available for a major festival is £20,000 and £8,000 for a minor festival.

Groups interested in applying for funding should follow the link to register here.

Following a successful registration, an application form and guidelines will be emailed to the group. A separate festival plan document will be emailed to groups who register. The festival plan is part of the application process, and groups are required to use the festival plan template provided.

Groups are required to provide match funding of at least 25%.

The Community Festivals programme is a traditionally a competitive programme, therefore groups are encouraged to read the detailed guidelines carefully, particularly:

the definition of a Community Festival;
the difference between a minor and major festival; and
details regarding the eligible costs before completing the application form.

Support is available from the Ulster-Scots Community Network if groups require assistance with their submission.

The Community Festival Grant programme will close to applications at 3pm on Monday 8th April 2024.

Late or incomplete applications will be rejected.

For further information, contact Derek Reaney on reaneyd@ulsterscotsagency.org.uk or 07843 279 912.