£6 million fund aims to put events centre stage

Event organisers across the North East are being invited to bid for a share of £6 million to develop and expand cultural and community events.

Applications have opened for the next round of the North East mayor’s Events Fund, which will support events over the next two years and help build a sustainable regional programme through to 2029.

Grants ranging from £10,000 to £500,000 are available for new and existing events with growth potential, particularly those celebrating the region’s identity, attracting visitors and delivering economic and community benefits.

The fund was launched in March with an initial £11 million commitment and has already supported events including the Great North Run, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Mouth of the Tyne Festival, Durham Reads, NOVUM Summer Festival and Newcastle Pride.

Funding has also been committed towards hosting UEFA Euro 2028 matches in the region.

The latest round will focus on developing major signature events alongside smaller, community-led activities, with an emphasis on long-term sustainability and local participation.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness said: “From Big Weekend to the Great North Run, the North East knows how to put on a great event.

“It’s part of our identity, but why stop there?

“This fund is about creating opportunities for everyone to experience the famous North East culture.

“It’s creating more chances for local artists and creators to grow, more opportunities for local people to take part and try something new, and more reasons to feel proud of this amazing region we all live in.

“Maybe we’ll find the next Great North Run… which started out as a simple local idea, and is now the world's largest half marathon, bringing thousands of visitors to the North East each year.”

Organisers have until November 26 to submit expressions of interest, with shortlisted applicants supported to develop detailed business cases.

To find out more, click here.

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