County confirms 2025 festival fund

Cork County Council has launched a fund designed to support festivals and cultural events throughout next year.

The Local Festival and Event Fund 2025 is aimed towards events that celebrate local culture, stimulate economic growth, and attract domestic visitors to Cork county.

Through the fund, event organisers can apply for grants of up to €6,000.

The fund is open to a wide variety of events, including heritage festivals, music, food, family festivals, Halloween festivals, and sporting events.

To be eligible, applicants must meet specific criteria, such as generating a minimum of 150 visitor bed nights in paid accommodation and having a minimum event expenditure of €7,500. Additionally, the event must take place within the geographic boundaries of Cork county. The event programme should focus on delivering high-quality content and showcasing the region’s cultural and economic potential to domestic visitors.

In addition, an optional supplementary grant is available for festivals and events that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices.

The programme also benefits from a funding contribution from Fáilte Ireland under the former Regional Festival Fund.

Encouraging applications to the fund, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll, said: “Festivals breathe life into our communities, energising towns and villages across Cork county. They are a reflection of who we are, showcasing our unique identity and offering essential support to local businesses.

“With the backing of Fáilte Ireland, this fund is a key part of our commitment to ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of Cork’s vibrant cultural celebrations, and to making Cork a destination that welcomes domestic visitors all year round.”

Applications for the Local Festival and Event Fund 2025 are now open. The closing date for submissions is 20 January. For more information and to apply, visit Cork County Council’s website corkcoco.ie.