South Ribble Borough Council is launching a brand-new Cultural Events Fund for 2026 to 2027 to support local organisations in delivering high quality cultural events across the borough.
This fund has been set up purposely to enable local organisations and groups to deliver a variety of cultural events that everyone across South Ribble can engage with and enjoy. This grant will help celebrate and promote local culture, ensuring it is vibrant and accessible to all. Grants of up to £5,000 per event are available to support activities taking place between 1 July 2026 to 31 March 2027.
South Ribble Borough Council hopes that these grants will bring people from all corners of the community together, boosting visitor numbers by showcasing local attractions and events and highlighting local talent and skills across the borough.
Commenting on the new Cultural Events Fund, Cllr Matthew Farnworth, Cabinet Member for Parks, Events and Culture said:
“We are so proud as a council to be launching the new Cultural Events Fund to support the fantastic work of our community groups and organisations across the areas we are proud to call home.
“My hope is that thanks to this new fund, we’ll be able to see many more events taking place across South Ribble, boosting the local economy and inviting more visitors to discover all the exciting things that South Ribble has to offer, and of course boosting local pride amongst residents.
“This fund will help bring communities together creating memorable moments and boosting wellbeing for residents and visitors alike.
“We hope to see a wider range of diverse and unique events spring up across South Ribble that reflect the creativity across our fantastic borough.”
The council is looking to support events that:
· Deliver a clear community benefit
· Promote inclusivity and diversity
· Celebrate South Ribble’s unique identity
· Consider environmental sustainability
· Align with the council’s cultural strategy
Applications are open to voluntary organisations, community groups, community interest groups companies and non-profit organisations based in the borough.
The fund opens for applications from Monday 22 June until Sunday 19 July. Applications will be reviewed the following week with decisions announced in August.
Applicants will need to outline their proposed event and how it promotes South Ribble’s cultural offer to residents and visitors and how the event will be managed.
You can find out more and apply for this funding here.