In April 2022, government launched the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), to replace the European Union funded structural funds.

The primary goal of the UKSPF is to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK. This aligns with the Levelling Up White Paper missions. Funding is targeted where it is needed most: building pride in place, supporting high quality skills training, supporting pay, employment and productivity growth and increasing life chances.

The council has been allocated £7,545,330 to be spent between 2022 and 2025, of which, £903,194 is for ‘Multiply’ adult numeracy support which is subject to a separate decision. Government announced approval of the Investment Plan on the 5 December 2022, and Cabinet took the decision to accept and spend these funds on 15th December, 2022 https://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=9216

The Grants for Events and Festivals will deliver part of measure E6, which supports local arts, culture, heritage and creative activities under Community and Places Investment Priority. Events and festivals will achieve the following: increase visitor numbers and footfall in Herefordshire, be encouraged to use a local supply chain and provide volunteering opportunities.

Who can apply to the Grants for Events and Festivals?
Any organisation with a legal status can apply. This may include local authorities, public sector organisations, higher and further education institutions, private sector companies, voluntary organisations and registered charities.

Events and festivals must be held in Herefordshire and all members of the public must be able to attend (via a reasonable charge if necessary) at all times.

Who cannot apply?
• Individuals
• Unconstituted organisations
• Organisations who are registered in the county but propose to deliver events and festivals outside Herefordshire

What activities can be supported?
The grant will support a range of festivals and events, including (but not limited to):
• Food festivals
• Beer festivals
• Music festivals
• Cultural festivals
• Theatre festivals
• Arts festivals

The grant will support the following activities related to festivals and events (but not limited to): Activities that cannot funded from the grant:

• Concerts and music
• Dancing events
• Meals, eating, and drinking
• Parades
• Parties
• Performances
• Singing
• High profile sporting events • Award ceremonies
• Business expos or trade fairs
• Wedding fairs
• School or village fetes
• Regular street markets, auctions, car boot sales, or agricultural markets
• Regular sports matches, race meetings or sporting competitions

Application process, appraisal and moderation

• Application instructions and guidance will be made available via Herefordshire Council website;
• The Delegated Grants and Programmes Team will administer the grants scheme;
• Organisations can apply once in each financial year;
• In each financial year, there will be a number of funding rounds;
• Applications will be appraised to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and scored based on the number of volunteering opportunities they provide, percentage increase in footfall (minimum 10%) and use of the local supply chain to support the event. This will be assessed via quotes provided. If the value of applications exceeds the funds remaining in the funding round, highest scoring applications will be given priority.

Grants will be awarded as follows:

Number of attendees Award (£)
1,000 to 3,000 1,000 - 5,000
3,000 to 5,000 5,001 - 10,000
5,000 plus 10,001 - 15,000