On Friday 20 January 2017 there are 100 days to go until the Tour de Yorkshire comes to Calderdale, and the Council is encouraging local community groups to apply for grants of up to £5000 to help them put on events and festivals to celebrate.
Calderdale’s vibrant towns and spectacular events will be in the spotlight when one of the UK’s biggest bike races in 2017 travels through the borough on Sunday 30 April. To make the most of this, Calderdale Council has created a £30,000 fund to support local events linked to the Tour de Yorkshire, to help get communities involved and boost visitor numbers.
This follows the success of the Council’s previous event funds for the Tour de Yorkshire in 2015 and the Tour de France in 2014.
Cllr Susan Press, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said:
“We know that the Tour de Yorkshire has great benefits for tourism and business. Local events will play an important part in building the excitement, bringing in visitors and showcasing all that’s great about our arts and culture. We’re delighted to offer our support through this new fund, and encourage people to apply now.”
The £30,000 fund is also open to community groups wanting to hold events and festivals to get out the message that Calderdale is open for business after the Boxing Day 2015 floods.
Cllr Press adds:
“Calderdale’s exciting and diverse events are a key attraction for residents and visitors all year round. Last year we awarded £30,000 to support activities to bring communities together, have a great time and promote Calderdale in the aftermath of the 2015 floods. We’re continuing to do this to keep bringing in trade, supporting our local economy and showing that Calderdale is a vibrant place to be.”
Events which the Council supported through its flood-related grants scheme last year include Handmade Parade’s Lamplighter event in Todmorden and Fire and Water’s Winterlight Festival in Sowerby Bridge. Upcoming events which the grants are helping include the Hebden Bridge Folk Roots 2017 Festival, and Royd Regeneration’s open air cinema in Mytholmroyd in May 2017.
The deadline for all applications is Wednesday 1 February 2017, and funding decisions will be made by the grants panel on Thursday 23 February 2017.
For more information and to apply, please visit the Community festival and event fund page on the Council’s website or email grants@calderdale.gov.uk
Keep up to date with the latest Tour de Yorkshire news and events at www.visitcalderdale.com(external link) and follow @innercyclist on Twitter.
Cycling is a great way to get moving. The Council’s Active Calderdale project aims to achieve the ambition of Calderdale being the most active borough in the North. Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #ActiveCdale.