Ards and North Down Borough Council supports community festivals financially via its grants programme.

Previously, Council tested the amalgamation of the Tourism Events Grants Scheme with the Community Festivals Fund but it has been determined that to ensure proportionate and relevant information is requested from applicants, the Fund will now be available as two separate funds: the Community Festival Fund and the Tourism Events Fund.

Please note the Community Festivals Fund will open on Wednesday 25 February 2026 at 9am.

Each organisation/group can only receive funding for one festival from either of the Community Festivals Fund or the Tourism Events Fund.

If you require any assistance with the Community Festivals Fund, please contact communitygrants@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.

To help complete the application forms, please see our guidance videos below: