Jazz and Blues Festival request more money

Limavady’s elected representatives were told last night that: “The Jazz and Blues Festival Committee has requested that Council consider increasing the level of grant provided to £10,000 and reducing the level of match funding that the Committee is expected to provide.”

In her monthly report, Director of Development Services Valerie Richmond wrote: “Following a meeting with the Jazz and Blues Committee held in January with Elected Representatives and officers, it was agreed that a follow up meeting be held with officers to discuss the festival plans in greater detail. This meeting has now taken place and advice given to the Festival Committee in relation to licencing, booking of facilities and relevant officers to contact.

“Good progress has been made in discussing the importance of advance planning, clarifying the grants awarding schemes and looking at joint publicity initiatives for festivals in the future. In order to enhance both this festival and other festival locations by creating a welcoming atmosphere to encourage visitors to stop and attend the events there is a need to purchase additional multi coloured bunting and also to review and update some of the lamp standard banners.”

She added: “The Jazz and Blues Festival Committee has requested that Council consider increasing the level of grant provided to £10,000 and reducing the level of match funding that the Committee is expected to provide. Members will be aware that funding for this festival and other festivals in Limavady Borough has in recent years been dealt with under the Culture, Arts and Tourism Grants Scheme with support from the DCAL Community Festivals fund which requires Council to match fund to a level of 50 per cent.

“Council has always exceeded its match funding to that provided by DCAL, therefore ensuring festivals in Limavady Borough enjoy a higher level of funding than many other local authority areas.

“In considering this request for additional funding, it may under ‘equality’ require the same consideration to be given to other festivals under the current funding arrangements. The budget for 2013/14 is based on existing grant criteria and levels of funding. Application forms and guidance notes have already been released with the maximum level of funding set at £7,000. The closing date for applications is February 22, 2013.”

Ms Richmond reccomended to councillors that: “Council purchase a quantity of multi coloured festive bunting that can be made available to other festivals in the borough supported by Council and commission new replacement lamp standard banners for Limavady, Ballykelly and Dungiven as appropriate.”