Council backs funds for Bonfire festivals across the borough

BALLYMENA Borough council have approved almost £7,500 worth of grants for Bonfire festivals in the Borough this summer, at last Monday night's meeting of full council.

Council officers have been working with local community groups and bonfire organizers throughout the borough.

Each application for a grant was assessed by an evaluation team with the maximum amount of 1000 offered to each bonfire event in 2010.

Through direct ongoing negotiation, the aim of this initiative was to promote a safe and environmentally friendly event.

Gracehill and Galgorm Community Association were granted the 1000 for a festival that will include Irish dancers Entertainment, Music and a BBQ.

Broughshane and District Community Association were also granted 1000 for Children’s entertainment, Fencing and Signage.

Ballykeel 1 and Ballykeel 2 community groups were both granted the maximum of 1000 each for their festivals. Seven Towers Cultural, Community and Educational association were also granted the maximum 1000.

Cullybackey Maine Defenders were granted 980, which is the total cost of the festival for Children’s entertainment, BBQ and Music.

While Ahoghill Heritage Society were granted 464 with the amount reduced due to money raised by a quiz.

Clough Community Group were eligible to the grant of 1,000, for BBQ, Catering, mobile farm and a children’s disco.

DUP MLA Paul Frew commended the Clough group for their efforts to make the night a family event but said the group were concerned whether they would still be eligible for money despite the fact they don’t have a bonfire.

He said: “They have made such a great success of the night and taken strides to make it a family fun event. There is concern in Clough that they would be ineligible for the grant because they don’t have a bonfire.

Chief Executive Anne Donaghy said there is no rule that states you must have a bonfire to qualify for funding.

Related topics: