The Events Fund is designed to help cultural organisations, event producers, festivals, creative practitioners, community organisations and partners develop ambitious events that contribute to the North East’s cultural growth and reputation.
Funding can support:
- Established events looking to grow audiences and impact
- New ideas with the potential to become signature North East events
- Community-led events that strengthen local pride and participation
- Events that showcase North East talent, creativity and culture
- Activity that attracts visitors, investment and positive national attention
- Projects that leave a lasting legacy for communities, audiences and the wider creative sector
The programme aims to support events that celebrate the North East’s identity, create opportunities for local artists and creative businesses, increase access to culture, and deliver economic, social and cultural benefits for communities throughout the region.
For 2027 to 2029, over £6 million will be available to support signature and grassroots events across the North East. Funding requests can range from £10,000 to £500,000, subject to assessment and approval.
You can now submit an expression of interest for funding for events taking place between April 2027 and March 2029. Shortlisted projects will be invited to develop a full business case.
Whether you’re an established festival, a cultural organisation, a creative producer or a community-led event organiser, the Events Fund can help bring ambitious ideas to life and strengthen the North East’s events landscape for years to come.
Submit your expressions of interest to eventsfund@northeast-ca.gov.uk by 26 November 2026.