Deadline: Ongoing
Looking to grow your event and reach new audiences? Apply for Events Grant that supports event organisers like you bring more visitors to East Suffolk.
Whether you’re building on a successful event, adding something new and exciting, or launching a fresh idea with big potential, this grant can help you:
- Attract more visitors and encourage overnight stays
- Boost East Suffolk’s profile as a go-to destination
- Extend the tourism season and support long-term growth
Funding Information
- Grant range: £1,000 – £25,000
- Exceptional awards: £25,000+ (subject to prior discussion and compelling justification)
Eligible Costs
- Funding can cover both capital and revenue costs — from staging and staffing to marketing and accessibility enhancements.
What are they looking to fund?
- They’re looking for events that not only celebrate East Suffolk but also draw visitors from further afield — helping to boost local tourism, support businesses, and shine a spotlight on what makes the area special. Whilst they recognise the huge value community event provide to the area – on this occasion this grant is specifically to attract more visitors
- Projects must align with all five core priorities:
- Increase Visitor Footfall & Economic Impact
- Scale Up Existing Events or Create High-Impact Spin-Offs
- Extend the Tourism Season (particularly shoulder season)
- Enhance Destination Appeal of East Suffolk
- Promote Sustainability & Long-Term Event Growth
What falls outside the scope?
- They cannot fund the following:
- Events lacking a visitor attraction strategy (e.g., the event is primarily for local residents)
- Routine operating costs of organisations
- Projects unable to start within six months of funding approval
- Private, invite-only, political, or religious events
- Events not open to the public or with unjustified attendance restrictions
- Reputationally risky or non-compliant events
Who can apply?
- They welcome applications from organisations whose event has over 500 people in attendance:
- Event organisers (commercial and community-based)
- Cultural organisations, associations, and voluntary groups
- CICs and social enterprises
- Town and parish councils
- Collaborations within the tourism, hospitality, or creative industries
- Duplicative projects with no added visitor value
- Retrospective funding for costs already incurred
For more information, visit East Suffolk Council.
