South Ayrshire Council approve funding to support popular local events

This is an archived article from 23 June 2023. 

At Tuesday's Cabinet meeting (20 June 2023), Councillors committed to fund a programme of external events. 

£54,000 has been allocated annually over the next five years to support a range of key events that are loved by locals and visitors alike.   

From the Dundonald Highland Games in the north, to Ballantrae Food and Drink Festival in the south, the funding will support a range of great family days out in the area. 

Girvan's events will see a boost, with funding having been allocated to the ever-popular Carrick Lowland Gathering, and the recently introduced Tattie Fest. 

Each year, South Ayrshire plays host to a fantastic range of popular musical events and festivals that attract thousands of visitors to the area. Prestfest; Girvan Folk Festival; Dunure Festival of the Sea; Prestwick Prom; Fresh Ayr Folk Festival and WinterStorm are among those that will benefit from our investment. 

Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra events and Organist Entertains Concerts are also set to receive a portion of the funding.  

Officers are also working to secure additional external funding for even more new events, and we'll provide further information about this when it becomes available. 

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark, said: "I'm pleased that this investment covers a range of geographical areas, which shows our commitment to attracting visitors all across the region. We want to bring South Ayrshire into the spotlight as a destination of choice. Well organised community festivals and events play a significant role in increasing footfall to our towns, villages and rural areas and highlight the working relationship between South Ayrshire Council and local communities." 

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: "This is an important investment by the Council that will reap many benefits.  These events not only bring a boost to the local economy, they give people something to look forward to and locals a sense of pride in what's happening right here in South Ayrshire."   

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Finance, HR and ICT, Councillor Ian Davis, said: "The events and festivals we're supporting bring thousands of people to South Ayrshire each year, generating income for the area.  It's great news for local businesses and traders that the Council has committed to supporting these events over the next five years." 

Further details about the events we're supporting can be found on our Destination South Ayrshire website www.destinationsouthayrshire.co.uk