Ten local events have been successful in securing Event and Festival Sponsorship funding from Council, giving the local community some great activities to look forward to over the coming year.
The sponsorship fund offers an annual opportunity for event organisers to obtain funding for their events, however due to the floods last year it was decided to hold over last year's funding until this year. This meant that most applicants that applied this year were able to receive funding, and there are some great community events to look forward to again after several years of the COVID-19 pandemic and floods seeing a reduced number of events.
"There is something for everyone and in multiple locations around the Shire. Many of the activities programmed, as well as entertaining attendees, will also donate money raised from their events to local organisations and charities too, which is great to see," Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, said.
A total pool of $25,000 was distributed by Council to the following successful recipients:
• North Coast Mud Trail - $2,000
Organised by North Coast Ceramics, local ceramic studios will be opening their doors over Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August for people to visit. There will be demonstrations and workshops at some of the studios.
• Sample Food Festival - $2,100
This event has been running for the past ten years and is a must for food-lovers. It will be held at Bangalow Showground on Saturday 2 September. Experience some of the region's best restaurants, cooking demonstrations, kids activities and more.
• Spring Plant Fair - $2,000
Celebrating Spring, this event scheduled for Saturday 14 October at the Mullumbimby Community Gardens is sure to be a wonderful day.
• Music in the Valley - $3,100
Featuring local artists this event aims to bring the community together and is scheduled for Sunday 15 October at Upper Main Arm Primary School.
• Queer Family music and storytelling evening - $1,100
This event aims to unite our local community and offer an inclusive event. It is scheduled to be held on Friday 17 November.
• Christmas Cheer in the Bay - $3,100
A new initiative, this event aims to bring Christmas spirit to the centre of Byron Bay. Scheduled in for Saturday 16 December at Railway Park, this will be a great event for the whole family to enjoy.
• Northern Rivers Revolt 2024 - $2,100
An event for anyone that is keen to check out Roller Derby or already participates in this fun sport. This event is set for Saturday 16 March 2024 at The Cavanbah Centre.
• Global Beats Byron Bay Harmony Parade - $3,500
Taking place during Harmony Week 2024 this event celebrates music, dance and more from the diverse local community. There will be a parade from Main Beach to Railway Park on Thursday 23 March 2024.
• Mullum Laneway Festival - $3,000
Set for Saturday 11 May 2024 this event is set to bring the Mullumbimby community together with arts, food and more.
• Matsuri - $3,000
This family friendly event is an annual and unique celebration of Japanese culture. A date will be announced in 2024.
The fund aimed to support local events and festivals that addressed one of the following themes:
• Embedding sustainability practices into local events.
• Supporting new and emerging events to assist them in establishing themselves.
• Supporting events to recover from the impacts of the COVID pandemic and floods.
