Released in May 2023, the new events grant funded by Somerset Council’s Town Deal investment from Government has proved popular with local event organisers. To date 8 events have been successful in receiving funds bringing an estimated 12400 visitors to the town. Lucky recipients have included Seed Sedgemoor’s current AR exhibition at the Train Station with exciting filters that animate historical and anecdotal local events at the station as well as Bridgwater’s well-received first Pride in September.
These are the new events agreed:
Bridgwater’s Food and Drink Festival were awarded £3300 to complement all 2024 markets with new entertainment and activities.
Wassail Theatre received £2500 and will bring a unique live production of their new show to Bridgwater in the summer.
Seed were awarded £4000 towards a High Street Creative Takeover of an empty shop in central Bridgwater for 3 weeks in 2024, reimagining it as a pop-up creative hub hosting a mix of arts activities.
Fuse received £4200 to create a free immersive, interactive fire and light trail on the evening of Saturday 21 September 2024 in town. Audiences will experience performers, live music, installations, window displays, stalls, secret locations and projections.
Ruth Lambert, co-chair of the grant decision panel, said “We are so pleased with the difference this grant is making to the Bridgwater calendar of events and how the events bring more footfall for small businesses based in the town. Bridgwater has some incredible creative independent event organisers and plenty of new ideas. This grant allows those organisers the opportunity to establish new events and, alongside our policy to encourage sustainable plans, hopefully embed them as repeat events.”
Cllr Ros Wyke, Lead Member for Economy, Planning and Assets at Somerset Council, said: “The quality and range of events selected so far have demonstrated great imagination, innovation, and enthusiasm. They are truly impressive community contributions.
“With its planned regeneration, Bridgwater has never been better placed to welcome residents, visitors and businesses alike back to its streets for a sustainable programme of entertainment, activities, arts and culture. Key to success is ensuring that we support and encourage everyone involved, working together to unlock the town’s economic, social and cultural potential while maximising every funding opportunity.”
Grants are available from £500 up to £10,000 to support organisations in their delivery of new events and activities that will draw people to the Town Centre and re-energise Bridgwater.
Do you have an idea for an event in Bridgwater? Do you want to be a part of breathing life into the spaces of Bridgwater? Could you create something special in the heart of Bridgwater itself? For more information follow this link https://bit.ly/3THxSV5
