Ulster-Scots Community Festivals Programme Opens

This funding programme has now closed for 2023/24.

This programme is for Community Festivals from 1 June 2023 to 31 March 2024.   

The annual Community Festival Programme supports the delivery of Ulster-Scots Community Festivals which will provide people with opportunities to experience and learn about Ulster-Scots culture, heritage, and language.  

Ulster-Scots Community Festivals have an important role to play in raising awareness of Ulster-Scots within the wider community. With the grant, it allows the Ulster-Scots people to celebrate their cultural identity and also educate and strengthen Ulster-Scots communities.  

The programme also supports the inclusion of Ulster-Scots content in other Community Festivals. 

Groups interested in applying should visit Ulster-Scots Agency website, follow the link for Community Festivals and register HERE.  

An application form and guidelines will be emailed to the group after a successful registration. A separate Festival plan document will be emailed to groups who register.  

The maximum grant available for a major festival is £20,000 and £8,000 for a minor festival.  

Groups must provide match funding of at least 25%.  

The Community Festivals programme is a traditionally a competitive programme, therefore groups are encouraged to read the detailed guidelines, eligible costs and rates before completing an application form. 

Support is available from the Ulster-Scots Community Network if groups require assistance with their submission.  

Please note: The Community Festival Programme has been extended for one week and will now close at 12 noon on Friday 14 April 2023. Late or incomplete applications will be rejected.  

For further information, contact the Agency’s Community Development Officer Derek Reaney on reaneyd@ulsterscotsagency.org.uk or 07843 279 912.