With cultural, sporting and community events firmly back on the calendar, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is inviting organisers to apply for the annual events fund.

The fund provides grants to help event organisers deliver successful and sustainable entertainments, which have flow-on benefits for the wider community.

“Events play a huge role in promoting our district to domestic and international visitors, boosting our local economy and enriching the lives of people who live here,” QLDC relationship manager arts and events Jan Maxwell said.

“Each year our contestable fund is available to support established events and nurture new ones so they can grow and flourish.”

The application criteria has been refined this year with a new application form and a greater focus on sustainability.

“We’ve gone further this year asking organisers how they intend to minimise waste and move towards zero carbon impact,” Jan said. 

Last year more than half a million dollars was granted for events with some events receiving more than $30,000 in support. 

Recipients included the Festival of Colour, Ripe, Challenge Wānaka, Wheels at Wānaka, NZ Mountain Book and Film Festival, and more.

Anyone wanting to discuss the fund and their application with Council staff can book a confidential one-hour review session at Wānaka Recreation Centre this Friday (April 14).

Sessions are also available online for anyone who cannot attend in person. 

Applications close at 5pm on Sunday April 30. They will be reviewed by a panel of councillors before this year’s recipients are announced in July.

Full information on the funding criteria, key dates and how to apply is available on the council’s website.

PHOTO: Supplied