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The Mayor's Events Fund

Bringing world-class, regional and community events to the North East

Launched in March 2026, the £11 million three-year fund aims to support a vibrant, sustainable programme of events across the region.

Project details

Portfolio: Culture, creative, tourism and sport

Funding amount: £11 million

Project status: In progress

Key contact: Lesley Strickland

Key contact email: eventsfund@northeast-ca.gov.uk

Page last updated 16-10-2026

The Events Fund is designed to help cultural organisations, event producers, festivals, creative practitioners, community organisations and partners develop ambitious events that contribute to the North East's cultural growth and reputation.

Funding can support:

  • Established events looking to grow audiences and impact
  • New ideas with the potential to become signature North East events
  • Community-led events that strengthen local pride and participation
  • Events that showcase North East talent, creativity and culture
  • Activity that attracts visitors, investment and positive national attention
  • Projects that leave a lasting legacy for communities, audiences and the wider creative sector

The programme aims to support events that celebrate the North East's identity, create opportunities for local artists and creative businesses, increase access to culture, and deliver economic, social and cultural benefits for communities throughout the region.

In 2026/27, the programme has already supported, or is currently assessing support for, a range of events across the North East, including:

  • BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend - one of the UK's biggest music events, bringing national attention and visitors to the North East.
  • Mouth of the Tyne Festival - a flagship regional festival celebrating live music and culture on the coast.
  • Newcastle Pride - a major celebration of LGBTQ+ communities, inclusion and culture.
  • NOVUM Summer Festival - a vibrant programme of arts, culture and live experiences.
  • Great North Run - the world's largest half marathon and one of the region's most recognisable events.
  • North Shields 801 - a programme of activity celebrating North Shields' 801st anniversary.
  • NEXT! Big Thing - supporting emerging creative talent and showcasing new work.
  • Space Week Sunderland - inspiring audiences through science, innovation and space-themed events.
  • Sunderland Stages: BLENDS - creating opportunities for artists, performers and audiences through live cultural experiences.
  • Durham Reads - encouraging reading, storytelling and literary engagement across communities.
  • Great Northumberland - celebrating Northumberland's culture, heritage and visitor offer.
  • Gateshead Creative Places - supporting creative activity, cultural participation and community engagement.

Apply for funding 

For 2027 to 2029, over £6 million will be available to support signature and grassroots events across the North East. Funding requests can range from £10,000 to £500,000, subject to assessment and approval.

You can now submit an expression of interest for funding for events taking place between April 2027 and March 2029. Shortlisted projects will be invited to develop a full business case.

Whether you're an established festival, a cultural organisation, a creative producer or a community-led event organiser, the Events Fund can help bring ambitious ideas to life and strengthen the North East's events landscape for years to come.

Submit your expressions of interest to eventsfund@northeast-ca.gov.uk by 26 November 2026.

Eligibility and Assessment Criteria Events Fund Expression of Interest Form

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