Bring your event idea to life in Leiston
Funding is available to support events and activities that bring people into Leiston, strengthen our community and help support the local economy.
Whether you are planning a community event, activity, festival, performance or something new for the town, the Destination Leiston Town Centre Events Grant Scheme may be able to help.
£1,000–£5,000
Typical grant award
Up to £10,000
Larger applications may be considered
Up to 100% funding
Match funding is not required
Apply for an Events Grant
Read the Grant Guidance
About the fund
Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council, through Destination Leiston, is inviting applications for funding to support events and activities that help make Leiston town centre a vibrant, welcoming and thriving place for residents, businesses and visitors.
We particularly welcome events and activities that:
- Bring more people into Leiston town centre;
- Encourage community participation;
- Support local businesses and the local economy;
- Attract visitors to Leiston;
- Create opportunities for people to come together; and
- Are inclusive and accessible to the community.
Both new and established events are welcome to apply.
Who can apply?
Applications are welcomed from:
- Community and voluntary groups;
- Registered charities and charitable organisations;
- Community Interest Companies (CICs);
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs);
- Social enterprises;
- Local businesses; and
- Partnerships involving any of the above.
Events and activities should take place within, or provide a clear benefit to, Leiston town centre and the local community.
How much funding is available?
Most applications are expected to be between £1,000 and £5,000.
Applications for larger amounts of up to £10,000 may also be considered where the proposal can demonstrate significant outcomes and benefits.
The scheme can fund up to 100% of eligible project costs, so applicants do not need to provide match funding.
Established or recurring events are welcome to apply. Where larger amounts of funding are requested, applicants should be able to demonstrate how the grant will provide something new, enhanced or additional.
What can the grant pay for?
Funding can support reasonable costs directly associated with planning, delivering and promoting an event.
This could include:
- venue or space hire;
- performers and entertainment;
- activity providers;
- event equipment;
- marketing, printing and advertising;
- temporary signage;
- stewarding and security;
- first aid provision;
- waste management;
- accessibility measures;
- volunteer expenses and training;
- road closures or traffic management;
- event materials and supplies; and
- event-related insurance.
If you are unsure whether a particular cost or activity is eligible, please contact us before submitting your application.
Email: deputytc@leistontowncouncil.gov.uk
How to apply
We have tried to make the application process as straightforward as possible.
Step 1 – Read the guidance
Read the Grant Guidance to check that your organisation, proposed event and costs are eligible.
Step 2 – Look at how applications are assessed
Applications are assessed against published criteria covering areas such as community benefit, economic impact, deliverability and value for money.
Looking at the criteria before completing your application may help you provide the information needed to support your proposal.
View the Scoring Criteria – PDF
Step 3 – Complete the application form
Download and complete the application form.
Please provide as much information as you can about your event, including:
- what you are planning;
- who the event is for;
- how it will benefit Leiston;
- how many people you expect to attend;
- how you will promote the event;
- your proposed budget; and
- how you will know whether the event has been successful.
Download the Application Form – Word document
Step 4 – Send us your application
Send your completed application form and any supporting information to:
deputytc@leistontowncouncil.gov.uk
Applications are considered on a rolling basis, subject to funding remaining available.
Before you apply
Before submitting your application, please consider:
- how your event will benefit Leiston and the local community;
- who you expect to attend;
- how the event will be promoted;
- your event budget;
- any licences, permissions or consents required;
- health and safety arrangements;
- event risk assessments;
- safeguarding arrangements where appropriate;
- accessibility;
- insurance; and
- how you will measure the success of your event.
Events are required to hold at least £10 million Public Liability Insurance.
You do not necessarily need to have every permission or licence in place when you first apply, but your application should identify what will be required and how this will be managed.
What happens after you apply?
Your application will be assessed against the published grant criteria.
We will consider:
- how well the event supports the aims of the fund;
- the benefit to the Leiston community;
- the potential benefit to the local economy;
- whether the event is realistic and deliverable;
- event planning and management arrangements;
- value for money; and
- the expected impact on Leiston town centre.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome by email.
Successful applicants will receive a formal grant offer setting out the amount awarded and any conditions attached to the funding.
Applicants should not commit expenditure in reliance on the grant until a formal offer has been issued and accepted.
After your event
We want to understand the difference the funding has made.
Successful applicants will therefore be asked to complete a short Monitoring and Evaluation Form following their event.
This may include information such as:
- attendance figures;
- volunteer involvement;
- feedback from attendees;
- involvement of local businesses;
- outcomes achieved;
- photographs or other evidence from the event; and
- anything you have learnt that may help future events.
Download the Monitoring & Evaluation Form – Word document
Documents
Thinking of applying?
Grant Guidance
Everything you need to know about the scheme, eligibility and eligible expenditure.
Scoring Criteria
See how applications will be assessed.
View the Scoring Criteria – PDF
Ready to apply?
Application Form
Complete this form to apply for Destination Leiston event funding.
Download the Application Form – Word document
Already received a grant?
Monitoring & Evaluation Form
Complete this following your funded event.
Download the Monitoring & Evaluation Form – Word document
Need some help?
Talk to us about your idea
If you are thinking about applying but are unsure whether your event or particular costs would be eligible, please get in touch.
We would be happy to talk through your idea before you submit an application.
Email: deputytc@leistontowncouncil.gov.uk
Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council
Supporting events that bring people together and help Leiston thrive.