legsSince 2015 Boston Big Local has been funding local events through the Local Events Grant Scheme. The scheme supports new and existing events that bring people together and build community spirit in the Boston Big Local area.

Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service (LCVS) administer the Local Events Grants scheme on Boston Big Local’s behalf and they are currently taking applications for the next round of funding. The submission deadline will be 5pm on Friday 2 February 2018.

If you are considering applying for a grant, there is a chance to talk to Jody Raggo  about your event idea at a drop-in day on Thursday 17 January between 11am and 3.30pm at The Len Medlock Voluntary Centre, St. George’s Road, Boston, PE21 8YB. Jody can also provide you with support and guidance on the completion of your application form. You can book a timeslot for the 17 January drop-in day by going to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/lincolnshire-cvs-2073722149.

Up to £1,500 is available for small events and there is a larger pot of up to £4,500 for a large event. A Local Events Grant panel meets to consider applications for funding with the aim of making sure that grants are awarded to events that will best benefit the local community.

Funds are available to help develop a new event or to support an event with proven success that needs an extra boost. If you are considering applying for a grant, here is a quick run through of the events that have been supported over the last three years.

Events supported in 2015

Just Lincolnshire in partnership with Boston College | ‘Music for Sophie’ concert. This was a free event organised by Boston College’s Music and Performing Arts students to raise awareness of The Sophie Lancaster Foundation. The concert featured performances from live musicians and DJs, with contemporary and urban dance, spoken word poetry and acting scenes

Boston Town Team | Food For Thought Event. This event encouraged healthy eating and using locally grown products. Activities on offer included a smoothie bike and a mechanical milking cow. The event also enabled the local Salvation Army to win a years supply of locally grown products.

Boston Lithuanian Community Group | Pancake Day Together Event. An event designed to share the pancake day traditions of other cultures with the local community.

St Botolph’s Church | Royal Bear Abseiling Challenge. This fun event brought communities together to raise funds by sponsoring their teddy bear to abseil down the tower of the Boston Stump. Botolph, Boston Big Local’s own teddy bear mascot took part.

Events supported in 2016

Boston Borough Council | ‘Sun, Sea and  Fun’ Boston Beach Event. A very special summer event to bring the seaside to Boston.

Boston College | Park Fest. The goal of this community event was to bring people together for a family fun day and give them the opportunity to try new activities, as well as new music and cultural experiences that showcased local talent.

Boston Borough Council | Get Cycling Roadshow. Local residents were encouraged to take up cycling to commute to school and work and for informal recreation and sport. There were plenty of different bikes to try out.

Events supported in 2017

Boston Bike Night. We helped Boston Bike Night celebrate its 21st anniversary in style. Boston Big Local offered a grant to support the well-established annual event which allows motorcyclist enthusiasts and the general public to come together, creating a real buzz for the town.

Butterfly Hospice Trust | Ugly Bugs Fun Run. This was an event for children and families that encouraged people to get together, exercise, have fun and raise money for the Butterfly Hospice Trust.

Boston Borough Council | 1940s Event. Funding for this event was agreed in 2017 but the event will be held on 16 and 17 June 2018. It will deliver a free afternoon of song and dance 1940s style in Boston Market Place, followed by a free full day 1940’s event in Central Park. It will be a great chance to dress up and reminisce and will feature a wide variety of entertainment, singers, dancers, a brass band, Coningsby Military Choir plus many others. There will also be re-enactors from BBMF, Infantry, Strictly GI, and the WW11 Museum.

To find out more about applying for a Local Events Grant or to download an application form and guidance notes, visit bostonbiglocal.co.uk/funding/community-events-grant.