EVENTS in Carmarthenshire are being given a helpful boost thanks to Carmarthenshire County Council’s new Event Support Scheme.

A fund of £20,000 has been set aside by the council which event organisers across the county can apply to, to help grow their event.

Applications can be made for funds of between £250 and £5,000 at up to 50 per cent of total costs for events that meet certain criteria aimed at improving tourism in the county.

To date, over £9,000 has been allocated to eight events, ranging from musical and cultural festivals, to a motorbike weekend and town carnival.

Event organisers, Sue and Jonah MacGill, from Llandovery Motorbike Weekend, which took place on July 8 and 9 said: “As organisers of a small event which, we feel, has much potential for the town of Llandovery, our award of £850 was essential to enable the event to take place and will undoubtedly enable us to grow it in years to come.

“We are just a small group of local people who are trying to create something unique to help put Llandovery on the map whilst enhancing levels of road safety and first aid within an inclusive environment. We are delighted that Carmarthenshire County Council recognises that.”

The Llandovery Motorbike Weekend aims to capitalise upon the fact that hundreds of bikers pass through the town every weekend, encouraging them to stay longer and take advantage of all it has to offer.

It is estimated that approximately 2000 people visited the town and surrounding area over the weekend with many staying at local campsites, hotels and B&Bs.

Other events which have received funding include Llandeilo Jazz Festival, Carmarthen River Festival and Ammanford Big Day Out.

Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, Executive Board Member for culture, sport & tourism said: “Events are worth an estimated £1.5 million to the local economy.

“We therefore hold our county’s events programme in high regard and aim to support those events which meet the specified criteria as much as we can in order to improve the appeal of Carmarthenshire as a vibrant and attractive tourist destination.”

For more information on the council’s Event Support Fund, and to apply, visit carmarthenshire.gov.wales/organising-events/funding-for-event-organisers