Six Coromandel events will benefit from an extra $120,000 over the next two years thanks to the latest round of the Major Events Sponsorship Programme.
This week The Thames-Coromandel District Council's Economic Development Committee approved grants to help grow the Illume Festival of Lights, Brits at the Beach, Steampunk the Thames, Thunder Beach NZ, NZ Festival of Mindsport, and Rising Can Beer Festival events.
As part of the Thames-Coromandel District Council's latest round of Major Events Sponsorship, six Coromandel events including the Illume Festival of Lights (pictured) will receive an extra $120,000 over the next two years. Photos: File
For the first time since council adopted its 2013 Events Strategy, the committee has had the opportunity to invest in Major Events longer than one year due to funding being secured in the 2015 Long Term Plan.
Deputy Chief Executive Benjamin Day says this gives event organisers more certainty to grow their events and to attract more corporate and community sponsorship.
'There were 14 applications for Major Events Sponsorship and it's unfortunate that we can't fund everything.
'While we may not be able to provide financial support to all events we do help out in other areas with concessions, licences and permits as well as promotion and marketing, which our Regional Tourism Operator Destination Coromandel also supports.”
Illume Festival of Lights will receive $25,000 over the next two years, $15,000 in 2015-2016 and $10,000 2016-2017, subject to a performance measure being achieved at the 2016 event.
The Illume Festival has run for the past two years and is a free, family friendly event held in the first week of the July school holidays in Coromandel Town. Festival highlights include a night market, a street light parade, fireworks, live music, lanterns and entertainment for the children.
Brits on the Beach had $24,435 approved for the next two years, $12,000 in 2015-2016 and $10,000 in 2016-2017, subject to a 15 per cent increase in participation in 2016.
Celebrating all things British, this event runs from October 8-11 in Whangamata, showcasing British cars, motorbikes, music and food.
Steampunk the Thames receives $15,000 in 2015-2016 and $10,000 in 2016-2017, subject to a performance measure being achieved in the 2015 event.
Held this year on November 13–15, Steampunk the Thames is a new festival which will have an array of public Steam Punk art on display, a Steam Punk Circus, street carnival and freak show. This is a free event.
Thunder Beach successfully obtained $10,000 in 2015-2016 and $7,000 in 2016-2017, subject to hitting 1,000 riders in 2015.
This is a Motorcycle New Zealand bikers' rally where riders tour the Coromandel loop, overnighting in Whitianga. Last year up to 300 riders participated in the event which is gaining in popularity.
NZ Festival of Mindsports receives $15,000 in 2015-2016 and $10,000 in 2016-2017, subject to a 15 per cent increase in participation in its 2016 event.
Now running for two years, the Festival of Mindsports is in Thames and offers an enticing week full of games and activities for all ages, celebrating our nation's love and interest in a large range of board and card games alike. Next year's event is planned for June.
Rising Can Beer Festival will receive $4,000 in 2015-2016, subject to further detail being provided by the event organisers to council staff.
The Hot Water Brewing Company out of Whenuakite makes its own craft beer and this event gives you a chance to enjoy good food, good music and canned beer. The event is on Saturday, November 21.
A second round of sponsorship will open in September 2015. For more information visit the Thames Coromandel District Council's Major Events Sponsorship webpage.
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