Organisers of big events are still being given the chance to get government cash as part of an initiative to boost the island after lockdown.

The Department of Enterprise’s domestic event fund scheme, which ran last year, has now been extended until the end of September.

It provides local authorities, businesses, individuals and charities financial support to continue holding local events throughout spring and summer.

The cash has come from the £100m Economic Recovery Fund announced by Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan in his budget update in July.

Event organisers can apply for up to 80% of the total costs associated with the staging of domestic focused events.

All eligible events such as local markets, festivals, shows, and concerts must be focused on increasing domestic spending through driving footfall into the island’s towns.

Qualifying costs include equipment, entertainment, marketing, insurance, health and safety, and an event organiser.

Minister for Enterprise Laurence Skelly MHK said: ’With many large island events cancelled and travel restrictions affecting the 2021 peak season, it is vital that we continue to support our domestic businesses as much as we can.

’Community events provide a great stimulus for businesses by encouraging residents to explore the island, travelling to different towns and villages for special events and experiences, in turn increasing their domestic spending throughout the island.

’The post-event reports from events supported by the fund to date have all demonstrated a positive influence on driving footfall into our key towns and so I really look forward to seeing more to come.’

The fund was extended after supporting increased domestic spending over the autumn/winter period through 10 events, which included Onchan Commissioners’ ’Onchan Night of Light’, Douglas Council’s ’The Greatest Show’ and Manx esports ’Rumble on the Island-Super Smash Bro Tournament’.

Mike and Josie Wade, founders of The Black Dog Oven and event organiser of ’The Dog’s Nollick’ also received support from the fund in December.

Mr Wade said: ’We’re extremely thankful for the support of the domestic event fund in helping us to host a successful series of Christmas pop-up events last year.

’We estimated that a minimum of 1,200 attendees visited us in Peel over the three weekends, contributing a potential local spend of over £16,000.

’Feedback received from local businesses within the area was also positive as some witnessed a noticeable increase in trade as a result. Similarly, we also contributed a wider economic benefit in terms of the local suppliers we used.’

Applications for events running up to September 30 are currently being considered.

For further information visit: www.businessisleofman.com/eventfund