Events & Activity Grants
August 2022 update
Application process suspended for new applications
Background
As part of the Wincanton Town Centre Regeneration programme, South Somerset District Council accepted applications from community organisations and businesses wishing to organise an event or activity in the town centre. Innovative and creative ideas for events which will help to bring people into town were eligible to apply for a grant of up to 50% towards an event which will take place before March 2023, to a maximum of:
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£5,000 for a once off or 3 year project (application from one organisation)
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£10,000 for a once of or 3 year project (partnership application) for collaborative initiatives where one organisation is the applying body, co-ordinating on behalf of at least three partner groups/businesses.
The grant was intended to support the delivery of the following two key strands of the town centre strategy:
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Wincanton has an enhanced retail, community and social function that encourages visits during the day and evening.
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Wincanton Town Centre becomes a place that will create a convenient and attractive destination for both local residents and visitors using the unique assets of Wincanton town centre and the surrounding area.
The grant supported events which had the potential to be viable in the longer term, helping boost town centre footfall and encourage people to visit the town centre and support local businesses now and in the future.
Each event was different and this is illustrated by the following examples, three funded events which happened in 2021:
Secret Storyteller
There are secret stories in Wincanton! If you look carefully, you can find 10 tales, hidden in Wincanton Town Centre shop windows. Scan the code on your phone and you can hear a story. The stories are told by local schoolchildren, with the help of Storyteller Sarah Lloyd-Winder. You can find out more here.
Wincanton Town Festival Market
This 'festival' style market uniquely located in the garden of a historic building had a host of stalls with locally crafted and created goods. Artists, craftsmen and performers offered demonstrations, skills workshops, music, and performance to enhance the visitor experience. The event was successful in drawing people in from a wide area and the hope is that it will be possible to run similar events in the future.
Bath Opera
A production intended to be appealing and make opera accessible to new audiences, Bath Opera’s ‘The Barber of Seville’ first date sold out and a second performance was added to meet demand. The Barber of Seville’ touring production had professional performers in the principal roles supported by chorus. Bath Opera hope to bring an annual opera to Wincanton.
Jubilee Garden Party
Image courtesy of Bath Opera
Events to look out for in 2022-23:
Previous events:
Wincanton Town Festival – Wincanton in Lights
February 2023
Wincanton Museum and History Society – History Day March 2023
Wincanton Museum and History Society – enhanced Talks Programme
March 2023
Chamber of Commerce – Business expo
March 2023
Bath Opera Tosca - Bath Opera at the Memorial Hall
Summer 2023
Bootmakers - Town Tree
Wincanton Town Festival
Secret Storyteller - Wincanton Storyteller
Wincanton Town Festival - Wincanton in Lights
Town Council - Christmas activities
Wassail Theatre - Doorstep panto
Bath Opera - Bath Opera at the Memorial Hall
Wassail Theatre 'Whispering Willow' Doorstep Panto
Jubilee Garden Party
For further information on how to plan and run your event safely, visit our Safety Advisory Group webpage.