Spalding Festival raised £45,000 – and now wants to find good causes to give the money to

After a record-breaking year, Spalding Festival organisers are ready to start sharing the profits – with revellers getting a say in who gets the cash.

The event in May raised £45,000 across the three days – the largest amount in its five years.

And the first tranche of that money is being made available for groups and individuals to apply for.

Festival chairman Tom Bradshaw said: “Quite simply, the money distribution part is why we put the event on each year.

“Across that weekend we love seeing people having a great time, local bands getting the chance to play live, and us offering some of the top beers and ciders produced in our area.

“But a very special part is being able to support great causes in our local community and seeing the money we raise make a difference.

“It’s returning money to the community in the best way possible.”

The festival committee wants to hear of good causes to support.

It could be important equipment which is needed to make life easier or some key funding for a marginalised, underprivileged or struggling group. Or there might be a project such as refurbishing a building or redecorating premises which needs financial support.

Tom said: “The options are endless. As long as it’s a good cause and local to Spalding and the surrounding area, the committee will give it consideration.”

However, there are some limitations. Financial support is not available to businesses, national charities, other charities that would redistribute the money or for gap year travel.

Encouraging people to apply for funding, Tom said: “Our festival is not run as a business, it’s run as a fundraising venture and every bit of profit is put into the pot to benefit the local community.

“We try to support as much as we can and a wide range of causes which will benefit many people.

“Those applications which identify a clear use for the money and demonstrate who it would help and how are the most likely to succeed.”

Spalding Festival is a joint venture by members of Spalding Round Table and Spalding and District Ladies’ Circle.

While the main bulk of the money will be distributed by the two organisations, this year recipients in the first round of funding will be decided by sponsors and anyone who bought tickets or drinks tokens online. A list of sifted applications will be made available for voting.

Tom said: “It’s the first year we’ve asked our festival sponsors and guests to be involved in this way. We want them to be able to have a direct input into where we donate the money.”

Anyone wishing to apply for funding should message via Spalding Festival’s Facebook page.