Launch of Longford Town Night-Time Economy pilot initiative
Includes public consultation and funding opportunity for night-time events
Press Release: 27 May 2024
Longford County Council is pleased to announce the launch of a pilot Longford Town Night-Time Economy initiative which includes public consultation and a funding opportunity of up to €3,000 for night-time events.
Longford Town is one of nine locations in Ireland chosen to take part in this Night-Time Economy pilot. The pilot aims to encourage innovation and increase the diversity of social, cultural, and economic activities happening in the evening and at night-time hours.
The other locations are Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Kilkenny City, Drogheda in County Louth, Sligo, and Buncrana in County Donegal.
It is an initiative of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media. It is supported by Longford County Council, with the recent appointment of Dympna Reilly as Night-Time Economy Advisor for Longford Town.
Public consultation
As part of the Night-Time Economy pilot, a public consultation process for Longford Town is set to start in the coming weeks. This will include a public facilitation workshop on Wednesday, 26 June. This workshop will feed into a Longford Town night-time economy action plan. To attend, email dreilly@longfordcoco.ie.
Night-Time Economy grant scheme
As part of this Night-Time Economy pilot scheme, funding of up to €3,000 is available for new night-time events taking place after 6pm in Longford Town. Proposals are sought from local businesses, community groups, event organisers, collaborators, and individuals.
Proposals should aim to attract new audiences and inspire new uses of existing spaces in Longford Town. Events and initiatives proposed should add to the variety of offerings and experiences for
Longford Town residents and visitors. Collaboration with artists and cultural communities in Longford is welcome.
Proposals must support the growth and diversity of the night-time economy with events which will take place on specified dates in September and October 2024, as follows:
• Saturday, 7 September 2024
• Saturday, 21 September 2024
• Friday, 11 October 2024
• Halloween on Thursday, 31 October 2024
Events that may be funded include but are not limited to:
• Sporting events, runs, walks, evening Parkrun
• Exhibitions, tours, history events, poetry readings, light shows
• Film screenings, theatre shows, comedy shows, outdoor cinema events
• Live music and DJing, dance events
• Live podcasts, storytelling events
• Evening markets, cookery demonstrations, food trails
• Classes, wellbeing initiatives, fashion shows
• Extended opening hours for retail businesses and cafes
Applications are via an online application form. The closing date for submission is Friday, 21 June 2024. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Full terms and conditions apply.
Successful applicants will be notified at the start of July and all funds must be drawn down within two weeks of the event completion.
A programme of events will be compiled and promoted by the Night-Time Economy Advisor. Marketing material will be shared with applicants for their promotion and cross-promotion of events is encouraged to maximise footfall in Longford Town.
Applicants will be asked to provide post-event data. This is to help evaluate the success of the Longford Town Night-Time Economy pilot initiative.
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