Whether it is an existing gala day or festival, or you are planning an entirely new celebratory event, support is available for this year and future years thanks to additional funding made available through the council Budget that was approved last month.

The Budget for People and Place in South Lanarkshire included nearly £40 million in investments, including £200,000 in new funding for galas and festivals to take the total amount now available to £275,000.

This will widen the number and range of galas and festivals that the council supports – last year 12 groups received funding, including Lanark’s Lanimers and Rutherglen’s Landemer Day.

Jackie Taylor, Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Resources, said: “A number of political groups came together to agree the Budget for 2026-27 and in doing so they decided to extend this funding for local events to bring more parity to the support being made available for different communities.

“The aim is to make more money available for more events, right across South Lanarkshire – events that bring communities together to celebrate their local heritage and identities.”

Grants of up to £5000 will be available to support events in towns, villages or neighbourhoods that are open and inclusive of all members of that community.

Any constituted community group or organisation which provides community benefit and has public liability insurance for their activities is eligible to apply. Organisations which have previously received funds will need to submit applications for 2026-27.

More details including how to apply can be found here. Applications for the first tranche of funding are invited by 15 May 2026 so grants can be issued to support events this Summer.