No community grant approval for new Laois Homecoming festival

A new Laois festival personally organised by one of the county's most famous singers, has hit a stumbling block over refusal of funding.

The Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival is planned to take place on the weekend of September 5, 6 and 7, the brainchild of the Lovely Laois professional singer Trudi Lalor.

Ms Lalor already has big names in the bag like Hollywood actor and musician Patrick Bergin and Channel 4 Supervet Professor Noel Fitzpatrick from Ballyfin as part of a packed schedule of arts and music events across the county.

Other events include afternoon tea dances in seven Laois ICA halls, a community Mass with Timahoe Male Choir and Trudi in Portlaoise, a Céili Mór in Castletown and an awards night for community leaders. Read more here.

However it has been confirmed that a grant application for funding to Laois County Council has been unexpectedly turned down.

Grants of up to €3,000 are available in Laois for non-profit community and voluntary groups running festivals.  

However the council states that "commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible for funding".

Ms Lalor assured the Leinster Express / Laois Live that the festival is "full steam ahead anyway".

"People are coming home for it, it's not only for people of Laois, it's huge for Laois tourism. The hotels and AirB&Bs have had a massive response," she said.

Cllr Tommy Mulligan had liaised with the council on her behalf.

"I understand how frustrating this is. A lot of work has gone into it, and considerable expense. My understanding is that the money is only for community groups. I'd love to see it go ahead, it will bring huge benefits to Laois, it's an opportunity to showcase the county," he said.

Laois County Council gave a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"The Council fully supports the ambition and spirit of the Laois Homecoming festival and have advised the Event Company who is organising the event that Laois County Council can support any of the community run elements of the festival weekend in line with the funding protocols for supporting same," Director of Services Angela McEvoy said.

"Laois County Council continues to provide financial support to community and voluntary groups to support festivals and events which attract visitors to the County through the Tourism Grant Scheme (Festivals and Events).  Applications can be made through the Tourism Officer Ms Elaine Moore and further details are available on the website.

"The Council provides grant funding to qualifying festivals and events to assist with costs associated with organising the festival/event. Applications received by Laois County Council will be assessed and if successful an email of offer will issue to successful applicants. The maximum grant payable under this scheme is €3,000. 

Read More: Laois town cancels its Darkness Into Light walk.

"Payment of the grant will be made when the event has been held and a Post Event Report submitted giving details of expenditure and the general running of the event," the director explained.