COLCHESTER Council has announced the 20 winners of a grant to help support festivals across the borough - in what is set to be the last giveaway of its kind.

A total of £25,350 will be shared between the community groups planning to organise festivals and events in the coming year.

A judging panel assessed each application against specific criteria, including how aligned the events and festivals were to the council’s priorities, the audiences and communities that would benefit, the potential to bring visitors to the borough, the celebration of Colchester's heritage, cultural attractions and outdoor spaces, and developing a strong sense of community.

The council confirmed this was likely to be the last year the Festival Support Grant Fund is offered, as the council continues to "find ways to operate against the backdrop of continuing and increasing cost pressures from government."

The winners of the grant funding are: 

Big Sunday 2017: A free one-day community event which takes place across nine or more venues in and around the St Botolph’s/Cultural Quarter, comprising the widest possible range of performance and art.

Colchester and East Essex Cricket Club Festival: A Youth cricket festival at Lower Castle Park, including local club tournament and 'come and play' session for beginners.

Colchester Comedy Festival: Events and workshops at up to 10 venues connected under the Colchester Comedy Festival banner encouraging diversity and widening participation and promoting comedy, the arts and Colchester as a cultural destination.

Colchester Film Festival: The Colchester Film Festival is an international film festival showcasing the best feature and short films from the UK and around the world, resuming after a year’s hiatus.

Coming Together – Celebrating Colchester's People: A free one-day festival bringing together Colchester's communities to celebrate together – built around the global themes of diversity and equality.

Friends of Colchester Archaeological Trust Summer Party: A two-day event at the Roman Circus Visitor Centre to showcase the Roman heritage of Colchester, including re-enactments, and tours and talks by the Colchester Archaeological Trust.

Invasion Colchester: Free comic book heroes and villains’ festival with TV, film and comic book characters taking over the town centre for a day to entertain visitors and residents, and raise funds for local charities.

Jane’s Walk Colchester 2017: An annual festival of walking, part of an international event taking place simultaneously in towns and cities worldwide, honouring the legacy of the urbanist Jane Jacobs.

John Ball Day: Inaugural John Ball Day event and associated programme commemorating the life and legacy of this famous resident of Colchester, leader of the Peasants Revolt

Neurofantastic!: A celebration of individuality, creativity and neurodiversity. A showcase of neuro-divergent (predominantly autistic) performers, organised by a diverse team for a diverse audience.

Peldon Village Fete and Craft Fair: A village festival with various events, brass band, local food and crafts stalls, exhibitions and children’s animals and play area.

Roman River Festival: This flagship Festival is the centrepiece of a year-round programme of high-quality education work, community events and concerts for diverse audiences across Colchester.

Rowhedge Regatta: Annual event held in the picturesque riverside village of Rowhedge.

Site Specific Performance at St Botolph's Priory: Five performances of a new Site Specific play, written by local playwright Nicola Werenowska, produced by Footprints, written in response to the site linking the heritage with the modern world.

The British Championship for Town Criers: Colchester is hosting the British Championship for Town Criers, which will take place across the Town Centre on the 5th August 2017.

The Colchester Medieval Festival: This international Festival is a celebration of an imagined annual Town Fair of the 14th to 16th centuries, with a vast period market, spectacular continuous entertainment and magnificent food and drink.

Little Scarlet Music Festival: Tiptree community music festival, featuring local bands, a second small stage for young local musicians, bar, snacks, cream teas and a children’s area. All ticket proceeds going to charity.

Wild About Wivenhoe Festival: The festival is a week-long event to engage the community in environmental issues, from recycling and reducing waste to wildlife and nature, and to celebrate the work of local conservation projects.

Wivenhoe ArtsSeaMusic Fest: A community celebration of the creativity, industry and heritage of Wivenhoe, encompassing many of the things that make it such a special place, from art and live music to its history with the River Colne.

Young Children’s Festival: A vibrant, inclusive, free fun day in Castle Park for young families, comprising educational activities, art, crafts, music, sport, food and funfair, plus information on sources of support and advice for parenting.

Councillor Tim Young, portfolio holder for licensing, community safety and culture said: “I’m delighted that we have once again been able to offer our support to festivals across the borough. It’s great to be able to give such hard-working organisers our support and backing. This will mean that residents and visitors will have an improved quality and quantity of events and activities to enjoy over the coming year.

“Colchester has earned a positive reputation for hosting some fantastic events. Festivals are a great way to celebrate what the town has to offer – they boost overnight visitor stays and generate local pride in communities.

“We received some excellent submissions this year. I'd like to thank all those who took the time to bid and wish them every success with their events for the future. Sadly we couldn't help everyone, but where we can signpost people to other possible funding sources we certainly will.

“To keep up with what's on, I would recommend checking out the Visit Colchester website and social media feeds for all the latest events news.”

The award of this funding is still subject to call-in and the necessary checks and approvals.