NDP MLA Brenda Bailey says funding will support events like the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver

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VANCOUVER – New Democrat MLA Brenda Bailey is announcing recipients of provincial funding to help make sure local fairs, festivals and other events continue throughout 2023 and 2024.

“Festivals and events provide a space for us to come together, connect and celebrate our shared values and experiences,” said Brenda Bailey, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek. “By working together with local event organizers, we are helping to make our communities stronger.”

In Vancouver, 258 events are receiving over $9 million in funding including:

  • Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival $133,300
  • Vancouver Folk Fest, $249,800
  • Honda Celebration of Light 2024, $250,000
  • Vancouver International Film Festival, $250,000
  • Pride Week. $147,600

This investment into local events is part of the $30 million in one-time grants the province pledged for Fairs, Festivals, and Events to continue the recovery of a vibrant and strong tourism industry and support our innovative arts industry in B.C.

This builds upon the success of the BC Fairs, Festivals and Events Program funding in 2021, which provided one-time grants for events to safely return after facing the covid-19 pandemic. These grants for 2023 will support a range of events in locations all over B.C., and associated event costs.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/28246

A backgrounder with event locations and funding information follows: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/tourism-resources/tourism-funding-programs/fairs-festivals-events-fund