CUMBERLAND – New Democrat MLAs Ronna-Rae Leonard and Josie Osborne say that funding will help ensure local fairs, festivals and events can provide fun and excitement for residents and visitors alike.

“Every year, events like the Vancouver Island MusicFest and Filberg Festival bring our community together to appreciate art, music, and the nature we experience them in,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox. “I’m so pleased events like these in our community can bring people together again, with support from this funding.”

In the Mid Island region, 26 events are receiving over $425,000 in funding, including the BC Bike Race, Five Acre Shaker, Vancouver Island MusicFest, and Filberg Festival.

“People of all ages love to come together to celebrate the arts, foods, sports, and natural beauty that Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands have to offer. With this funding, events that celebrate the very best of our communities can continue to bring together locals and visitors,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim.

Across B.C., $15 million in funding will support 1114 fairs, festivals, and events in 2024 and 2025.

Since 2021, the BC New Democrat government has provided $80 million through the Fairs, Festivals, and Events Fund, helping event organizers to overcome ongoing challenges and ensure fun experiences are available for residents and visitors around the province.

Find a full list of events funded at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/tourism-resources/tourism-funding-programs/fairs-festivals-events-fund#recipients