NEW WESTMINSTER – New Democrat MLAs Jennifer Whiteside and Aman Singh are announcing recipients of provincial funding to help make sure local fairs, festivals and other events continue throughout 2023 and 2024.
“New Westminster is home to so many different festivals and fairs that connect people with community,” said Jennifer Whiteside, MLA for New Westminster. “Whether it is the Coastal Dance Festival or the Musical Children’s Arts Conference, there is something for everyone. I can’t wait to meet with people as we enjoy all that New Westminster has to offer this spring and summer.”
In New Westminster, 21 events are receiving over $250,000 in funding, including $40,800 for Recovery Day BC, and $14,000 for New West Pride Week & Street Festival 2023.
“By sharing festivals and celebrations, we can learn about each other’s cultures and traditions, and get a deeper understanding of our shared history as British Columbians,” says Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough. “I encourage everyone to attend a local fair, festival or cultural event as we move towards a more inclusive B.C.”
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:
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