Call to share 'best practice' on festivals and cultural events in Wales
The Welsh Assembly Government today debated the support that the Government in Cardiff gives to local, festivals and events that drive tourism and support the rural economy.
William Powell, Lib Dem AM for Mid Wales, questioned the level of support that was available for a rural festival.
William Powell, Lib Dem AM for Mid Wales, questioned the level of support that was available for a rural festival.
Mr Powell made reference to the Llandeilo Jazz Festival (Jazz@Llandeilo), which is now in its third year and going from strength to strength.
Mr Powell paid tribute to the local people and businesses - notably the Evan-Evans Brewery- who worked tirelessly to stage the festival.
Mr Powell paid tribute to the local people and businesses - notably the Evan-Evans Brewery- who worked tirelessly to stage the festival.
The AM then called for more to be done to put 'best-practice' guidelines in place for summer festivals.
He said that the Government should ensure that such cultural events – especially those primarily funded and run by private individuals and communities – were able to access the advice and support they needed, so that best practice could be shared across Wales.
Simon Buckley, the organiser of Jazz@Llandeilo and owner of the town's Evan-Evans Brewery, said:
"Jazz@Llandeilo is totally funded this year by ticket sales and top-up sponsorship, by my companies, Evan-Evans, H&J Buckley cider and Carlsberg UK.
Simon Buckley, the organiser of Jazz@Llandeilo and owner of the town's Evan-Evans Brewery, said:
"Jazz@Llandeilo is totally funded this year by ticket sales and top-up sponsorship, by my companies, Evan-Evans, H&J Buckley cider and Carlsberg UK.
"Without their support, this event would not happen each year.
"Finances are always stretched and at local government level it seems that some events attract larger grants than others.
"Finances are always stretched and at local government level it seems that some events attract larger grants than others.
"Jazz is a community event. More people attend jazz than any other event other than the Winter Festival of the Senses in Llandeilo.
"To be honest, we returned the Llandeilo Town Council grant as simply it was not enough for us to be able to doing anything with.
"I hope they put it to good use, elsewhere. Last year, we gave the two primary schools £1500, to spend between them on musical instruments, and I know that those contributions have led to new levels of musical excellence in both schools.
"The beer is brewed, the bands are booked, and the team is moving up into top gear to make sure that Jazz@Llandeilo 2014 is a great success and fun for the whole town."
"I hope they put it to good use, elsewhere. Last year, we gave the two primary schools £1500, to spend between them on musical instruments, and I know that those contributions have led to new levels of musical excellence in both schools.
"The beer is brewed, the bands are booked, and the team is moving up into top gear to make sure that Jazz@Llandeilo 2014 is a great success and fun for the whole town."
William Powell AM and Simon Buckley toast the success of Jazz@Llandeilo at the recent 'W-Ales Beer Festival' in Cardiff.
Comments