The Northern Ireland Food and Craft Festival generated £500,000 expenditure in Antrim when it was held in the town in 2021, a report to councillors has stated.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council was told that the three-day event attracted 35,000 visitors and 250 exhibitors to the town.
At the local authority’s meeting on May 30, councillors agreed to a request from organisers for sponsorship of £17,400 to Castle Mall and The Junction in Antrim for this year’s event.
The festival will take place next month from Friday July 1 until July 3 at The Junction, Market Square, Antrim Castle Gardens and Antrim Lough Shore Park.
Organisers also intend for restaurants, bars and retail outlets in the Antrim area to participate with special events and promotions.
A report presented at the meeting noted a “direct visitor spend” last year of £523,000 at festival venues.
Antrim DUP Councillor Paul Dunlop said that he was happy to move the officer’s recommendation to approve sponsorship and the use of Antrim Castle Gardens and Antrim Lough Shore Park.
He added that he looks forward to attending the event.
His proposal was seconded by Antrim SDLP Councillor Roisin Lynch.
At the same meeting, seven applicants to a Community Festivals Fund have been approved at a total cost of £35,000.
Councillor Dunlop also moved the recommendation to approve this sum seconded by Glengormley DUP Councillor Alison Bennington.
Eighteen applicants will share community development grant aid to the tune of almost £54,000.
