£85,000 of National Lottery funding awarded to West Midlands groups to celebrate community spirit

Communities across the West Midlands have been awarded over £85,000 of National Lottery funding to host celebrations as part of the Mayor’s Community Weekend. This is thanks to a partnership between the West Midlands Combined Authority and The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

Following the huge success of the first Mayor’s Community Weekend last year, communities were invited to apply for grants of up to £500 each to hold a celebratory event on Saturday 29 June and Sunday 30 June 2019. After a positive response from people across the region, an extra £25,000 of National Lottery funding has been awarded compared to last year, so even more celebrations can take place this summer.

Over 170 events will be happening in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Herefordshire, Sandwell, Shropshire, Solihull, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford, Walsall, Warwickshire, Wolverhampton and Worcestershire.

The aim of the Mayor’s Community Weekend is to bring people and communities together, to celebrate the experiences they share and make new memories. It will encourage people from all walks of life to build stronger community bonds and embrace community spirit. 40 of the successfully funded ideas are from groups of people who have come together especially to make something amazing happen in their neighbourhood.

Matt Poole, Senior Head of Regional Funding for the Midlands at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people coming together for the Mayor’s Community Weekend, and we’re proud to be awarding grants of £500 each to bring their ideas to life. It’s set to be a memorable two days, with something for everyone including street parties, dog shows, sports festivals, tea dances and music concerts. We can’t wait to see people across the West Midlands join forces to spark friendships and make memories, helping their communities to thrive.”

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, said: “The West Midlands community is the best in the UK and the Community Weekend gives us all a chance to come together to enjoy a day of fun events, food and festivities.

“Whether you’re in Dudley or Coventry, Solihull or Sandwell, Wolverhampton or Walsall, the Community Weekend will be packed with exciting events organised by your local community – and I cannot wait to get out to see everyone enjoying themselves, getting to know their neighbours and showing off their pride in the West Midlands.

“Thank you to everyone who has applied for funding so far – The National Lottery Community Fund has once again been brilliant in providing cash so groups can hold more than 170 events across the region.”

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Last year it awarded over half a billion pounds and supported over 11,000 projects across the UK for health, education, environment and charitable purposes. 90% of the grants it makes are for under £10,000.