Westport 250 Festival is one of the organisations to benefit.

Fifteen Mayo festivals receive funding boost

THE Minister of State for Regional Economic Development Michael Ring has welcomed the announcement that funding of €35,500 has been allocated by Fáilte Ireland to 15 festivals in Mayo as part of its 2017 Regional Festivals and Participative Events Programme.

The funding approved is as follows:

Westport 250 €5,000

Ballina Salmon Festival €4,000

Mayo International Choral Festival €3,000

Westport Arts Festival €3,000

Battle For the Burning Lake €2,500

Scoil Acla, Traditional Music & Cultural Summer School €2,500

Samhain Abhainn €2,000

Mayo Manchester Tradfest €2,000

Food Fleadh €2,000

French Mayo €2,000

Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival €2,000

Westport Festival of Chamber Music €2,000

Westports of the World €1,500

Feile Chruite Acla 2017 €1,000

Atlantic Series Challenge €1,000

Stated Minister Ring: 'Festivals and events provide a great motivation for visitors to travel around Ireland and add another dimension to the tourist experience on the ground.

'They are the life-blood of tourism and mobilise many visitors to choose to come to Ireland in the first instance. This funding this will boost tourist numbers and should increase the footfall to our local businesses here in Mayo.'