Perth Mela gets funding support
Festival awarded up to £20k for June event
A Fair City cultural event which attracts thousands of visitors has been given a significant funding boost from Perth and Kinross Council.
Perth Minorities Association applied to the council for a grant of £20,000 from the Perth Common Good Fund.
Councillors on the committee met to consider the application amongst others - on Monday, May 22.
The Perth Mela Festival is scheduled to take place on June 10 on the North Inch. The vibrant event celebrates world music, dance, culture and features a colourful parade and a host of activities held throughout the day.
There will be food and crafts too as residents from a diverse range of cultures come together.
Previously the free event has attracted crowds of around 10,000 people of all ages from Perth and Kinross and further afield. The total cost of the project is estimated at around £50,000 with sponsorship being sought elsewhere to meet costs.
Perth Minorities Association is collaborating with partner organisations such as Perth Welfare Society and Jar of Jewels to plan for the event.
SNP convener Andrew Parrott proposed awarding a grant of £10,000 seconded by Conservative Bailie Chris Ahern.
Liberal Democrat Perth City Centre councillor Peter Barrett said:
“It’s a really important item in our civic calendar and a particularly important item in our equalities calendar.”
He added: “The total amount is £50,000 so there is a considerable amount of fundraising as well as sponsorship and match funding which the organisers of these events are doing off their own bats.
“It’s an event of scale and I think it’s also one of the events the council was wanting to continue through its events budget until that
was cut. I’m really minded to award it in full.”
Perth City South councillor Sheila Mccole agreed saying: “It’s a very worthwhile event and very inclusive. I do share some concerns about the amount that’s been requested but I think Cllr Barrett has suggested we guarantee at least the £10,000 with a view to up to £20,000 which can be reduced if they secure additional sponsorship.”
Councillors voted by five votes to four to award up to £20,000. Councillors Liz and Peter Barrett (LD), Brian Leishman (Labour), Sheila Mccole (SNP) and John Rebbeck (SNP) voted in favour of the amendment to award up to £20,000 and it was carried.
Depute Provost Parrott said: “I do recognise this is a hugely important event that takes place and my primary concern - if you like - was protection of the fund for the rest of the year but I’m quite content with that outcome.”