The Major Cultural Events Strategic Support Fund is a one-off scheme intended to stimulate cultural events and festivals in the county. Grants will be available to any Cumbria-based organisation and will be offered up to a maximum of £30,000 for up to 60 per cent of the total cost of the event.

Organisers of cultural events and festivals in Cumbria are invited to complete an Expression of Interest form by May 8. A shortlist will then be drawn up of events and festivals which best meet the criteria and the aims of the funding.

These bids will then be invited to submit a full application against which a final decision will be made – most likely in early June. Details of how to apply can be found at:  r the Countywide Projects drop down menu.

The support is part of a £273,000 package, which includes funds allocated to the Cultural Olympiad programme leading up to the London 2012 Olympics and extra investment in event promotion and marketing, in partnership with Cumbria Tourism.