Fringe funding available

GROUPS in the area are being invited to apply for funding to deliver exciting, free events as part of the Youth Beatz Fringe Festival 2026. Dumfries and Galloway Council has set aside £18,000 to fund activities in the run up to the main Youth Beatz on June 27-28. The Youth Beatz Fringe Festival Fund will run from June 19-26 and support community groups, secondary schools, parent councils, sports clubs and youth organisations to deliver fun, inclusive activities for young people aged 12-18. Previous fringes have included roller discos, sports sessions, football nights, community fun events and targeted opportunities for young parents, care-experienced young people and young people with additional support needs. Council official Harry Hay said: “The Youth Beatz Fringe Festival Fund is a fantastic opportunity for local groups to get involved in one of the region’s biggest celebrations for young people. We know that communities across Dumfries and Galloway are full of brilliant ideas, and we’re excited to support events that are inclusive, accessible and shaped by young people themselves. "We would encourage groups to come forward and be part of delivering a vibrant Fringe Festival event in their local area for their community.” Applications close at 12 noon on Monday. For more information and details on how you can apply, please visit: www.youthbeatz.co.uk