Biggar Little Festival: Celebrating Culture and Music
Biggar Little Festival has received three years of funding from the Ventient Energy Glenkerie Wind Farm Community Fund to create events to encourage and promote the arts in their community.
The overall aims of the fund itself are to support activity which sustains and develops the life of the community and ensures that the area is an attractive and vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
About Biggar Little Festival
Biggar Little Festival (BLF) is a charitable organisation established in April 2003, born from the community's desire to showcase local artistic talent following the cancellation of the Tinto Folk Festival. Achieving charitable status in June 2004, BLF has evolved into a prominent annual arts event held over 10 days each October. The festival is managed by a team of six volunteer Trustees, and supported by approximately 32 volunteers, local businesses, and other voluntary groups.
BLF aims to develop Biggar as a community where the arts are encouraged and to promote exhibitions and performances. The festival provides opportunities for local, national, and international artists to demonstrate their talents, fostering artistic understanding and participation. Additionally, BLF seeks to produce a unique cultural event that engages the whole community, attracts visitors, and improves the quality of life for all.
The benefits of the festival
The festival serves multiple purposes for the Biggar community and surrounding areas. It extends the tourist season, supports the local economy, and provides access to cultural events that are typically only available in larger cities like Glasgow or Edinburgh. BLF offers a platform for local talent and brings diverse artistic experiences to a rural setting, enriching the cultural landscape of the region.
BLF caters to a wide demographic, with attendees ranging from pre-school children to the older generations. The festival is primarily aimed at local residents, with 84% of online ticket sales in 2022 going to people from Biggar, Lanark, West Linton, Carluke, and Peebles. However, it also attracts visitors from further afield, contributing to the local economy.
BLF estimates that over 4,000 people attend the festival annually. This includes not only event attendees but also community members involved in organizing events, participating in performances, and volunteering throughout the 10-day period. The festival's impact extends beyond direct participants to local businesses that benefit from increased footfall and extended operating hours during the event.
Venues and Scale
In 2022, BLF scheduled 61 individual events across 21 local venues, including 9 free events and various ticketed performances. Additionally, the festival featured 8 exhibitions and 21 open studios. The use of multiple venues throughout Biggar ensures wide community engagement and showcases the town's various spaces.
Need and Opportunity
The festival addresses a significant cultural need in the area. Many local residents, particularly families affected by the current cost of living crisis, would not have the opportunity to experience live theatre, music, or art exhibitions without BLF. The festival brings these experiences closer to home, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming travel to urban centres. Furthermore, BLF provides a vital platform for local artists and performers to showcase their talents.
The current project sought funding from the Glenkerie Community Wind Farm Fund for three areas from (2023-2025):
- Venue Hire: Covering costs for principal venues, including the Municipal Hall.
- Sound System & Technicians: Providing technical support for five events, including PA systems and skilled personnel.
- Festival Design Services: Funding the design of the main festival programme, flyers, posters, banners, and digital content.
The Panel agreed to award £14,782 to contribute towards the overall project costs for the festival over three years.
Future Planning
BLF is currently developing a five-year plan to ensure the festival's sustainability. The organisation is collaborating with Social Impact Lab (Glasgow) to better understand the festival's value to the community. They are also working on streamlining their activities for efficiency and developing partnerships with other community groups.
Impact and Outcomes
BLF contributes significantly to the local economy. A 2015 Economic Impact Assessment found that for every £1 of sponsorship received, the festival generated a return of £4.34 to the local economy. The festival also provides social and cultural benefits, including:
- Promoting Biggar as a visitor attraction
- Supporting and encouraging participation in the arts
- Providing a platform for local talent
- Fostering community spirit and engagement
- Offering affordable access to diverse cultural experiences
Fit for the Glenkerie Fund
The Biggar Little Festival aligns well with the Glenkerie Fund's aims to sustain and develop community life and ensure the area remains a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. The project supports local economic growth, encourages partnership working, and regularly consults with residents and beneficiaries. By providing match funding and procuring local services, BLF demonstrates a commitment to community-driven development.
Final Thoughts
The Biggar Little Festival represents a cultural celebration for Biggar and the surrounding communities. It not only provides accessible arts and entertainment for the local community but also contributes significantly to the area's economic and social fabric. By securing funding for essential services over a three-year period, BLF aims to ensure the festival's continued success and growth, further cementing its role as a cornerstone of Biggar's cultural identity and community spirit.