The Jersey Festival of Words has been allocated funds from the Tourism Development Fund which will enable organisers to market the event outside of the Island.
As part of the festival, the JEP is running a writing competition. Click here for details on how to enter.[/breakout]
Today, Economic Development Minister, Lyndon Farnham, said that the grant was ‘an investment in the future’ adding that the festival had the potential of attracting thousands of visitors in the years to come.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Bridge, chairman of the Jersey Literary Festival Association said that the group was ‘delighted’ that the minister had backed the grant.
Senator Farnham said that events, such as the literary festival, was vital in bringing tourists to Jersey.
‘I have said on many occasions that I am all for event-led tourism and I am keen to support new initiatives,’ he said.
‘This could grow into something important in Jersey’s event calendar and could bring tourists into the Island during the quieter, shoulder months.
‘If you compare it to other literary festivals in the UK, we could potentially see thousands of visitors coming to the Island in years to come.
‘It could take quite some time but you only have to look at Jersey Live to see the potential. I remember when I was on the Tourism Committee and we gave them £20,000 – you just have to look at it today.’
Earlier this year, Jersey Literary Festival Association unsuccessfully applied for a grant from the Tourism Development Fund of just under £100,000 to fund the event but it was not given approval.
Among the concerns raised in a report on the rejected grant was the level of finance sought. Following this, the association appealed the decision and were allocated £39,936.
Mr Farnham said that the initial rejection was the decision of the Tourism Development Fund Advisory Panel and not his own.
He added: ‘Ultimately, this is not an event that we would continue to fund year after year. This grant is just to allow the event to establish itself and after that we would hope that it could be financed by commercial bodies.
‘The organising committee have already had some commercial interest in the event.’
The first Jersey Festival of Words is due to be held from 30 September until 4 October.
For more information visit the festival website.
