Domestic Event Fund supports over 150 events across the Island during the last 12 months

The Domestic Event Fund has offered support for over 150 events in the last 12 months, generating an estimated footfall of nearly 70,000 into the Island’s city, towns and villages.

Business Isle of Man’s Domestic Event Fund, first launched in 2020 during the pandemic, supports up to 80% of eligible costs to event organisers and local authorities hosting events. The Fund aims to help drive footfall into the Island’s city, town and villages, while boosting spending with nearby businesses.

In the past 12 months, the main Domestic Event Fund has approved support for 23 events, offering over £82,000 towards events which generated an estimated footfall of 57,000. Examples of supported events include the Douglas City Day Drone Show, Fire Island Chilli & BBQ Festival, Euro 2024 Big Screen on the North Quay in Douglas, RamseyFest - Radio Caroline North Weekend and Peel Carnival.

Douglas City Council, which ran the Douglas City Day Drone Show, commented:

‘It was extremely heartening to see an estimated 5,000 residents come out to watch the show and share such positive feedback. It was a true team effort between Douglas City Council, the Domestic Event Fund, Star Symphony Drone Shows, and the ELS Group, who worked together to create an event to remember.

‘Choreographed to music, the stunning display is one we hope to repeat. The sight of more than 120 drones forming images that captured the essence of Douglas and the Isle of Man will be remembered for years to come.’

From November 2024 to March 2025, the Winter Event Scheme, an extension of the Domestic Event Fund, approved applications for 138 single venue events across the hospitality, leisure, and retail sectors. Offering £49,000 in funding, the Scheme supported a potential footfall of 13,000 into local businesses during the winter months.

Event organisers who utilised the Winter Event Scheme completed a post-event survey, with 90% of respondents reporting the event(s) had a positive impact on their business.

Mad Jack’s, which hosted the Ariana Turns Wicked tribute show with support from the Winter Event Scheme, commented:

‘The funding helped offset the costs of bringing first-class performers to the Island from the UK. Flights, ferry, transfers, accommodation, and meals all add up, making events expensive. The support provided financial security and allowed us to plan with confidence.

‘January is notoriously tough for hospitality businesses, and the Scheme helped us stage an event that drastically increased footfall during an otherwise difficult trading weekend.’

Artreach Studios, which used funding for the Christmas Hygge market through the Domestic Event Fund and It’s a Wrap market through the Winter Event Scheme, commented:

‘Funding from Business Isle of Man has been critical for us. We've always relied on stallholder fees to fund events, but that only stretches so far. With this support, we’ve been able to push our marketing further and reach a wider audience.

‘The biggest barrier is often time and money. The speed of the process and the financial help makes a huge difference when margins are tight.’

The Winter Event Scheme has ended, however, subject to available funding, it will be reopened from November 2025. The Domestic Event Fund remains open, offering support for a wide range of events.

Tim Cowsill, Chief Executive of Business Isle of Man, commented:

‘Business Isle of Man is committed to driving footfall across the Island to support local businesses and sustain them in the long-term. The Domestic Event Fund plays a key role in this and aligns with the objectives of the recently launched Local Economy Strategy.

‘New schemes, including an enhanced version of the Domestic Event Fund, were launched at the start of this month. These initiatives demonstrate our ongoing commitment to invest in the local economy, ensuring the Isle of Man remains a great place to work and live.’

To find out more about all the available support schemes, businesses can attend the upcoming Local Economy Support Schemes Roadshows. For more information and details on how to apply to the Domestic Event Fund, please visit our webpage.