New Funding Opportunity for Local Creators at Tapton Lock Festival
New Funding Opportunity for Local Creators at Tapton Lock Festival
Local creatives and community groups are being invited to apply for the ‘Bring it to Tapton: Tapton Lock Community Creators Fund’, offering grants of up to £500 to develop and present new work at the much-loved Tapton Lock Festival this September.
Delivered by Junction Arts, organisers of Tapton Lock Festival and commissioners of the fund, the initiative aims to support local talent and ensure the festival continues to showcase diverse, community-led creativity.
Taking place on Saturday, 5 September 2026, Tapton Lock Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year with its vibrant mix of live music, performances, workshops, and family-friendly activities. The Community Creators Fund hopes to play a key role in expanding this offer by enabling new ideas and voices to be part of the programme.
Applications should come from community groups or individuals with a strong commitment to bringing people together. Applicants must be based in Chesterfield, whether living, working, volunteering, or studying in the area. Proposed activities should take place within Chesterfield and be designed to engage local people and communities.
The fund is for creative ideas that will engage festival audiences, from performances and participatory activities to interactive installations. Successful applicants will also be provided with a small stall space to promote their work or connect with visitors.
Another first for this year’s festival is the introduction of a Festival Community Panel, made up of organisations that have played a part in Tapton Lock Festival over the years, and some local community-minded individuals. The community panel aims to keep the festival on track and stay true to its core values and themes. Members include Derbyshire County Council Countryside Service, Tapton Lock Visitors Centre, Chesterfield Canal Trust, Pleasley Canoe Club, Polonia Chesterfield, ACCRA (African & Caribbean association Chesterfield), Verba, S40 Local, and Junction Arts volunteer, Katarina Pavlistova.
Alongside Junction Arts staff, some members of the Community Panel will also be on the Bring it to Tapton Fund selection panel.
Junction Arts Project Coordinator, Nathan Hamer said: “Tapton Lock Festival is a free family festival that was established 13 years ago to bring people together to enjoy the outdoors, embrace nature and get creative. The focus has always been on community engagement, and so this year we want to ensure that local people and groups are helping to co-create this special event.
“We would encourage anyone with a passion for creativity and community to apply for a chance to see their idea become a reality.”
Applications opened on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, and will close on Thursday, 16 June 2026.
For more information and to apply, visit: https://junctionarts.org/bring-it-to-tapton-tapton-lock-community-creators-fund/