The Youth Beatz Fringe Festival Fund will support community groups, secondary schools, parent councils, sports clubs and youth organisations to deliver fun, inclusive activities for young people aged 12-18 across all 12 Ward areas of Dumfries and Galloway. A total of £18,000 is available, with grants of up to £1500 per Ward area. We would also encourage applications below £1500 where possible to allow for more than one event ton run per Ward area.
The Fringe Festival will run from Friday 19 June to Friday 26 June 2026, offering a week of free activities designed to bring Youth Beatz to local communities and ensure young people across Dumfries and Galloway can take part in fun and free opportunities.
Previous Fringe Festival events have included events such as 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.
Harry Hay, Head of Thriving Communities, 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 will be assessed by a youth‑led scoring panel, which includes members of the Regional Events Group, ensuring young people play a central role in shaping the Fringe Festival programme.
Funded activities must be free to attend and suitable for young people aged 12 to 18, with optional wider family participation where appropriate. Events must take place during the Fringe Festival dates and be branded as part of the official Youth Beatz Fringe Festival, with marketing support provided by the Youth Beatz Festival and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Applications for the Youth Beatz Fringe Festival Fund open on Tuesday 28 April 2026 and close at 12 noon on Monday 18 May 2026. For more information and details on how you can apply, please visit www.youthbeatz.co.uk