Nine Mid Canterbury events have been granted a total of $30,600 to help attract visitors from outside the district.

Among new events to secure funding is a Bridgerton Ball at Hemsworth Estate, on Beach Road, and a marathon on the Ashburton River trail, organised by the Allenton Rugby Football Club. The Methven and Foothills Walking Festival also secured a grant, following its successful inaugural event last year.

It was the last round of grants from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Education’s Regional Event Fund, which was set up to kickstart local events that support cross-regional tourism recovery.

Compliance and Development Group Manager Jane Donaldson said the Regional Event Fund was about helping events that would also encourage visitors to come and stay overnight in the district.

“That creates an additional boost for local businesses, as these visitors stay on and shop, eat at local restaurants and explore the district.”

She said the fund was oversubscribed with 17 applicants and the successful ones were decided by a panel including Council and community representatives.

“There were some great events seeking grants, so it was a hard job. It was clear though, that local groups and businesses are back in the event business and that is great to see.”

A Bridgerton Ball is based on the Netflix series Bridgerton and aimed at couples and women who are fans of the regency series. Auckland and Hamilton have already hosted successful Bridgerton Balls, but none have been planned in the South Island until now – it would include music and regency comedy.

The Ashburton River trail event is planned for 2 March 2024, and walkers and runners will be invited to compete on mountain biking and walking tracks between Melrose Road and River Road, over 5km, 10km and 21km. A runners’ ball is planned afterwards for those wanting to celebrate their participation.

The successful Regional Event Fund applicants were:

• Ashburton Rowing Club was granted $4000 for its rowing regattas
• Hemsworth Estate was granted $4000 to run Bridgerton Ball
• Allenton Rugby Football Club was granted $4000 to run the Ashburton River Trail Marathon
• Mid Canterbury Vintage Machinery Club was granted $3000 for its Wheat and Wheels Rally
• Dynamic Gymnastics Sports was granted $4000 for three events in the next calendar year
• Ashburton Aviation Museum and Society was granted $7000 for its Militaria and Aviation Extravaganza
• Methven and Foothills Walking Festival was granted $1000 for its event
• Mid Canterbury Netball was granted $2400 for a senior tournament
• Multicultural Bite was granted $1200 for its annual event on Waitangi Day