Rochford District Council has awarded more than £44,000 in funding to support a range of local initiatives that celebrate and enhance arts, culture and heritage across the district.
The funding, made available through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), will back initiatives running from 1 August 2025 to 31 March 2026. Grants ranging from £6,500 to £20,000 have been awarded to community-led events and programmes designed to enhance cultural experiences and boost the local visitor economy.
Among the recipients is the Essex Cultural Diversity Project (ECDP), which will host Global Village Rochford, a multicultural celebration featuring themed workshops, a family-friendly daytime event and a lively evening gathering. This initiative is set to bring communities together and showcase the district’s diversity through arts and shared experiences. The programme reflects the Council’s commitment to fostering creativity, inclusivity and economic growth through cultural investment.
Cllr Daniel Efde, Chair of the Economic Development, Regeneration and Tourism Committee at Rochford District Council, said: “We’re proud to support these exciting projects that will not only enrich our cultural landscape but also attract visitors, bring communities together and boost our visitor economy. This funding is a great example of how the UKSPF is making a real difference at the local level. These programmes reflect the district’s commitment to fostering inclusive, engaging and economically beneficial cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike. Beyond the immediate benefits, these events lay the groundwork for long-term cultural growth, stronger community connections and a more vibrant, inclusive identity for Rochford District. We look forward to seeing the positive ripple effects these initiatives will create.”
Indi Sandhu, Creative Director and CEO from the Essex Cultural Diversity Project, said, ''We are looking forward to delivering our indoor Global Village programme at The Freight House. This free, family friendly event will promote community cohesions and sharing of different diverse cultures and traditions. We thank Rochford District Council for this funding.”
All fund awardees:
- The Cultural Engine – Orchard Events 2025: A creative programme including a Batik Flags parade, a Creative Harvest celebration and a Nature Writing event.
- The Design Cabin Community CIC – Cultural Spark: A season of over 20 creative events hosted at The Freight House.
- Essex Cultural Diversity Project (ECDP) – Global Village Rochford: A multicultural programme with workshops and events for all ages to be delivered at The Freight House.