Northern Arts Minister Awards Belfast Festival At Queen's £300,000

Announcing the grant, the Minister said: "I am pleased to announce that the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure will grant aid the Belfast Festival at Queen's over the next three years. £125,000 will be allocated to the 2008 Festival, with £100,000 in 2009, and £75,000 in 2010."

This commitment seeks to acknowledge the efforts made by the Festival organisers to put in place a three-year business plan aimed at securing the long-term future of the Festival.

It will also provide confidence to corporate sponsors who wish to invest in the potential of the Festival.

The Minister continued: "This year's Festival comprised of a high quality programme which was well supported through box office sales.

"The £300,000 grant over the next three years will enable the Festival to move onto a more sustainable model based on a greater input of box office receipts and commercial sponsorship."

The Minister concluded: "The Belfast Festival at Queen's makes a significant contribution to the cultural and economic life of Northern Ireland.

"I'm pleased that my Department is able to play a role in securing the future of the Festival and I have every hope that the corporate sector will play an increasing role."