AN HISTORIC Swindon festival has been handed almost £10,000 by councillors.

Organisers of the Children’s Fete, which takes place in the GWR Park every summer and dates back to 1866, had asked for the money after delays in getting their committee organised left them struggling to find sponsors.

The Mechanics’ Institution Trust approached South Swindon Parish Council for a grant of £9,605, more than two thirds of the cost of putting on the event.

Initially, the organisers had offered to pay most of the grant cash. But parish councillors feared that loaning the event money would make it more likely that the organisers would return for more cash in the future.

Instead, they voted to give the event the full £9,605, asking that they only pay back £3,605 from the park profits.

Backing the grant, parish councillor Michael Dickinson called it a wonderful event. Daniel Rose, director of the Mechanics Trust, said: “The Children’s Fete is a popular part of Swindon’s calendar which combines the best traditions from this historic event’s past with new and modern activity and excitement for today.

“Last year saw 5,000 people attend and enjoy themselves. However, organising the fete takes funding.

“This year we have worked with the parish council to find ways of making the event more sustainable in the future. The parish council is giving a mix of grant and profit sharing which we feel is a fair and supportive approach to ensuring such popular community events continue. We look forward to welcoming people to the park on June 30.”