ID&C has today launched its new-look, annual bursary offering small-to-medium festivals in the UK the chance to receive £2500 (previously £2000) worth of free security wristbands and passes for its 2013 event. And, this year, for the first time the bursary can also be used towards RFID wristbands and other RFID-enabled accreditation.

photo id7c_zpscbfd652b.png

The ‘Grass Roots Festival Bursary’ is open to any UK festival that has ran for eight years or less and has a ticket allocation/capacity of no more than 15,000 (10,000 in 2012). The bursary, which launched in 2011 offering £2000 has now been increased to £2500 and can be used to fund the cost of security products from ID&C including its patented Smartlock® wristbands and for the first time, its RFID wristbands that have been used by major UK festivals including Isle of Wight, Wakestock and Wireless.

“Emerging festivals are finding it increasingly difficult to withstand the economic climate, with some hit further by last summers bad weather - our Grass Roots Festival Bursary aims to help smaller festivals survive their early years and secure a successful future.” says ID&C director Matt Wilkey. “We've increased the bursary this year to £2500 and even the option to use it towards RFID wristbands, should they be using the technology at their event. The bursary will be awarded to a festival that engages with its local community, shows support for green initiatives and displays a commitment to new music.”

Last year’s Bursary winner, Cockermouth Rock Festival stated, “a financial contribution of this kind is worth its weight in gold to a growing festival like ours.”

Lee Denny of 2011 recipients, LeeFest said “ID&C’s accreditation package was a dream come true.” The festival, now in its eighth year has since won the UK Festival Award for Best Grass Roots Festival, and the Golden Welly gong at last year’s AIM Awards.

Festivals can apply to receive the Grass Roots Bursary online from today at: http://www.idcband.co.uk/grass-roots

Entries close on 15 April with the winner announced soon after.