A grant scheme in Peasedown St John that has distributed over £15,000 since it was launched in 2010, has had to suspend its support for local projects in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Peasedown Party in the Park Grant Fund has been a regular feature of local giving for over a decade, but this year its

coordinators say they just do not have the funds to distribute.

Party in the Park Festival Chairman, Nathan Hartley, said: “Each year we’ve been in the fortunate position to give away funds raised at the previous year’s festival to worthy good causes in the village.

“To put it bluntly, last year’s festival cancellation has had an impact on our finances, which means we don’t have any funds to give away in 2021.”

Last year, £600 was allocated to initiatives that support projects in Peasedown St John. They included the Somer Valley Foodbank, SJs Little Ones and The Hive Community Centre.

Sam Murphy, Festival Treasurer, added: “The cancellation of last year’s festival has had an impact on our finances. This means that some of the financial support we’ve previously provided to smaller projects in Peasedown won’t be possible for us this year.”

Party in the Park Grant Fund coordinators are encouraging community groups to apply for funding from other local schemes though, such as the Peasedown Community Trust Grant Fund, and the B&NES Ward Councillors’ Empowerment Fund.

Festivals organisers are also yet to confirm whether this year’s festival will go ahead. The Management Committee is to meet in April to make a firm decision over whether a festival, albeit on a smaller scale, can take place in 2021.

To keep up-to-date with Peasedown Party in the Park news, visit: www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk and www.facebook.com/peasedownpartyinthepark