LICENCE fees for events celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee this summer are to be halved — with some being scrapped altogether.
A spokesperson for West Devon Borough Council said as a gesture to mark the event, the authority has decided to ease the costs for West Devon applicants applying for Occasional Public Entertainment Licences.
From June 1 to 4, the fees will be halved, and where fewer than 100 people are attending an event, the fee for a Special Occasional Licence for up to two days will be waived completely. This would normally cost £55.
Cllr Robin Pike, mayor of West Devon, said the council hoped this gesture would help people in planning for the celebrations.
'The golden jubilee is an historic moment which we should all mark in our own way,' he said.
A decision on whether to waive charges for street closures for jubilee events was due to be made at a management committee meeting yesterday afternoon (Wednesday).
The borough council can also help with advice on grants available for events.
Lottery funding is available from a variety of national organisations, including the Arts Council and the Community Fund. Voluntary organisations and local groups can apply for grants between £500 and £5,000 for jubilee-related projects.
The council intends to produce a comprehensive list of events in the area, which will be promoted in tourist information centres and on their website.
Organisers are asked to write with details of their events to Alison Stoneham, Media Officer, Jubilee Event, West Devon Borough Council, Kilworthy Park, Tavistock, PL19 0BZ.
Details of national events and further advice are available
on the official website, at http://www.goldenjubilee.gov.uk">www.goldenjubilee.gov.uk
For advice on grant funding, contact Stephen Russell, the council's project development and countryside officer, on 01822 813701.
Advice on applying for licences or on safety matters can be obtained from the licensing officer on 01822 813728.