Torbay's Local Heritage Grant Scheme open for applications

Groups may apply for grants of up to £5,000 to support the delivery of activities, and up to £7,000 for capital investments, such as signage and physical improvements to spaces.

The scheme is made possible after we secured just under £250,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The theme of these grants is ‘Writers, Artists & Musicians on the English Riviera’. It aims to celebrate Torbay’s rich literary, artistic and musical heritage and engage with local people about what makes Torbay special to them.

This round of Local Heritage Grants invites local groups to think creatively about how to engage with residents and celebrate Torbay’s connections with iconic writers, artists, and musicians. This can be done through conservation, commemoration, trails, plaques, and other creative responses.

Examples of potential projects include heritage walking trails, digital enhancement at existing heritage sites and commemorative installations or events.

The ‘Writers, Artists & Musicians on the English Riviera’ topic expands a theme identified in the Torbay Heritage Strategy (Writers on the Riviera).

Cllr Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events, and Corporate Services, said: ‘‘These Local Heritage Grants will help to strengthen our communities’ connection with Torbay’s unique heritage. Working in partnership with local groups, we can shine a light on Torbay’s rich history and celebrate the iconic writers, artists, and musicians who have been inspired by our beautiful region. I strongly encourage local groups to get involved.’’

Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re delighted to support Torbay Council in celebrating the area’s remarkable cultural heritage. Writers, artists and musicians have long drawn inspiration from the English Riviera and these grants will help local groups bring those stories to life. Thanks to National Lottery players, communities across Torbay will be able to explore, protect and share the heritage that makes this place so distinctive. This scheme builds on Torbay’s place as one of our Heritage Places, where we’re committed to long-term investment in local heritage.”

The Torbay local heritage grant scheme will run between 2026 and 2027. Funding will be awarded in three rounds.

• Round 1: Opens 11 February 2026 and closes 30 April 2026 at 5pm
• Round 2: Opens 1 June 2026 and closes 30 September 2026 at 5pm
• Round 3: Opens 1 February 2027 and closes 30 April 2027 at 5pm

 All projects need to be delivered by January 2028.

All applications will be checked for eligibility and passed to a decision panel for reviewing and scoring. The panel will comprise at least one person from each of Torbay’s three towns and at least three people under the age of 30. The panel will be announced soon and a Grants Adviser will soon be appointed and available to support groups preparing their applications.

To find out more about the scheme and apply, visit the local heritage grant scheme webpage. The closing date for the first round of grant applications is Thursday 30 April at 5pm.

Torbay’s local heritage grant scheme is made possible thanks to investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.