Purpose

The festival aligns with the Council’s
Climate Strategy, promoting environmental awareness, sustainable
living, and community participation in climate-positive
initiatives. It also offers benefits for tourism and destination
promotion within the district. As a well-established,
family-friendly event that attracts residents and visitors from
across Essex and beyond, the Festival contributes to the local
visitor economy, increases footfall to Manningtree town centre, and
enhances the profile of Tendring as an attractive place to
visit.
The contribution represents good value for money, providing
positive community, environmental, and economic outcomes while
supporting a locally organised event that reflects the
Council’s wider strategic priorities. The allocation of
£500 will support the Festival alongside a number of partner
public sector organisations including ECC and town/parish Councils
locally.
Relevant Portfolio Holders and Ward Members have been consulted and
are supportive.

Content

To allocate the sum of £500 towards the
running of the annual Manningtree Earth Festival from a Marketing
Tourism budget, after consideration that the Festival meets the
aims of both TDC’s promotion of the District as a Tourism
destination, and that it aligns with TDC’s Climate Action
Strategy.

Alternative options considered

This is a one-off payment for 2026 and does
not commit TDC or any future unitary authority to continued
financial support of the Festival.