Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will take steps to support communities holding Jazz Festivals in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

The UK has a world-class jazz scene, and the Government is committed to supporting its continued growth. In 2026, Arts Council England awarded £37,000 to the Creative Peaks Festival.

Individuals and organisations can access further support through ACE schemes such as National Lottery Project Grants and National Portfolio funding for key sector bodies.

The Government has recently published Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music, which sets out targeted government and industry action across ten areas to create the best conditions for our musical talent, entrepreneurs and businesses, including festivals, to succeed. As part of this, jazz and other music festivals are eligible for investment through the £45 million Music Growth Package programmes and we encourage organisers to apply for these funds.