South Belfast DUP MLA Jimmy Spratt has welcomed a commitment made in the Assembly by the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Mr Edwin Poots, in relation to the future of the Belfast Festival at Queen’s. Commenting after raising the issue of the Belfast Festival during the debate, Mr. Spratt said:
“I welcome the commitment made by the Minister following his statement on Festival Funding. It is clear that the Minister wants to remove the uncertainty over the future of Festival at Queen’s and I am delighted that the Minister has committed to working to grow the Festival.
The benefits to Northern Ireland as a result of the Festival are vast in terms of economic benefits, job creation and nurturing a world class arts scene. The Minister is clear that he wants to make this significant event even better in order to make the benefits even greater for the whole community.”