The Vernon Performing Arts Centre will host MainStage 2017 from June 30 to July 8.

The Vernon Performing Arts Centre will host MainStage 2017 from June 30 to July 8.

Festival funds sought

Theatre B.C.’s MainStage 2017 is seeking support from the City of Vernon

A source of funds isn’t known yet for a major theatre festival.

Theatre B.C.’s Mainstage 2017 will be held in Vernon from June 30 to July 8, and organizers recently asked the city for a $5,000 grant to help with planning.

Council has directed the request to the tourism advisory committee.

“It’s money from the city, just another branch,” said Mayor Akbal Mund.

However, Coun. Catherine Lord insists the tourism committee’s funding, which comes from hotel room tax, should be directed towards tourism marketing during the off-season and the weekend set for Mainstage will already be busy with Funtastic.

Upwards of 500 people could visit Vernon as part of Mainstage and performances will be held daily by theatre groups from across the province.

If the tourism committee turns down the $5,000, city council will consider the request further.

 

Vernon Morning Star