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.

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.

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.