Derby – Osnabruck 50:50 Events : Saturday 6 June 2026 Twinning Celebration Day

About the Event

2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Twinning Agreement between Derby and Osnabrück. There are a series of events being planned through 2026, and into 2027 when the celebrations will focus on the 50th anniversary of Derby becoming a city. The two years of events and celebrations are being badged under the umbrella brand “50:50”

A date – Saturday, 6 June 2026 – has been identified by a working group comprised of partners from across the city as the date for a significant city centre event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the twinning with Osnabrück. Events are currently being planned in a number of locations, which will include Osnabrück Square, Derby Market Hall and Cathedral Green, along with city centre streets and spaces. Core times for events will be 12 noon to 4 pm, although some activities may start earlier and some may extend into the evening if appropriate and relevant.

The working group has defined the following criteria that 50:50 activity should relate in some way.

• City centre based – supporting the local economy and re-invigorating vibrancy.

• Celebrate Derby’s identity – re-enforcing the new Pioneering City message.
• Relate to the city in some way.
• Be inclusive to all communities to encourage them into the city centre.
• Increase footfall.
• Celebrate partnership and community.
• Connect our history, people and future.

For the 6 June event, the focus of the activity is to celebrate links with and between Osnabruck and Derby, using the themes of Friendship, Peace, Love, Pride and Sanctuary – alongside an overarching desire to bring “fun” to the city centre.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking proposals from cultural organisations, business partners and others who feel that they can contribute activity, entertainment or input in other ways on 6 June 2025.

Proposals will be accepted for funding up to a maximum amount of £5,000 per project. We are keen to support a range of activity from small entertainments through to more significant performance and artistic projects. Types of activity we would keen to receive proposals for include live music, outdoor theatre or dance performance, family activity, storytelling, craft and creative workshops. This list is not exhaustive, we would love to hear your ideas, but activity should be deliverable within the timeframe

Who can apply for 50:50 – Twinning Event Funding?

Eligibility

Organisations and individuals will be eligible to apply if they are based in Derby and are able to deliver activity that is in line with the criteria outlined.

How to Apply for 50:50 – Twinning Event Funding

Key Dates

• The event date is 6 June 2026, and publicity will be in place well in advance of the date.
• Planning for the event began in November 2025, and a range of events and activities are already in discussion. All ideas and options will need to be considered, and then included in the planning, production, marketing and delivery phases.
• Therefore, the closing date for applications will be 12 noon on 2 February 2026
• We will aim to make a decision on your application within two weeks of the closing date for applications. You should factor this into your timeline to ensure you have time for development and delivery of your project once funding is confirmed.

Completing the application form

We encourage you to only apply for what you need to deliver the activity or performance; the funding is not intended to support core costs. Please note that funding is limited, and decisions will be made based on a range of factors including meeting the criteria; adding value to the event; financially viable.

APPLICATION FORM IS HERE: 5050 Events – Derby-Osnabruck Twinning Anniversary – Background and Guidance final

Budget breakdown

Please provide a breakdown of all costs associated with the activity including development and delivery. You should also provide details of any other funding that will contribute to the costs and whether this is approved or in process. Whilst it is not essential for you to demonstrate match funding for your proposal, other sources of support will evidence added value to our investment.

Submitting your application

Once you have completed your proposal please sign the declaration and collate all relevant supporting information. These should then be submitted to mike.brown@derby.gov.uk

Deadline for applications is 12 noon on 2 February 2026.

What happens after you have submitted your application?

On receipt of an application, Derby City Council and the 50:50 Task Team will undertake an initial eligibility check to determine whether the project can move to assessment.  If your application is incomplete, we will notify you of any outstanding information required. You will be given a deadline by which to return this. Failure to provide the requested information within the given time may mean your application does not progress to assessment.

We will use the responses you provide to the Information Questions and Finance Questions to assess whether the application. We will then decide whether to:

• Fund at the level requested
• Fund at a lower level than requested (where appropriate)
• Not to fund

What if my application is not approved?

We anticipate a high demand for the funding so it is unlikely we will be able to fund all applications. There is no right to appeal, and the council’s decision is final. We will provide details of why your application was rejected or funded at a lower level than requested within our decision letter.

Further Information

If you have any questions relating to the fund or your application, please contact mike.brown@derby.gov.uk or derby5050@bobonarts.co.uk

Is the grant subject to tax?

Grant income received by a business is taxable. Therefore, funding paid under this scheme will be subject to tax. Only businesses which make an overall profit once grant income is included will be subject to tax.