Balstock Festival is one of three community organisations to have been awarded thousands of pounds in grants by North Herts Council.

The biggest grant, of £2,000, will support the increasing costs of putting on Balstock Festival - the largest free music festival in Hertfordshire.

Run completely by volunteers, it will take place this year from September 13-15. All artists donate their time for free, but prices for security, toilet hire, insurance and other running costs are increasing.

Money is donated each year to different charities, with the festival raising more than £80,000 for good causes since 2006.

Meanwhile, Bygrave Parish Council has been awarded £1,000 to help pay for a defibrillator for the residents of Lower Bygrave, and Respair Therapy has been awarded £1,200 to provide dance movement psychotherapy sessions for adults living with profound multiple learning disabilities and adults living with autism who require high levels of support.

Respair Therapy were awarded £1,200.Respair Therapy were awarded £1,200. (Image: North Herts Council)

Debbie Sheringham, founding director of Respair, said: “People with profound multiple learning disabilities are some of the most vulnerable and under-served members of our society.

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"This form of psychotherapy will help people with learning disabilities to be seen, heard and understood by someone who is specifically trained in body-based therapeutic interventions.”

Cllr Val Bryant, executive member for community and partnerships at North Herts Council, who approved the funding under delegated decision, said: “These groups are providing important services to our communities, benefitting a wide range of people, which we are proud to help fund.

"From the renowned Balstock music festival, a fantastic community event showcasing local talent, to providing a defibrillator, which significantly increases someone’s chance of survival if used before an ambulance arrives.”

Recommendations for the grants were made at a Baldock Community Forum on June 17. The next forum will be held on September 9.