Sinn Féin councillor Brian ‘Barney’ Harte proposed support for Strabane Drama Festival at a Derry City and Strabane District Council Business and Culture Committee meeting on Tuesday.

The festival requires funding for its 2027 edition to mark its 40th anniversary. It missed the previous year due to the closure of Alley Theatre.

Council officials confirmed last week that the festival's application under the Large-Scale Local Events stream met quality standards but failed due to limited budget.

Harte highlighted Strabane's tradition in acting, poetry, music and dance. He linked the funding to the town's UK Town of Culture bid.

Harte noted anticipation for Alley Theatre's reopening this summer and ongoing council efforts to aid the arts.

Aodh McCay of the festival met with council officials this week to review application feedback.