Moonshine Events UK – Turning Dreams into Sustainable Success
JUNE 7th 2025
Business Name: Moonshine Events UK
Location: Resolven
Fund Awarded: £3,600
Funded By: The Micro Fund
Date of Award: October 2024
Overview
In September 2024, Penelope approached the Micro Fund with a vision: to expand their mobile bar business, Moonshine Events UK, into a full-time operation that could serve both private and public events. The Micro Fund awarded a grant of £3,600 to support the ambitions — helping to elevate their offerings and lay the foundations for future growth.
What the Funding Enabled
The grant was pivotal in helping the business scale in several key ways:
- Enhanced Mobile Bar Services: Upgraded their converted horsebox with electrical installations and a coffee machine to diversify drink offerings.
- Creative Expansion: Purchased a Cricut machine and other design tools for personalised event décor.
- Professional Bookings: Enabled larger and more varied bookings, including weddings, markets, and festivals.
Since the grant:
- The business owner has gone full-time and is now positioned to create up to 4 new local jobs.
- Moonshine Events has developed innovative offerings such as themed garden parties, cocktail-making experiences, and community events.
- They’ve built strong local partnerships and been added to a regional wedding supplier directory.
The founder has continued her academic journey in International Festival and Events Management and is now progressing toward a Master’s degree in Art & Design — strengthening both the creative and operational sides of the business.
“The Micro Fund support was a real turning point — it gave me the confidence and financial boost to grow Moonshine Events UK beyond simple party planning into a sustainable, multi-stream events business. I’m truly grateful for the support.”
The Fund was established by energy company Vattenfall to benefit the communities hosting the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm across the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon Valleys. It exists to support local people, groups and organisations to invest in themselves, their ideas and their communities.
The Community Fund has a substantial annual budget that is index-linked, meaning it increases in line with inflation. As an example, this equated to around £2.5 million in 2025. The Fund will continue to support communities until 2043, creating long-term opportunities for growth, resilience and positive change.
The Fund is managed by an independent, locally based not-for-profit Community Interest Company. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with strong local connections and delivered by a small but dedicated staff team with extensive community engagement experience. We are here to help ensure the Fund delivers on the vision and priorities of local communities.
Over the next 10 years, the Fund is focusing on investment in people, places and businesses — helping the Valleys to thrive, driving bold ideas, supporting transformation and creating lasting impact for current and future generations.