The application process is open now for the 2016 Community Events initiative at the soon-to-be-named Principality Stadium.

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The annual scheme invites charitable and community organisations across Wales to apply and bring their own special events to the home of Welsh rugby.

The WRU approves up to 15 events per year for not-for-profit organisations to enjoy the iconic facilities without the venue hire fees borne by commercial organisations.

Girlguiding Wales, Cerddwn Ymlaen ‘Lap of Wales’ and Ty Hafan are among over 200 Welsh communities to benefit from the scheme since the stadium first opened in 1999.

The 2016 programme will be the first of its kind under the Principality Stadium branding which was revealed earlier this week, following a 10-year deal with Wales’ largest building society.

Applications must be received by the end of December 2015 and Stadium Manager Mark Williams has urged organisations to get creative with their bids for next year:

“The Community Events scheme is a great opportunity for not-for-profit organisations all over the country to apply for the unique opportunity of holding an event at the home of Welsh rugby; host to Wales’ upcoming RBS 6 Nations and venue of choice for Rihanna’s Anti World Tour.

“We’re welcoming Wales’ most whacky and wonderful suggestions in the search for 15 Welsh organisations, big or small, to take part in the inaugural Community Events initiative at Principality Stadium.”

He added: “The eyes of the world watched as Cardiff staged eight Rugby World Cup matches this year but it is less widely known that, also this year, Ty Hafan kicked off a Midnight Walk with a lap of the stadium bowl while Lap of Wales organisers finished their 200-mile sponsored walk with a unique photocall on the roof!

“There’s been some fantastic and memorable Community Events over the years, from the novel to the traditional. We’ve staged Wales’ biggest ever sleepover for 200 Brownies while others, such as the Wales’ Young Farmers, have opted to host their AGM in one of the seven hospitality lounges.

“Whatever the event, we want organisations in Wales to get in touch and, as we set out to launch the first community scheme at Principality Stadium, we’re urging teams to think ‘outside the box’ when planning to host their events at Wales’ multi-functional stadium.”

As well an exciting calendar of Community Events, charitable collections at the home rugby internationals have raised upward of £530,000 for Welsh organisations. The schemes operate as part of the Big Lottery Fund, which took over the responsibilities of the Millennium Commission in 2006. Find out more here