Sound of Music Festival (SOM) is receiving $400,000 in provincial grants this year to help boost the weeklong event that draws thousands to Burlington’s waterfront every June.

As a 2016 Celebrate Ontario recipient, a $275,000 grant is being given to the Burlington festival as part of a total $15.3-million investment.

SOM executive director Dave Miller said the Celebrate Ontario funding has led to new festival offerings, such as the club series – featuring over 30 bands at downtown bars throughout the week.

“It helps us reduce the risk of taking on new initiatives and it gives us a starting block,” Miller said. “They gave us a leg up and then after that we’re on our own to maintain it through revenue generation we can create through sponsorship, sales, or other things.”