MP Victoria Atkins welcomes Government support for local arts, cultural and heritage organisations

Much loved organisations that have received this funding include the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre (£93,900), Petwood Hotel (£50,000) and Russells International Circus (£20,873)

In a statement on Facebook, Russells International Circus said: “We are delighted and hugely grateful to have received funding from the second round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

“This will enable us to continue to tour our popular circus shows this year and beyond, as well as support our artists and freelancers and continue to bring laughter and joy to communities across the UK.

“Huge thanks to everyone who supported us in getting this funding and to Arts Council England. The show WILL go on!”

The Louth Playgoers Society (£25,000) Magna Vitae (£124,750) and independent cinemas the Loewen (£14,326) and Kinema in the Woods (£111,235) also received further funding in this second round of awards, building on from government support received last year.

A spokesman from Louth Playgoers Society said: “This grant will help to keep our Theatre afloat as we have had barely any income for the past year due to coronavirus closure.

“We cannot wait to be able to open our doors safely and welcome everyone back for a fantastic programme of events.

“The second round of awards will help organisations to look ahead to the spring and summer and plan for reopening and recovery.

“After months of closures and cancellations to contain the virus and save lives, this funding will be a much-needed helping hand for organisations transitioning back to normal in the months ahead.”

Tracey Mackenzie, Theatre Manager said: “Thanks to Arts Council England, we have made it through this most challenging time

This investment will help local heritage sites, cinemas and cultural organisations begin to reopen and welcome back visitors in the months ahead.

Within this second round of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, organisations across England have received nearly £400 million in grants and loans to help their sectors.

At last month’s Budget, the Chancellor announced a £300 million boost for the Culture Recovery Fund, as part of a wider £408 million package for arts and culture taking direct government investment in the sector since the start of the pandemic stands at almost £2 billion.

Further details on the third round of the Culture Recovery Fund will be available in due course. 

Victoria Atkins MP for Louth & Horncastle said: “It is great news that our local cultural and heritage sector has received this funding.

“We have a fantastic range of independent cinemas, heritage sites and arts organisations in East Lindsey, and it is great to see the Government giving them a financial boost to help reopen again over the coming months.

“This funding will help to provide support for operational costs as we prepare to welcome visitors back to our market and coastal towns in a covid- secure way.”