THEATRE chiefs at Evesham’s Regal cinema have been handed a boost with £142,225 of Government cash to survive the on-going Coronavirus pandemic.
The Port Street was among 202 independent cinemas backed by a share of the £1.5 billion Culture Recovery Fund.
So far, £16million has been provided in support to independent cinemas from Penrith to Penzance, and more will be able to apply for another £14million in grants in the new year. 1.
So far, cinemas outside of London have benefitted from 78 per cent of this funding.
Evesham’s MP Nigel Huddleston MP said: “I know how much people – including me – enjoy visiting their local cinemas and how important they are to our communities. I also know this has been a really difficult and uncertain time for them.
“We do not want to lose our independent cinemas and so I am delighted the Regal cinema has received support from the Government. This will be vital for these venues through Christmas and beyond.”
In the West Midlands, total Government support for independent cinemas is so far £679,041 from the Government’s support package. Independent cinemas will be able to apply for another £14 million in grants in the new year as part of the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund.
The Culture Recovery Fund is an unprecedented package worth £1.57 billion to protect Britain’s world-class cultural, arts and heritage institutions through the coronavirus pandemic.
Many of our much-loved institutions – from theatres, museums and pantomimes – have been able to apply for funding to help weather the impacts of coronavirus.
Recognising cinemas need content, the Government’s £500 million Film and TV Production Restart Scheme has helped keep the cameras rolling.
The scheme opened for applications in October – and has assured nearly 100 productions that they will be supported if future losses are incurred due to coronavirus and provided the confidence they need to restart filming.
