200 independent cinemas across England are being supported this Christmas with £16 million in grants from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund. These include New Carlton Cinema in Okehampton, which will receive £69,200. Across the South West, total Government support for independent cinemas so far exceeds £2.8 million, with independent cinemas able to apply for another £14 million in grants in the new year as part of the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund.
Welcoming the funding Central Devon MP Mel Stride said:
“Few businesses have escaped the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic but some have been hit harder than others. Independent cinemas are certainly among these as closures and social distancing restrictions have resulted in plummeting revenues. I am very pleased that our cinema in Okehampton is benefiting from this vital grant.”
Okehampton Mayor Julie Yelland said:
“This is wonderful news for Okehampton and will make a difference to our local cinema. The New Carlton in Okehampton usually attracts audiences of all ages from both the town and the much wider area and the service it provides is really important and highly valued by members of our community.”
Okehampton Devon County Councillor Kevin Ball said:
“I am really pleased that this money is being shared rurally too. The cinema in Okehampton is a vital part of the leisure provision in the town, so hopefully this award will help to provide some resilience in this difficult time.”
Okehampton North West Devon Borough Councillor Mike Davies said:
“This is good news for Okehampton. With so many local businesses struggling it is really good that some funding has been secured.”
The Culture Recovery Fund is the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture, with £1.57 billion being provided to safeguard thousands of arts and creative jobs across the country and protect Britain’s world-class cultural, arts and heritage institutions. England is receiving the largest share of the pot – £1.15 billion – which is made up of £880 million in grants and £270 million in repayable finance.
