Northampton theatres give a warm welcome for PM's promise of £1.57bn arts lifeline

Northampton's Royal & Derngate last night gave a warm welcome to the government's promise of a £1.57billion Covid-19 lifeline for the arts.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the emergency cash aid, in grants and loans, on Sunday as he hinted many theatres would not be able to fully reopen until next year.

A Royal & Derngate spokesman last night tweeted: "A very positive evening for our sector as we hear news of this significant investment. Our thanks to all those who have worked tirelessly to secure this outcome and to our Royal & Derngate audiences too who have been so vocal with their support."

Mr Johnson said: "This money will help safeguard the sector for future generations, ensuring arts groups and venues across the UK can stay afloat and support their staff whilst their doors remain closed and curtains remain down."

Last night's announcement came less than a week after Jo Gordon, chief executive at Northamptonshire Arts Management Trust, which runs the Northampton theatres, Northampton Filmhouse and The Core at Corby Cube, admitted the lack of official information was making it difficult to plan for the future.

The Royal & Derngate theatres furloughed nearly all staff since closing in March because of the coronavirus pandemic and launched an emergency fundraising appeal.

Government guidance for a phased return of live events is expected to be published shortly.

But the Derngate team have already estimated that the theatre could only accomodate audiences of 200 with a two-metre social distancing rule in place instead of the usual 1,100 making some events financially unviable.

Under the PM's plan announced last night, organisations from the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinemas will be able to apply for emergency grants and loans.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "I understand the grave challenges the arts face and we must protect and preserve all we can for future generations. I said we would not let the arts down, and this massive investment shows our level of commitment."

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