THE Palace Theatre has been awarded £173,000 as part of the Government’s £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF).
The Palace, which is run by Rubicon Leisure, is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support.
In all £257 million of investment has been announced today, Monday, October 12, as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England.
Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.
The Palace opened its doors in 1913 and has been entertaining audiences ever since.
The funding will help support ongoing costs during the current pandemic to ensure it continues to entertain audiences for years to come along with providing a much loved community facility for local drama groups, operatic societies, dance schools and Palace Youth Theatre.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.
“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”
Paul Hughes from the Palace Theatre said: “This massive support package will protect the theatre for future generations and will allow us to continue to provide a base for the performing arts in the town.
“We can look forward to a future where we can once again deliver a diverse range of shows and events designed to create a memorable entertainment experience at the Palace.
“As soon as it is safe to do so we look forward to welcoming you back through our doors.”
