The Cresset receives lifeline grant from Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund
As part of the UK government’s Culture Recovery Fund (CRF), The Cresset Theatre has been awarded an incredible £242,286 in order to help face the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.
Since March 2020, over 100 performances and events at The Cresset have had to be cancelled or rescheduled, and while The Cresset has announced some socially distanced performances in recent weeks, the reduced capacity has a huge financial impact – so this funding is a crucial lifeline ensuring that the theatre can continue to put on great entertainment for the people of Peterborough!
The support provided by the CRF now means that The Cresset can put on a variety of Covid-secure productions without the financial risk – including two productions from the award-winning Peterborough Operatic & Dramatic Society and the welcome return of The Cresset’s very own Comedy Club. In addition, the theatre’s specially adapted Jack & The Beanstalk pantomime is sure to bring some much-needed magic to audiences just in time for Christmas!
The funding also means that theatre staff whose work has been directly impacted by the pandemic are able to be retained, and the new season of shows allows The Cresset to support the work of creatives, promoters, technical teams, industry suppliers and freelancers – as well as being able to continue to support YMCA Trinity Group!
The Cresset is an important part of the Peterborough community and with this funding they can not only offer support and facilities to community performance groups, but can also continue to provide accessible and affordable entertainment to audiences – which in these difficult times of lockdown and isolation is a huge benefit to the mental health and wellbeing of the community!
Since merging with YMCA Trinity Group in 2014 to become a trading subsidiary of the charity, The Cresset has made a significant contribution. Not only does the building house our Accommodation services and administrative offices, the trading company’s annual Gift Aid contribution of profits directly supports our ongoing work and development.
Head of Commercial Activities at The Cresset Penny Hansen said:
“This funding will make an enormous difference to us. It allows us to continue to run events, to retain our wonderful staff and to work with freelancers and suppliers in the area. We are committed to continuing to provide events and entertainment to our audiences in a safe and sustainable way and this is a real lifeline to ensure we can afford to do this and be here for the months and years to come. We’re incredibly grateful to DCMS and Arts Council England for their support.”
Over a thousand other cultural and creative organisations were also granted funding as part of the CRF – in total, £1.57 billion has been granted and will provide much needed support to organisations across the country!
