Iconic Leeds music venue The Brudenell Social Club is to receive some much-needed funding to help it battle the problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The historic location has welcomed some of the biggest names in music down the years and is considered an institution of the country’s music scene.
Covid-19 pulled the plug on live events this year with many venues appealing for funding to ensure they survive. Brudenell is one of many venues and organisations which will be receiving a share of £257m being given out by the government.
According to the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Brudenell will receive £220,429 to host a free weekly event as well as stream events.
Elsewhere in the region, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park will get £804,013. Other big names receiving funding include the Cavern Club in Liverpool, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Academy of Dance, the Halle Concerts Society, based in Manchester, as well as many other groups and venues.
Recipients are venues and organisations who applied for less than £1m with future releases of up to £3m going to larger organisations in the future.
Sir Nicholas Serota, the chairman of Arts Council England, which is distributing the money, said: “Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages.
“This is a difficult time for us all, but this first round of funding from the Culture Recovery Fund will help sustain hundreds of cultural spaces and organisations that are loved and admired by local communities and international audiences.”
Oliver Dowden, culture secretary, 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.”
The news comes ahead of an expected announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson where new restrictions, aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus, will be introduced.
Further details are expected on later on Monday and we’ll bring you more as we get it.
