Shrewsbury Folk Festival has received a grant of £45,256 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help organisers plan and deliver its four-day event this August Bank Holiday weekend.
The press release reads:
More than £300 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country including Shrewsbury, which is one of the leading UK folk festivals, in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund announced today.
The second round of awards made today will help organisations to look ahead to the spring and summer and plan for reopening and recovery.
The 2021 festival will take place at the West Midlands Showground from August 27 to 30 with headliners including Judy Collins, globally acclaimed Galician piper Carlos Núñez, Lindisfarne, Show of Hands and Oysterband. Tickets are selling well with a surge in sales following the announcement of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown earlier this month.
Over £800 million in grants and loans has already been awarded to support almost 3,800 cinemas, performance venues, museums, heritage sites and other cultural organisations dealing with the immediate challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
Festival Director Sandra Surtees said the funding was “incredibly welcome” as the festival had been through a long period with no income.
“This is the second grant we’ve received and having this financial support has enabled us to continue working to plan a fantastic return this summer. We want to make sure that we put on the usual high quality festival that we’ve built our reputation on whilst incorporating any covid-safe measures required.
“Having these grants has been key to securing a more sustainable future for the festival and we’re very grateful. Our ticket sales reflect the positivity people are feeling about getting back to events and we’re looking forward to putting on one hell of a celebration in August!”
Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.
“Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”
Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said: “Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work.
“We are grateful to the Government for this support and for recognising the paramount importance of culture to our sense of belonging and identity as individuals and as a society.”
The funding awarded today is from a £400 million pot which was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed. The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, as well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.
More information about the festival and tickets for the festival can be found at www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk.
