Independent cinema awarded pandemic recovery funds

West Yorkshire’s Hebden Bridge Picture House has received more than £100,000 worth of grants to help it weather the Covid-19 crisis.

The venue has confirmed it has been awarded two grants from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) Culture Recovery Fund, totalling £101,271.

It forms part of the British Film Industry scheme awarding DCMS money to support independent cinemas during the pandemic.

An initial safety grant of £8,088 enabled the cinema to re-open safely in October, having invested in equipment for the building, PPE and cleaning materials.

A spokesman for the cinema explained: “Whilst we were only able to trade for six days before the second national lockdown took effect, staff and customers alike commented that they feel reassured by the work done to make the big screen experience enjoyable.

“We have just received the excellent news that we are also to be the recipient of a Business Sustainability award of £93,183, again as part of the DCMS’ Culture Recovery Fund.

“This funding will allow us to cover our operating costs over the course of the current financial year for periods of trading and closure alike, and will secure the cinema’s future well into 2021, which is Hebden Bridge Picture House’s centenary year, and beyond.

“Once we’re able to re-open safely, we will be publishing a full programme of films and events celebrating 100 years of our beloved cinema being at the heart of Hebden Bridge.

“We thank all of our customers for their support and good wishes during a difficult year and look forward to welcoming you back to the cinema in 2021.”

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