MP for High Peak, Robert Largan, has helped secure a £1.57 billion emergency support package for the arts.
The local MP has been fighting the corner of High Peak’s theatres and live entertainment venues, which have been closed for three months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
On 30 June, Mr Largan wrote to the Rt Hon Oliver Dowden MP, Secretary of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, to highlight the financial struggle and uncertain future they face.
In his letter of support, Mr Largan said the Buxton Opera House attracts almost 300,000 visitors every year, which in turn contributes over £30 million to the local economy, and is crucial to Buxton’s future regeneration and growth.
Paul Kerryson, CEO Buxton Opera House commented:
"We all very much appreciate the support from Robert Largan MP in our efforts to safely reopen the much loved Buxton Opera House. We miss the many thousands of customers that we usually entertain throughout the year, and look forward to welcoming them back to our next spectacular season."
Robert Largan MP commented:
“While pubs and restaurants re-opened this weekend, it’s really important that we don’t forget the arts and our amazing live venues.
“They’re facing real financial challenges, and I want to do what I can to help. That’s why I’ve written to the Culture Secretary, urging him to look at more ways to support venues like the beautiful Buxton Opera House.
“We cannot allow Coronavirus to close our theatres for good. They can survive and thrive, and once lockdown is over, we all need to do our bit by visiting them.”
The Government have responded by announcing a £1.57 billion support package for museums, galleries, theatres, independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues.
This includes:
- £1.15bn of grants and tailored, repayable finance for organisations in England
- £100m of targeted support for national institutions and English Heritage
- £120m of capital for heritage projects
Full details of the package can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/157-billion-investment-to-protect-br…;
Robert Largan MP welcomed the announcement, saying:
“I am really pleased that the Government have listened. We cannot allow Covid to close our theatres for good.”