Winter Gardens awarded life saving grant £848,000 from Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund

The cash has been awarded to the historic Church Street venue in the first round of project funding, which is part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

Almost 450 heritage organisations in England have been awarded grants of up to £1 million, with further support to follow and larger grants for capital projects awarded through the Heritage Stimulus Fund.

Michael Williams, Blackpool Entertainment Company managing director said it was a life saving financial boost much needed to support the venue, which was forced to shut its doors for four months through the coronavirus pandemic.

He said: “The Winter Gardens has been pivotal to the development of Blackpool, providing a host of entertainment and cultural events that have come to define the town’s heritage offer.

"We are most grateful for the DCMS funding as it allows us to continue this tradition through these very challenging times.

"Since the outbreak of Coronavirus in March, the Winter Gardens Blackpool closed its doors in line with Government instructions but has only recently reopened with a limited programme of events in line with social distancing.

"The support of the DCMS Culture Recovery Fund does ensure that we are able to continue planning for the future to ensure that we are in a position to reopen fully once restrictions are lifted.

"We recognise that a visit to the Winter Gardens Blackpool does make a difference to our visitors and by working with key partners including Blackpool Council, we are able deliver a diverse range of shows and events designed to create memorable experiences.“

Many of the venue's large scale productions that had been planned for this year have been rescheduled to 2021 but question marks still remain on the full reopening due to current social distancing measures and enhanced lockdown measures in and around Lancashire. It means many main events remain unviable.

The grant funding, a share in the £103 million pot set aside by the Government, will allow for the restart of reconstruction works, maintenance, whilst also supporting those working in the sector.

Coun Gillian Campbell, cabinet member for Tourism & Culture for Blackpool Council, said: “We are pleased and relieved that the cultural and economic significance of venues like the Winter Gardens has been recognised.

"The importance of the Winter Gardens to Blackpool’s town centre and wider resort regeneration cannot be under-estimated and this grant aid gives us a platform on which to build our recovery plans.”

The Winter Gardens is set to receive up to £846,000 which will be used to protect and preserve and contribute towards the essential running costs whilst restrictions on mass gatherings remain in place.

Opened in 1878 the Winter Gardens Blackpool is an integral part of the local and regional economy.

Pre-pandemic hosting over 500 events each year across its 12 unique venues and welcoming over 1.3 million guests from across 60 different nations contributing well in excess of £60 million to the local economy.

Scott Benton, MP for Blackpool South said: “I am are thrilled the Winter Gardens Blackpool has received funding thanks to the government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

"I supported the Winter Garden's application as a key part of Blackpool's heritage. I am delighted they have received their share of the £1.57 billion fund to support them through this difficult period and help protect vital local jobs.”

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden added: “As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past.

"This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounceback post covid.”