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08
Jul 2020
Harrogate Theatre gets £395,000 to survive until September
David Bown, Harrogate Theatre's chief executive, said he was "very grateful" for the money but he added that they still need more support.
The social distancing requirements would be too detrimental for the theatre's finances.
Harrogate Theatre has been on its knees in recent months but has welcomed a £395,000 grant from Arts Council England to help it survive until September.
The money is part of a £90 million fund separate to the government's £1.5 billion arts rescue package - there are no details for that yet.
David Bown, Harrogate Theatre's chief executive, told The Stray Ferret that he was "very grateful" for the money but he added that they still needed more support:
"This is a good amount of money and it will help us to survive to the end of September but we still need more support. We have had a fantastic response from Harrogate so far. We understand that a lot of businesses are struggling financially but we are important to the town's economy."
Read more
- Harrogate Theatre raises £40,000 in emergency appeal
- Sponsor a seat to save Harrogate theatre from closure
- Harrogate Theatre relief on government arts rescue package
So far more than 1,200 people have donated over £60,000 to keep Harrogate Theatre going. Donate by clicking or tapping here.
The theatre has been losing £1 million every three months since coronavirus forced it to close its doors.
Mr Bown also estimated Harrogate Theatre brings in around £25 million a year to Harrogate’s local economy which is leaving a “huge hole” the longer it remains closed.
Harrogate Theatre relies on the panto season which Mr Bown said they may have to cancel due to social distancing guidelines.
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