THERE will be no pantomime in Tenbury this year.

When Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested that things could be back to normal for Christmas there was hope.

Major repairs to the Regal caused by flooding damage has been completed including complete new seating throughout the auditorium.

Other work including steps to make the venue that is owned by Tenbury Town Council and run by an independent Trust more resilient in the event of another flood

With Covid-19 cases increasing and new restrictions being imposed the inevitable decision was taken to cancel the annual pantomime that involves professional and local amateur performers.

“We have sadly had to postpone this year’s professional pantomime, but we can now look forward to next year when we can bounce back,” said Wesley Bone, manager of the Regal.

But there has been some good news that enables the venue to look forward to 2021 with hope.

The Regal has been awarded £116,000 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future.

It is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England.

Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.

“This is such a lifeline to us and to so many theatres across the country,” said Mr Bone.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced the funding.

“This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation,” said Mr Dowden.

“It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.”

“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”

Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England believes that thousands of venues that faced closure will now survive.

“Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages,” he said.

This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences. Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.”

Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture.