Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Burton Mail. This column was originally featured in the 22nd October print edition.
It’s that time of year when the clocks go back and normally we would start thinking about those traditional annual events that lead up to Christmas and the New Year. Sadly, this year, there won’t be the excitement of watching public firework displays in large gatherings, neither will there be the fun of a packed audience participating in every child’s (and adults) favourite theatrical production – the pantomime.
For many venues and organisations these ever-popular crowd pleasers are vital sources of income and this is yet another financial blow at the end of a very difficult year. It is so important that our performing arts and heritage sites can weather the impact of this pandemic and be there for everybody when we emerge from this health crisis.
It is for this reason that the Government has shown that it is “Here for Culture” through the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund. This is the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture and here in Burton we have been lucky enough to be on the receiving end of some of this funding.
Burton’s Brewhouse Arts Centre provides residents of all ages with an exciting range of cultural events right here on our doorstep. Located in the centre of the town, in an historic Grade II listed former Bass Brewery building, it’s a one-stop shop for theatre, dance, cinema and art. Last week The Brewhouse was awarded funding from the Culture Recovery Fund to help it face the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic and ensure that it has a sustainable future and can continue to bring the joy of the arts to audiences in the future.
Just outside Burton, in the village of Tutbury, is Tutbury Castle. With its “haunted” Great Hall, the castle is best known as one of Mary Queen of Scots prisons and is steeped in history as well as being renowned for its themed events and, of course, it’s famous Vikings and Fireworks spectacular each November. Visitors can see the past brought to life, and understand the importance that the castle has played in our nation’s history, so it is great news that this important local attraction has also been selected for funding to help it through this difficult period.
Our country’s culture and heritage is what make us who we are, and it is absolutely right that the Government should do all it can to preserve it for future generations.
