As part of the UK government’s Culture Recovery Fund (CRF), we have been awarded an incredible £242,286 in order to help face the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.
Since March 2020, over 100 performances and events here at The Cresset have had to be cancelled or rescheduled, and while we’ve announced some socially distanced performances in recent weeks, the reduced capacity has a huge financial impact – so this funding is a crucial lifeline ensuring that we can continue to put on great entertainment for the people of Peterborough!
The support provided by the CRF now means that we are able to put on a variety of Covid-secure productions without the financial risk – including two productions from the award-winning Peterborough Operatic & Dramatic Society and the welcome return of our very own Comedy Club. In addition, our specially adapted Jack & The Beanstalk pantomime is sure to bring some much-needed magic to audiences just in time for Christmas!
The funding also means that theatre staff whose work has been directly impacted by the pandemic are able to be retained, and the new season of shows allows us to support the work of creatives, promoters, technical teams, industry suppliers and freelancers – as well as being able to continue to support YMCA Trinity Group!
The Cresset is an important part of the Peterborough community and with this funding we can not only offer support and facilities to community performance groups, but can also continue to provide accessible and affordable entertainment to audiences – which in these difficult times of lockdown and isolation is a huge benefit to the mental health and wellbeing of the community!
Since merging with YMCA Trinity Group in 2014 to become a trading subsidiary of the charity, we have made a significant contribution. Not only do we house the group’s Accommodation services and administrative offices, our annual Gift Aid contribution of profits directly supports their ongoing work and development.
Head of Commercial Activities at The Cresset Penny Hansen said:
“This funding will make an enormous difference to us. It allows us to continue to run events, to retain our wonderful staff and to work with freelancers and suppliers in the area. We are committed to continuing to provide events and entertainment to our audiences in a safe and sustainable way and this is a real lifeline to ensure we can afford to do this and be here for the months and years to come. We’re incredibly grateful to DCMS and Arts Council England for their support.”
Over a thousand other cultural and creative organisations were also granted funding as part of the CRF – in total, £1.57 billion has been granted and will provide much needed support to organisations across the country! With this support, we and hundreds of other venues can continue to be #HereForCulture in the coming months and years!
The Cresset merged with YMCA Trinity Group in 2014, and as a trading subsidiary makes a considerable contribution each year to the work of the charity.
You can read more about YMCA Trinity Group and the work they do across the region here
Check out all of The Cresset’s rescheduled show dates here and browse the shows currently on sale here
You can read about how The Cresset is keeping productions Covid-secure and audiences safe here
