Over £150,000 from the Culture Recovery Fund for King's Lynn and Fakenham cinemas

Independent cinemas in Lynn and Fakenham will receive over £150,000 from the government's Culture Recovery Fund this Christmas.

The Majestic Cinema and Fakenham's Central Cinema are among over 200 independent cinemas nationwide that will receive extra funding, with up to £16 million in grants available from the government's £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

Lynn's Majestic Cinema will receive £104,826, while £56,973 will go to Fakenham's Central Cinema. Tom Cundy, manager at Lynn's Majestic Cinema, said: "It's going to be a big help. It's covering the cost of the PPE and the cost of everything we've had to bring in during this time. It also means that during this quiet period, which we expect will go on for a few months, that we will be able to remain open."

Also popular with cinema-goers in West Norfolk, Wisbech's Luxe Cinema is in line to get a grant of £126,458, and the Light Cinema in Wisbech will also receive £7,164.

The largest ever investment in the UK's cultural sector, 202 cinemas across the UK have received funding so far from a £30 million pot which has been allocated by the British Film Institute.

Ben Roberts, BFI chief executive, said: “Across the country, local independent cinemas are hubs and lifelines for communities and often the only form of culture and entertainment. From educational programmes and workshops for young people, to screenings for the elderly and audiences with specialised needs, these cinemas play such an important role in people’s lives.

"The Culture Recovery Fund will mean that many of these cinemas survive the current crisis, and go on to play a vital role in the recovery of local economies and communities, bringing people together to offer joy, solace and the magic of the big screen.”

So far, 78 per cent of the funding allocated by the BFI has been awarded to cinema sites outside of London. Even more grant applications from independent cinemas are still being assessed.

Eligible cinemas could apply for Safety Grants from the BFI, to help venues finance the implementation of Covid safety measures to protect staff and audiences. There were also larger Business Sustainability grants available to help provide financial stability into the new year.

There will also be the opportunity to apply for the second round of funding in the new year, with a further £14 million in grants available as part of the Culture Recovery Fund.

Cinemas will also be able to apply for additional funding to help cover reopening costs from April to June next year.