Christmas lifeline as 12 Cornish cinemas are given a funding boost

The government money is to help independent cinemas amid the pandemic

Capitol cinema, Bodmin
Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 22nd Dec 2020

An early Christmas present has been given to cinemas across Cornwall, as they receive a big funding boost.

12 across the Duchy are getting a share of a £16m cash pot, to help support independent local cinemas amid the pandemic.

More than 200 independent cinemas across England are being supported this Christmas with £16 million in grants from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

The BFI has been accepting applications and awarding grants to independent cinemas throughout the autumn.

Eligible cinemas were able to apply for Safety Grants, to help venues meet the immediate costs of implementing Covid-secure measures to protect staff and audiences, and larger Business Sustainability grants to help stabilise sites financially.

Which cinemas in Cornwall will get cash?

Lighthouse, Newquay, £ 171,566

White River Cinema, St Austell, £171,566

Flora Cinema, Helston, £69,200

Royal Cinema, St Ives, £69,200

Savoy Cinema, Penzance, £69,200

Filmhouse Penzance, Penzance, £ 67,406

Regal Cinema, Redruth, £69,200

Phoenix Cinema, Falmouth, £69,200

Plaza, Truro, £171,566

Capitol, Bodmin, £69,200

Rebel Cinema, Bude/Stratton, £10,000

Regal, Wadebridge, £73,643

“I know how much people enjoy visiting their local cinemas and how important they are to our communities. I have heard from many local residents who have been just as concerned as me about the difficulties local cinema is facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and have raised these concerns with the Government. Subsequently I am delighted that independent cinemas across the country, including White River and Lighthouse cinemas in St Austell and Newquay have received support from the Government. This will be vital for these venues through Christmas and beyond.”

Steve Double, MP for St Austell and Newquay

“Who doesn’t love a festive visit to the cinema? Our local cinemas have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic this year and I am pleased to see the Government recognise this with dedicated funding for independent cinemas in Truro and Falmouth. I hope this will make all the difference in helping them through this difficult time.”

Cherilyn Mackrory, MP for Truro and Falmouth

“These four cinemas are a vital part of the communities they represent and without them, people would struggle to access culture and entertainment – so they are a real lifeline,” said Mr Thomas. “They don’t just screen the latest blockbusters – they also run educational programmes, workshops, arthouse films and specialised screenings.

“Film is one of the most powerful and accessible of art forms and cinemas are a vital part of our communities - we need to support them in order to keep the art of film and the sense of community alive.”

Derek Thomas, MP for West Cornwall

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